Hear about travel to Germany’s Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg as the Amateur Traveler talks to Matt Kepnes (Nomadic Matt) about his visit to the hills and woods of southwest Germany.

Why should you go to the Black Forest?

Matt says, “You’ll find incredible hiking, lots of lakes, waterfalls, and cute little quintessential German towns with beautiful architecture. There are also a lot of hot springs around the Baden Baden area. Plus, there’s just great food and I just really loved the welcoming vibe of the people.”

Matt’s Suggested Black Forest Itinerary:

Travel Tips from Matt:

Bigger cities (Heidelberg, Freiburg) have chain hotels for points users

Food: Expect hearty German fare – sausages, sauerkraut, pork knuckle – and excellent local wines (especially white wines)

Unexpected highlight: Freiburg’s chill vibe, renewable energy scene, and foot-in-the-stream wine bars.

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Shop phone plans starting at $15 per month at mintmobile.com/traveler.

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Nomadic Matt
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter
Black Forest
Heidelberg
Heidelberg Student Jail
Baden-Baden
Friedrichsbad bathhouse
Carcalla bathhouse
Hohenbaden Old Castle
City Museum Baden-Baden
Freiburg im Breisgau
Freiburg Bächle
Rädle – Feine Kost (wine bar)
Schlossberg (Castle mountain) | Freiburg
Schlossberg (Freiburg)
Find a Travel Buddy Facebook Group
World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock
Triberg Waterfall
Ravenna Gorge Hike, Self-Guided
Offenburg
Visit Europa-Park, Rulantica & Events and stay overnight, conferences, meetings
Zwerybach Waterfall Hike
Gasthaus Plattenhof, Sankt Peter
Tegernsee (lake)
Schluchsee
My Suggested Black Forest Itinerary

On Travel to Genoa and Liguria in Italy – Episode 937:

Hi Chris,

Another great episode.  I want to add one other unique destination in this area, Seborga or the Principality of Seborga. It’s classified as a micro-nation and listeners can google it’s history.  I visited in October.  It’s a small medieval village on a mountaintop and the locals are very proud of their “Principality”. There are numerous references to the Knights Templar inhabiting the village. There is a parish church and a Templar church. You can see three countries from the overlook.  It’s worth a quick visit.

Jeff

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This episode took me right back to Genoa! My wife and I visited with our 2 kids in 2024. San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Galata Maritime Museum were brilliant, and the museum was a great spot to explore with kids.

For folks on a longer trip, something else to consider is a ferry that runs between Tangier Med, Morocco, and Genoa. Nice cabins and decent dining options. Depending on the season there can be a pool and some other entertainment too.

Anthony

Amateur Traveler Trips

by Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.