Our trip to the Black Forest July 2017

This year, to mark the jubilee celebrations of Grandpa and Grandma's wedding anniversary and our eldest son's Bar Mitzvah, it was decided to go on a big family trip to the Black Forest.

27 travelers (16 adults, 9 children, 2 toddlers).

El Al flight to Zurich, Switzerland. ZBA (thanks to my brother-in-law Eyal for ensuring the staff was updated) surprised the parents with a gift and glasses of champagne, as well as my sister, who celebrated her birthday. It was joyful :)

We made the accommodation reservation through Itzik from...תבל חופשות

Who accompanied us exceptionally, assisted with the booking, provided information, and explanations throughout the planning. We rented 8 rooms of various sizes to accommodate everyone at... PENSION-RESTAURANT-WALDBLICK In the town Falkau

We prepared yellow hats with a logo for the 50th anniversary celebrations (useful for trips with large groups), and my dear brother-in-law made flags for the cars.

We distributed everything after landing and at the car rental pickup point at Zurich Airport.

We had prepared in advance with a roof bag, and it's a good thing we did! All the suitcases we brought wouldn't have fit into the station wagon we ordered...)

From there, about an hour's drive to the amazing Rhine Falls. We went down towards the falls. Most bought tickets for the boat ride, and those who stayed behind walked around a bit and sat at the restaurant on-site to enjoy the view.

After spending a few hours in the area of the falls, we began the drive towards the Black Forest.

Straight to the pension. Arrival at the pension towards the evening, room allocation, and settling in. Our room (couple +3) was large and spacious. It was essentially a 3-room apartment: a parents' room, children's rooms (2 beds and an additional mattress).

A wardrobe in every room, a living room, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen (really!!! - dishwasher, microwave, oven, kitchen utensils, everything was there!), a bathroom with a shower and toilet, including a sink and a washing machine, and a drying rack. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a dryer, which was a shame.

Luckily, the weather was cold and rainy. We couldn’t hang the laundry outside to dry.

We unloaded the equipment, the kids showered, and we drove to the nearest LIDL supermarket (8 minutes away) to stock up.

A hot dinner on the table, and we went to sleep...

Saturday morning, 22.7.17

Departure from the pension towards Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest (about an hour's drive).

We parked in an organized parking lot and from there went on a walking tour. Among the alleys, we found an orchestra playing for the enjoyment of passersby, a market with agricultural produce of fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and more... historical buildings, a cathedral, and interesting architecture. We strolled around and enjoyed ourselves. The children bought wooden souvenirs. Along the sidewalks, water flows in small canals where children sail small wooden boats. We ate something, and when we finished the tour, we returned to the cars on our way to the next destination.

35Minutes drive to the cable car Schauinsland שאואינסלנד (Included in the Black Forest card)

We went up by cable car for about 20 minutes to Mount Schauinsland, which is over 1200 meters high. When we reached the mountain and got off the cable car, we found, right outside the door, seating areas, a slide for children, an amazing viewpoint from the height of the mountain, a machine that turns a coin into a medal with the site's emblem, and a restaurant.

Those who wanted went on a hiking trail (there is a short marked trail), while the rest waited at the restaurant. We had lunch and then went back down by cable car. .

Some of the group returned to the pension, and some of us chose to go to VITA CLASSICA THERME, a baths and spa. A heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor pool. About two hours of fun at the place, including a light dinner, and from there, about an hour's drive back to the pension.

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Sunday - 23.7.2017

Departure from the pension to the Titisee Lake promenade. A cold and gray day, a bit disappointing, but we set out. A very short drive, and we were already at the parking lot. We went down to stroll along the promenade. There are souvenir shops, stalls, cafes, and restaurants. On the lake, there are sailing boats. Due to the weather, we gave up on the pleasure...

We sat at a cafe facing the lake for coffee and cake. We snacked and chatted.

From there, we decided to drive toבאד פרדייז Bad ParadiseA few hours of enjoyment.

The kids were over the moon. Water slides, a wave pool. Everything was indoors, so regardless of what was happening outside, they enjoyed spending a few hours. In the area designated for children and families, the air was dense and humid, and the noise (since it’s an enclosed space) was challenging. At some point, Grandpa and Grandma moved to the area allowed for ages 16 and up... and then I understood why the place is called Paradise. Sunbeds and seating areas. A bar inside the pool. Quiet... (By the way, babies and toddlers up to age 3 are allowed to enter the area with their parents.) The kids burned off energy in their area and had a great time.

(You can’t bring phones in, so we don’t have pictures from there... just memories...)

