Baiersbronn: A Quiet Luxury Escape in the Black Forest

Sometimes, silence has a voice. Especially when you move away from the city and reach the depths of the Black Forest… Baiersbronn is just such a place: you need neither social media filters nor flashy words. The forest whispers with you; the plates narrate the flavour of nature.

This piece of paradise, hidden in the southwest of Germany, within the state of Baden-Württemberg, is a sanctuary for those wishing to escape the chaos of the modern world. Baiersbronn looks as if it leaped out of a fairy tale; in the heart of the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), one of Europe's densest forests, it's a corner where time flows slowly, and nature lives in harmony with humanity.

If you're thinking "weekend getaway," and this getaway must satisfy both your soul and the depths of your stomach… here is a list of things to do, places to visit, and foods to eat in Baiersbronn – presented as an in-depth and enriched guide.

What to Do in the Black Forest: Keeping Pace with Nature's Rhythm

Silent Walks and Becoming One with Nature

Surprises await you in the depths of the forest.

What makes Baiersbronn special are its 550 kilometers of marked hiking trails. For moments when you can say, "I've left all my thoughts behind," walk in the first light of morning on the path around Mummelsee Lake. Imagine the rustle of pine needles under your feet, the scent of moss in your nose, advancing through clouds of mist. Especially the paths around the Wildseemoor marshland turn into a riot of colour in autumn – you can see every shade of yellow, red, and brown.

The most picturesque parts of the "Westweg," the hiking trail that cuts through the entire Black Forest from north to south, pass around Baiersbronn. When you stop at the "Schliffkopf" section of this route, record the golden shimmer created by the sun embracing the forest tops not in your camera, but in your memory. Sometimes the most beautiful moments are not for sharing, but just for experiencing.

Depending on the season, the beams of light filtering through the leaves of the birch trees on the Ellbachseeblick hiking trail resemble a stage where forest fairies dance. Perhaps the most valuable thing about these walks is the opportunity to listen to yourself in those moments of solitude.

SPA Break: Purification in the Lap of the Forest

As you relax in the warm pools at Hotel Bareiss's spa centre, gaze into the depths of the forest through the giant glass windows. The spa experience here is less like a luxurious escape and more like a spiritual purification ritual. These spa centres, designed with the "Waldkultur" (Forest Culture) concept, feature pine essence massages, forest tea ceremonies, and open-air saunas.

Don't miss the bath treatment experience prepared with forest mosses and wildflowers at the "Haus der Sinne" (House of Senses) spa centre of the Traube Tonbach hotel. Here, the concept of time seems to melt away; the outdoor pool, where you can see the sky and treetops simultaneously while swimming, is like a dream, especially when it's snowing.

Experience traditional German sauna culture in the log saunas in the Sattelei area – as your naked body is enveloped in pine-scented steam, you experience the purest form of sweating and purification. Afterwards, plunging into the cold-water tub outdoors revitalises all your cells as if reborn.

For those seeking a spa holiday in Baiersbronn, Hotel Bareiss is one of the best options. For those desiring quiet luxury in Germany, this corner of the Black Forest can be the address for spiritual detox.

Monkey 47 Gin Distillery: Tasting the Spirit of the Forest in Glasses

One of the hidden treasures of the Black Forest is the Monkey 47 gin distillery. This gin, made from 47 different botanicals and considered one of Germany's most characterful gins, is not just a drink but a work of art pouring the region's spirit into glasses.

During the distillery tour, accompanied by guides explaining which herbs and spice blends create this special taste, you learn how local botanicals gathered from the depths of the forest, such as wild juniper, cranberries, and thyme, come together, while the aromatic plant scents fill the air you breathe.

At the tasting session, try the "Barrel Cut" version aged in wooden barrels – the sensation left on your palate by the forest's woody notes is like poetry. Allow the flavours to unfold layer by layer; first the sharp juniper, then light floral notes, and finally a warm, woody finish.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch the forest view opposite while warming your glass in your palm in the distillery's garden; because the spirit of this drink comes precisely from the forest you are looking at right now.

Photo Time: Immortalising Every Moment

The greatest gift Baiersbronn offers photography enthusiasts is that the light tells a different story every hour. In the early morning hours, the sun rays filtering through the mist clouds covering the Murg Valley appear as if nature is opening a stage curtain. Climb Luisenhöhe hill to capture this moment.

