The Black Forest (Schwarzwald in German) stands as Germany’s highest and largest connected low mountain range in southwestern Baden-Württemberg. Tourists flock to this premier destination, making it the most visited vacation spot among German low mountain ranges.
Ancient peoples called this area Abnoba mons, after a Celtic deity. Later, Romans named it Marciana Silva (“Marcynian Forest”), derived from the Germanic word “marka” meaning “border.” This likely described the boundary to the territory of the Marcomanni (“border people”) who lived east of the Roman Limes. These Marcomanni belonged to the Germanic Suebi people, ancestors of the modern Swabians.
Scientists now believe people settled in the Black Forest during prehistory. Pollen analyses and survey results support this theory. Clear evidence shows settlement in peripheral areas like the Zarten basin (Tarodunum) and near Neuenbürg, which hosted a major iron smelting center from the 6th to 4th century BC. Baden-Baden featured the Roman thermal spa Aquae from the 1st to 3rd century AD.
People likely traveled a road over the Thurner in the southern Black Forest from the Iron Age through the early Middle Ages. Romans later built the Kinzigtal road. A Roman temple district at Brandsteig and a Gallo-Roman spring sanctuary near St. Georgen’s Brigach source highlight the region’s spiritual importance. Definitive settlement records appear again in the late 10th century, such as Rötenbach, first mentioned in 819. A St. Gall monastery document first named the “saltu Svarzwald” (Black Forest) in 868.
We Bring You Tales from The Black Forest
You’ve likely heard about this magical place before. You didn’t come here for geology lessons or travel tips. You came because the Black Forest brims with magic.
This enchanted woodland houses ghosts, goblins, fairies, and witches. While Germany boasts rich magical folklore, modern times have nearly erased the legacy of these folk tales. Many children today don’t know the classic Grimm Brothers’ stories. The magic fades into the ordinary. But not here!
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
As founder and host of The Halls in The Forest, I bring you amazing, spine-chilling tales from this mysterious and gorgeous place. Having lived in Germany for half my life, I know many of its mysteries and forgotten stories.
Some include:
- The Restless Barbara
- The Root-Faun
- The Windbride
- The Witches Rock
These stories represent just the beginning. I have over 200 Black Forest tales to share with you! Subscribe to our newsletter to catch the latest videos, blog posts, and news from the woods.
Have a magical day!
Yours truly,
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