We had a light dinner there and returned to the pension. ***************************************************************************************************Monday, 24.7.2017

The cold and rainy weather surprised us, as a week earlier it had been very hot in the area. The warm clothes we brought weren’t enough. We had planned to go to Europa Park today, but it was clear that the weather wasn’t suitable, so we decided it was a good day for shopping. To stock up on clothes suitable for the weather and continue the trip.

We decided to drive to Stuttgart, to the Milaneo Mall, where there’s also a Primark. About a two-hour drive. **************************************************************************************************

Tuesday, 25.7.2017

About an hour's drive from the pension to the Triberg Waterfalls. We parked in a covered parking lot, a short walk from the entrance to the waterfalls. At the entrance, they sell a mix for feeding the squirrels (which we might encounter) that live in the forest.

The trail is beautiful, with amazing waterfalls. A gray and cool day. Light drizzles, but not really noticeable (the "sprays" from the flowing waterfalls got us wetter). Finding squirrels was an attraction in itself. In the end, we saw a few running quickly. We tried to catch them on camera—it wasn’t easy. Feeding them wasn’t an option at all. There’s a chance they’re so full from all the food that they’re no longer hungry.

We walked around the waterfalls for about two hours and then went back down the trail. We stopped for coffee at the café on the street and took a short stroll in the area.

The 1000 Cuckoo Clocks shop was interesting.

From there, we drove to the Cuckoo Clock House in the village. Schonach The 1000 Cuckoo Clocks shop was interesting.

From there, we drove to the Cuckoo Clock House in the village..

From there, we decided to split up – the families with children chose to go to the amusement park. STEINWASEN PARK

Some of its attractions are indoors, which makes it appealing even in cool and drizzly weather.

From there, it’s about an hour’s drive back to the pension.

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Wednesday, 26.7.2017

A half-hour drive from the pension to ..Todtnau mountain slides....מגלשות הרים טודנאו. Today is especially cold and rainy. Luckily for us.The slides opened nonetheless, and the rain stopped as we went up to the slides. (The slides are not as long as in IMST during our trip to Austria and Northern Italy), but it was a wonderful experience.

From there, we drove to the Feldberg rope park. When we arrived, we discovered that the entire area was shrouded in heavy fog, to the point where it was hard to see while walking. Upon arrival, we found out that the rope park was closed due to the weather. However, we found the indoor rope park, Fundorena, at the site.FUNDORENA So, of course, we went in.

When we came out, we saw that the fog had cleared, so we decided to hike in..."שביל אנתוני התרנגול" The Little Folk's Trail

The ground was a bit muddy, but the trail was fine. Our champion Eyal read us the explanation from the "Traveling Family" book at every point along the trail. The kids solved the riddles, and it really enhanced the experience.

On the way back to the parking lot, we stopped at a restaurant in the area to have dinner, and from there we returned to the pension.

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Thursday, 27.7.2017 - A trip along the Wine Route in France, Alsace region.

A two-hour drive from the pension to the town of Colmar, France. A walk through the streets of the town. Picturesque houses adorned with blooming flower pots, water canals, pedestrian streets, shops, and cafes.

We strolled a bit and boarded a train for a guided tour of the town. We received headphones for the tour. A half-hour tour through the alleys, shops of matryoshka dolls and local artists, as well as fashion stores.

From there, we drove to shop at Decathlon and found a square with the familiar Statue of Liberty in a smaller size.

After we finished shopping, we drove to the town of Riquewihr.

The pedestrian street of Riquewihr is stunning, with colorful houses.

From there, we drove to Haut Koenigsbourg Castle. The drive there passes through vineyards, offering breathtaking scenery.

From the parking lot, there is an uphill walk toward the castle.

After visiting the castle, we returned to the pension.

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Friday, 28.7.2017

Europa Park!!!

A huge, amazing park! The park is designed so that each area represents a different country in Europe. The design of the attractions, the shops, the food—everything has a clear connection to the country you are "in."

We downloaded the park's app in advance, and the kids had already checked and planned the route at home.

For some of the attractions that the youngest son (7) couldn't go on, we split up, and I took him on boat rides and attractions he could enjoy. In the morning, we left with a bag containing sandwiches, vegetables, fruits, and snacks. At lunchtime, we ate at the famous "Pipe Restaurant," where the food arrives at your table automatically through a pipe. We ended the evening with pizza trays "from Italy" to go.

We stayed at the park until closing time, and the kids, of course, would have stayed longer if they could.

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Saturday, 29.7.2017

This evening we return to Israel. We packed everything and said goodbye to the lovely owner of the pension.

We drove to Lake Constance, the Flower Island. From the parking lot, you cross a bridge over the lake that leads to the Flower Island. The entire park is blooming with trees, flowers, a castle, and an amazing butterfly area. A wonderful experience to end our trip.

From there, back to Zurich Airport. Returning the car to the rental company and bringing "Shalom Aleichem."

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