Photographing the sunset from the panoramic terrace of the Ruhestein Nature Centre allows you to capture classic postcard views of the Black Forest – but for more original shots, patiently wait for the play of light created by the water on the rocks along the paths around Sankenbach Waterfall.

The wooden houses of Tonbach village look like something out of a fairy tale book, especially after snowfall. Focus on the details: the carvings on the window sills, the smoke rising from the chimneys, the geranium pots on the windowsills... Each carries the traces of centuries-old life stories.

The most valuable moments in photography sometimes come unplanned: perhaps a deer will appear before you in the forest, perhaps a shepherd you encounter while walking in the morning mist will tell you his whole story with his gaze. Always have your camera ready, but remember that sometimes it's more valuable to record the most beautiful moments just with your eyes.

Places to Visit in the Black Forest: The Intersection of History and Nature

Hohenzollern Castle: A Fairy Tale Above the Clouds

Hohenzollern Castle, rising about an hour's drive from Baiersbronn, is not just a structure but a living witness to German history. As you climb the serpentine roads, you'll see the valley below widening. The castle's silhouette, especially rising through the morning mist, looks like a surreal painting.

Inside, the private belongings of Prussian kings and German emperors, art collections, and crown jewels are displayed. But what's truly impressive is the timeless feeling you get when looking down into the valley from the castle walls – as if the whole world has shrunk beneath your feet.

The light filtering through the stained-glass windows in the castle chapel creates colourful patterns on the stone floor. Choose the midday hours to capture this moment. Depending on the season, small wine festivals are held in the castle garden where you can taste local wines. Hohenzollern's most beautiful aspect emerges at sunset while watching the silhouette of the Swabian Alps from the ramparts.

Alte Kirche Kloster Reichenbach: Where the Soul Rests

11. Dating back to the century, this monastery is one of the rare places where you can experience the oldest form of silence. As a simple yet impressive example of Gothic architecture, the vaulted arches and the light filtering through high windows transport you to another time the moment you step inside.

In the monastery garden, medicinal plants and aromatic herbs cultivated by monks for centuries continue to grow. The water flowing from the fountain in the middle of the garden is considered healing by the locals. Sit quietly on a bench and allow yourself to converse with the history echoing within its walls.

The monastery's door, adorned with wood carvings, is an exquisite example of Black Forest art. As you examine the details of this door, you'll notice that each motif tells a story – acorns symbolize abundance, ivy continuity, birds freedom. In the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery, don't rush; just allow yourself to exist, to breathe.

Schwarzwald Museum (Black Forest Museum): The Cultural Memory of the Forest

The nearby Black Forest Museum is a cultural treasure where you can see forest life, traditional costumes, and how the region's famous cuckoo clocks are made. The traditional women's headdresses called "Bollenhut" displayed in the museum attract attention with their red pompoms – these hats were worn only by unmarried women.

In the section explaining the history of the forest industry, you can see the tools used by loggers and the equipment of sponge and mushroom gatherers. The most impressive part is the workshop corner where a master demonstrates cuckoo clock making live. Seeing how meticulously each gear, each piece of wood is crafted helps you understand the depth of Black Forest craftsmanship.

One of the museum's favourite sections is the part describing the historical development of Black Forest cuisine. Here you can examine traditional kitchen tools, cooking pots, and old recipes, perhaps getting ideas about the origins of the local delicacies you'll try for dinner.

What to Eat in the Black Forest: A Gastronomic Journey of Discovery

Schwarzwaldstube: The Symphony of the Forest on a Plate

The three-Michelin-starred Schwarzwaldstube is not just a restaurant, but practically a gastronomic temple. Every dish born from the hands of Chef Torsten Michel reflects the spirit and essence of the Black Forest. Make your reservation at least two months in advance – this experience is worth the wait.

Among the must-try delicacies on the menu is the venison fillet served with forest mushrooms. The slight smoky aroma on the meat achieves perfect harmony with the accompanying cranberry sauce. The liver pâté has a texture as fine as butter; the dried fruit pieces and fresh thyme on top balance the flavours.

