WINTER IN THE BLACK FOREST
Winter fun on Feldberg
Some of our guests learning to ski and enjoying themselves
"...walking in a winter wonderland"
My first visit to the Black Forest in winter proved to be a real surprise! Germany may not be your first choice for a winter sports holiday but it was in fact the birthplace of downhill skiing. The first ski club was founded here, the first wooden skis were carpentered and the first ski-lift built. The Feldberg (at 1493 metres high) is home to one of the largest ski resorts outside the Alps. Skiing, snow boarding, Nordic walking and sledging are all popular sports here. There are numerous ski runs for all abilities in the area and a ski school in the village, literally a few minutes walk from the hotel. During the peak ski season we can organise transport to the higher slopes at Feldberg for you. Equipment hire, lessons and guides are all available - just ask for details.
The waterfall in winter
Hinterzarten with it's famous ski jump is a short drive from Menzenschwand and whether you ski or not it makes for a nail-biting afternoons entertainment!
On the last weekend of January the Black Forest town of Todtmoos plays host to the Worlds best husky teams and during the course of the weekend the teams race around the village and through the forests surrounding the little town. Great fun if you prefer less active winter sports! While we're on the subject of taking it easy in the snow, why not enjoy a sleigh ride across the perfect snowy landscape? Yes, the horses really do have bells on their harness!
St Blasien in Winter
"...O Christmas Tree"
If you feel the magic and atmosphere of Christmas has been lost prepare to be proved wrong! During Advent the Alpine towns of the Black Forest come alive as each town hosts it's Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas market. These atmospheric markets literally sparkle with lights and life. Not only are they a perfect place to do your Christmas shopping but also a great time to try some of the local specialities - don't miss the gluhwein! Somehow trudging down your local high street will never seem enough again...!! Fully catered packages are available including transport - perfect if you want the experience but not the travel hassles! Prices start at €60 per person per night. Ask for details.
Don't forget to try all the local festive foods!
The largest German market is in Freiburg, a beautiful city with a historic centre dating back to 1120 AD. If you venture a little further afield the French markets at Colmar and Mulhouse are equally beautifully and just a little further north you will find the stunning city of Strasbourg, with an incredible market huddled around the cathedral - well worth getting up early for! To complete your 'three country' experience, take a trip to a Swiss market in Basel (about an hours drive), or a longer drive south to another Swiss market on the shores of Lake Constance. If you can bear to leave the towns drive along the shores of the lake to the Austrian border and take the cable car up to Pfander for an amazing view of the Alps - bringing your country tally to four!
Scenes from the Christmas markets 2005
Christmas and New Year
Because Christmas is so magical here we offer a special package, fully catered and with all the festive trimmings. You can soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the sparkle and marvel at the magic of a 'proper' white Christmas without any of the fuss. Details and menus available on request. Although it is usual to have snow here at Christmas please don't blame us if it doesn't snow! Even Phill can't control the weather...!!
Click the Picture below for details of our Christmas specials
book now for Christmas Markets 2008 and Christmas 2009
We do have some space still available for our New Year Festivities!
A NEW YEAR CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER!
Food, fireworks and new friends…
Every New Years Eve we invite all our guests to see in the New Year with us. Last year was a great success (with an impromptu performance by our younger guests) and this year, we suspect, will be just as much fun!
The evening kicks off around 8pm with bubbly and canapés. Returning this year by popular demand is our Raclette Party! For those of you who haven’t experienced this German feast it is fantastic fun and very sociable! To follow we will serve a selection of deserts including a ‘traditional’ Black Forest gateaux, please don’t think we’ve come over all 70s on you – it really is good!
The evening ends with more bubbly at midnight and hopefully an opportunity to watch some fireworks.
The price includes red and white wine, bubbly (a German alternative to Champagne which we can’t call Champagne!) and tea or coffee. €25 per person – price for children by arrangement, depending on age.
We are pleased to say that we do not increase our normal prices during the peak season – a room here at the Grunenberg costs the same in August and December as it does the rest of the year. A very reasonable €26 per person per night in an en suite room or €21 per person per night in a room with shower just along the hall. This includes breakfast and a free public transport pass – great for days out. Please note we cannot accept one night bookings during the festive period.
If you would like a fully catered service please ask for details. We can provide afternoon tea, evening meals and picnic lunches. Whatever you would like just ask!
Whatever the weather a warm welcome awaits you!