Listen to the sommelier's recommendations regarding wine; especially local wines from the Baden region have been carefully selected to complement the character of the dishes. For dessert, the specialty called "Schokoladenwaldtraum" (Chocolate Forest Dream) will enchant you with its incredible harmony of dark chocolate, forest berries, and pine-flavoured ice cream.

To make the dining experience even more special, request a table overlooking the forest view seen through the restaurant's glass walls. Especially during sunset hours, the golden light settling over the forest becomes a complementary element to your meal.

Käsespätzle: The Pinnacle of Comfort Food

In the heart of Baiersbronn, the warm cheesy pasta dish Käsespätzle is one of German cuisine's most beloved comfort foods. In Baiersbronn, you can taste this classic delicacy in its most authentic form in small "Waldgasthaus" (forest inn) style places in the Tonbachtal Valley.

The handmade Spätzle dough is dripped into boiling water to cook, then lightly fried in butter and sprinkled with grated traditional Emmentaler and Bergkäse (mountain cheese) from the region... This seemingly simple dish is actually a perfect combination of cooking technique and ingredient quality.

Be sure to try the forest mushroom sauce made from locally gathered mushrooms, which varies according to the season. This sauce, prepared by lightly sautéing porcini, chanterelle, or morel mushrooms in butter, complements the soft character of the cheese. Add a mixed green salad with a slightly tart taste and a cold Rothaus beer – there you have the perfect lunch.

For the most special Käsespätzle experience, choose the "Alte Mühle" (Old Mill) restaurant in the village of Buhlbach; here the dough is made from flour ground in the 200-year-old watermill, and the meal is enjoyed inside the old mill building, listening to the murmur of the flowing stream.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau): In the Land Where the Legend Was Born

Eating Black Forest Gateau here is more than just "dessert" elsewhere; it's a ritual. In Baiersbronn, the homeland of this dessert, you can find a different version in every pastry shop – but the common feature of all is the perfect balance of fresh cream, cherry liqueur (Kirschwasser), and dark chocolate.

At Cafe Schäfer, get in line early in the morning to taste the "original" recipe of this cake; this special version, made in limited numbers daily, has been prepared unchanged since 1915. The cherries used in the cakes are a special type gathered from the high-altitude regions of the Black Forest, and the Kirschwasser is prepared using traditional methods in local distilleries.

Be sure to order a cup of strong German coffee with the cake – a perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness is achieved. If you're looking for a truly authentic experience, also try the cherry liqueur called "Kirschplörre" offered in some cafes.

If you visit in spring, you're lucky; because during the cherry blossom season, local cafes offer a special Black Forest Gateau prepared with cherry blossom syrup – a rare delicacy you can taste only for a few weeks of the year.

Local Riesling Wines: Drops Reflecting the Character of the Soil

The Baden and Württemberg regions surrounding the Black Forest are among Germany's highest quality wine-producing areas. Especially the wines made from Riesling grapes, with their cool yet full-bodied character, are the best companions when you're alone with the forest.

One of the best places to taste local wines is the "Weinhaus am Markt" in the centre of Baiersbronn. In a tasting session guided by the sommelier here, you can discover how the same grape develops completely different characters in different microclimates.

The fruity acidity and mineral notes of Riesling wines pair perfectly, especially with the region's freshwater fish like trout and carp. If you're lucky, you might get to try limited production "Eiswein" (ice wine) varieties from some local producers – for these wines, the grapes are harvested during the first frosts, resulting in a concentratedly sweet, amber-coloured nectar.

The ideal time for vineyard tours is autumn; during harvest time, you can visit the vineyards, see the vintners at work, and even help with grape picking at some small family businesses. This experience allows you to understand the story of the wine in your glass much more deeply.

Accommodation Suggestions in the Black Forest: Between Comfort and Authenticity

Hotel Bareiss: The Address for Genuine Luxury

"Luxury" doesn't have to mean pretentious. Hotel Bareiss has a sincere, warm atmosphere that exudes quality. This five-star hotel displays an approach far from ostentation but seeking perfection in every detail.

The local woods and hand-woven textiles used in the room decoration bring the spirit of the Black Forest inside. When you look into the depths of the forest from your balcony, you'll feel the perfect balance between man-made comfort and the raw beauty of nature.

One of the hotel's most remarkable features is its spa centre offering treatment baths prepared with medicinal herbs from the Black Forest. While swimming in the thermal pool called Aquavitalis, you can see the sky and treetops beyond the glass roof. If you wake up early, the hotel's special forest guides offer a "forest bathing" (Shinrin-yoku) experience – a scientifically proven method of connecting with the forest's healing energy.

Also ambitious in cuisine, the hotel's Bareiss Restaurant lets you taste the most refined examples of modern German cuisine. Especially don't miss the aperitif hour before dinner, accompanied by piano music – you can shed the day's fatigue with local liqueurs and small snacks.

Haus Reichenbach: Traditional Warmth

In this small but peace-filled guesthouse with the atmosphere of a traditional Black Forest house, you can completely escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. Haus Reichenbach is an original 19th-century forest farmhouse, restored with comfort standards in mind.

Instead of electric heaters, the rooms have real wood stoves – in the evenings, the host Peter lights your stove, and the sound of crackling wood fills your room. The beds are covered with down duvets carefully prepared by local artisans; you won't want to wake up in the morning.

For breakfast, homemade jams, honeycomb honey, and fresh dairy products from the neighbouring farm are served. Enjoying this breakfast while watching the misty mountains from your balcony will be one of the most precious moments of the day.

The guesthouse owners, Maria and Peter, are a family who have lived here for four generations and can show you the best routes for exploring the region upon request. Especially in winter, discovering the least known but most impressive trails of the Black Forest with their guidance is priceless.

Wellnesshotel Tanne: Complete Purification Intertwined with Nature

If you want to wake up amidst pine scents, sweat in the sauna, then walk barefoot in the forest — this is the place you're looking for. Wellnesshotel Tanne takes its name from the giant pine trees (Tanne: Pine) surrounding it, and its architectural design is in maximum harmony with this natural environment.

The hotel's most striking feature is the "waldSPA" concept, located entirely outdoors. Here you'll find a traditional Finnish sauna, aromatic steam rooms, and relaxation tubs filled with pine needles. Especially swimming in the outdoor hot water pool while it's snowing offers an unforgettable experience.

The rooms have a minimalist design; there's no unnecessary furniture, only comfort and functionality are prioritized. The walls are clad with antique wood pieces collected from local farms, and each room has a small fireplace.

In the hotel's restaurant "Wurzelwerk" (Root Work), chef Markus prepares a seasonal menu using only ingredients sourced from producers within a 50 km radius. Especially the seven-course "forest menu" served for dinner is a gastronomic journey highlighting a different element of the forest – mushrooms, herbs, wild berries – in each course.

Baiersbronn's Hidden Corners: Off the Tourist Routes

The Secret Bridges of the Murg Valley

Most tourists don't know, but there are stone bridges over the Murg River, some centuries old. These bridges open onto ancient paths once used by loggers and shepherds. Especially crossing the bridge called "Teufelskanzel" (Devil's Pulpit) near Herrenwies transports you to another time.

The "Verlorene Tal" (Lost Valley), reachable by following the bridges, is a corner of paradise known to very few. Here, especially in May, meadows covered with wild orchids and bluebells stretch out. In the valley's furthest corner are the ruins of an old glassblowing workshop, still visible – artisans using the Black Forest's rich quartz deposits worked here in the 18th century.

Mushroom Hunting: The Treasures of the Forest

In autumn, mushroom hunting tours led by local guides are one of Baiersbronn's most authentic experiences. The chanterelle, porcini, and truffle species found here are considered among Europe's most delicious examples.

Mushroom hunting is not just a gastronomic activity but also like meditation; as you slowly scan the forest floor, you focus completely on nature's rhythm, sounds, and scents. Some local restaurants offer to cook the mushrooms you collect – the taste of a risotto prepared from mushrooms you found yourself is more special than any luxury restaurant can offer.

During the "Pilzfestival" (Mushroom Festival) held every September, the region's most experienced mushroom hunters share their secret spots and techniques. The mushroom identification workshops organised as part of the festival are an excellent opportunity to learn which species are edible.

Ellbachsee Lake: The Place Untouched by the Sun

Ellbachsee Lake: The place the sun doesn't reach

According to local legend, sunlight never reaches Ellbachsee Lake. Although this legend isn't entirely true, this small lake surrounded by dense forests receives minimal sunlight throughout the day, and its water surface almost always has a dark, mysterious appearance.

Reaching the lake requires about an hour's forest walk, so most tourists don't come here. But for the patient, the area around the lake is one of the rare places where you can see the endangered Fire Salamander. These amphibians, notable for their yellow and black patterns, can only live in the cleanest waters, so their presence is an indicator of the region's healthy ecological balance.

Around the lake, there are formerly used watermills, now partially ruined. These mills were the primary source of livelihood for the local people for hundreds of years. Today, their moss-covered walls and silently rusting wheels are like historical monuments narrating the passage of time.

If you hike around the lake in spring, you can witness the blooming of the rare "Wildapfel" (wild apple) trees. Among the pink-white flowers of these trees, you can hear the buzzing of the Black Forest's endemic bee species, and perhaps buy a jar of the special honey they produce – according to local belief, this honey has protective properties against winter illnesses.

Black Forest Crafts: The Tradition of Glassblowing

In Baiersbronn and the surrounding villages, the glassblowing tradition dating back to the 16th century is still kept alive. Especially the "Glasmanufaktur" (glass manufactory) in the village of Buhlbach is one of the last masters producing with traditional methods. Here, you can not only watch but also participate in the experience of creating your own glass artwork.

The characteristic feature of the crystal globes produced in the workshop is that they contain a miniature copy of the Black Forest – tiny pine trees, a deer figure, and perhaps a sky covered with clouds, created entirely using glass. These works are valuable both as souvenirs and as living examples of Black Forest craftsmanship.

The glass master, Herr Müller, is also like a walking archive of the region's oral history; while performing the glassblowing process, he narrates stories passed down through five generations via his family and masters. Among these stories are historical anecdotes, such as how his great-great-grandfather secretly carried glassblowing techniques while fleeing Napoleon's armies.

Black Forest Masks and Carnival Tradition

If you visit in February, you might encounter the traditional Black Forest carnival known as "Fasnet." During this period, locals wear centuries-old wooden masks, roam the streets, and dance to drive away evil spirits.

You can visit the workshops of the mask guilds called "Narrenzunft" and see how the masks, many over 100 years old, are carved and prepared for painting. These wooden masks usually represent forest creatures, witches, and evil spirits, and each is unique.

Don't miss the "Hexensprung" (Witch's Jump) ritual held during the Fasnet carnival. At midnight, masked locals run down the mountain slopes with torches in hand and celebrate the arrival of spring by dancing. This ritual is a tradition dating back to pagan times and one of the most authentic examples of Black Forest culture.

Encountering Nature: Seasons in Baiersbronn

Autumn: Symphony of Colours

The autumn months, from late September to early November, are perhaps the most ideal time to visit Baiersbronn. The forest's birch, maple, and oak trees dress in every shade of yellow, orange, and red. Especially when the morning mist lifts, the sunlight illuminating this colour spectacle creates breathtaking landscapes.

Autumn is also harvest season – apples, pears, and grapes are harvested on the region's farms. Many farms organise an "Apfelfest" (Apple Festival) and offer visitors freshly squeezed juices, homemade jams, and freshly baked pastries.

The hiking trails are covered with autumn leaves, and the rustling sound with every step accompanies the forest's quiet music. During this period, the forest floor is full of capped mushrooms, and guided mushroom hunting tours are popular. The early darkness in the evenings creates an ideal atmosphere for listening to local stories around the hotel fireplaces with a glass of mulled wine.

Winter: A Fairyland Under a White Blanket

Between December and March, Baiersbronn is covered by a thick blanket of snow. During this period, the region transforms into a paradise, especially for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Over 200 kilometers of marked ski trails cater to skiers of all levels. Especially the trails in the Ruhestein and Kniebis areas have slopes that can challenge even professional skiers.

Snowshoeing tours are the quietest and most natural way to explore the forest in winter. As your steps echo on the snow cover, it's only a matter of time before you come face to face with a herd of deer or a wild rabbit. In moments when the low winter sun hits, the play of light on the snow crystals offers invaluable opportunities for photographers.

One of the most enchanting experiences of the winter months is swimming in outdoor hot thermal pools while it's snowing. The melting snowflakes on your face and disappearing into clouds of steam feels like transitioning to another dimension.

Spring: Energy of Rebirth

Hiking in spring is uniquely beautiful.

April to June is the awakening time for the Black Forest. Snow begins to melt, streams swell, and the forest floor becomes covered with crocuses, violets, and wild garlic. Although the air is still cool, the sun's energy is palpable, and nature reveals itself in all its vitality.

During this period, "Walpurgisnacht" (Walpurgis Night, the night of April 30th) celebrations take place – according to local belief, witches gather on Brocken Mountain this night. In many villages, bonfires are lit, people dance, and the joy of spring is celebrated. The "Maibowle" (May Punch) drunk during these celebrations contains wine or champagne flavoured with fresh woodruff leaves.

Spring is also an ideal time for birdwatchers – migratory birds stop over, especially in the wetlands of the Murg Valley. In the early morning hours, the songs of robins, blackbirds, and finches turn the forest into a concert hall.

Summer: Haven of Coolness and Freshness

In July and August, while oppressive heat prevails in other parts of Germany, the high-altitude regions of the Black Forest offer a cool climate. Therefore, Baiersbronn is a popular escape destination for those seeking coolness in the summer months.

In summer, it's possible to swim in the region's lakes and streams – especially the cool waters of Mummelsee Lake offer a refreshing break on hot summer days. Picnicking on the meadows around the lake, enjoying local wine and cheese amidst nature, is ideal.

Towards the end of June, "Johannisnacht" (St. John's Night or Midsummer's Night) celebrations take place. People dance around bonfires lit on this night and jump over the flames while making wishes. The fire is a symbol of purification and renewal, and this tradition is a ritual dating back to pre-Christian pagan times.

A Journey for Silence, Flavour, and Self-Return

Baiersbronn is a tiny spot on the Google map, but a giant place within the soul. It's such a corner that, while seeming like an ordinary German town at first glance, it deepens with every step, captivates, and draws you in with its energy.

Going here isn't like "escaping" — it's like doing yourself a favour. It's one of those rare moments when you are freed from the modern life's compulsion to be constantly connected, constantly doing something, constantly rushing forward. Here, you can simply exist. A crackling branch in the depths of the forest, a bird's call, or the sound of a distant bell... These are sounds lost in the noise of daily life.

Here, time slows down, the flavours on the plates deepen, the paths you walk are silent yet meaningful. The light filtering through the dark pine trees reminds you that life truly consists of simple things – clean air, good food, peaceful sleep, and perhaps most importantly, the luxury of being alone with your own thoughts.

Those who know how to hear the silence remember this town as a turning point in their lives. Because sometimes the greatest discoveries happen not outside, but inside. And Baiersbronn is the perfect starting point for precisely these inner journeys.

If this weekend, you want not just to breathe, but to take a deep inward breath... If you see food not as satiety, but as experience... If seeing pine forests when you open your eyes in the morning heals you... Then your route is clear: Baiersbronn.

This town in the heart of the Black Forest is calling you. Its promise isn't flashy; perhaps not even inviting. It simply offers a real, sincere, and deep experience. The Michelin stars are not in the sky, but on your plate. Nature expresses itself in every corner like an unsilenced poem.

After visiting here, perhaps you will re-evaluate what is truly important in your life. Amidst the countless options and endless information flow offered by the modern world, sometimes the most valuable thing might be simplicity and peace itself.

Remember, some places are visited not to be seen, but to be felt. Baiersbronn is exactly one of them. This place awaits you not to gather likes on Instagram, but to take a journey into your own inner world.

If you're ready, pack not your suitcase — but your heart. And set off. In the depths of the Black Forest, perhaps you will find what you seek most: yourself.

13 Unique Activities to Do in Interlaken This Spring

Discover 13 unforgettable experiences in Interlaken where you can enjoy nature, adventure, and cultu...

Germany's Hidden Paradise: 48 Hours in Staufen im Breisgau

A 48-hour escape to Staufen im Breisgau, where history, nature, and tranquility intertwine at the ed...

Sylt Island: A Fairytale Haven in the North Sea | 2025 Guide

Stroll through dunes, hear the whispering wind, and dine in chic restaurants—Sylt Island in northe...

How to Explore Cologne in One Day: A Memorable Route from the Rhine to the Cathedral

Only have one day in Cologne? Follow this perfect route to discover the cathedral, the Rhine river, ...