The Black Forest

The Black Forest (Die Schwarzwald in the original German) is the setting of our story. A large, dense forested mountain range in the southwest German state of Baden-Württemberg. The forest is bounded by the Rhine Valley to the west and the south.

An important part of Germany with a rich history and culture of its own, distinct from anywhere else in Europe, the Black Forest is the setting for most of the Grimm Brothers' Fairytales.

Background

Art

In art from the Medieval Ages, the Black Forest is depicted as being dark and inhospitable. In some artwork, it wasn't even painted out of fear of the forest.

Landscaping

The Black Forest was so feared that in medieval cities, such as Freiburg, nature was not welcome due to its connection with the Forest. The name Black Forest was given to the area by the Romans. The vegetation was so thick, the sun wasn’t able to reach the forest floor.

Legends

The Black Forest was believed to be the home of ghosts and demons. Witches and mythical creatures were said to rule the forest. Children were warned to avoid the forest, especially at night. There are tales of a headless horseman riding his great white steed through the dense forest. And after dark, the friendly dwarves and lurking werewolves appear.

Where is
The Black Forest

Quick Facts

Location: Baden-Württemberg in SW Germany

Area: 2,300 square miles

Approximately 100 miles long x 30 miles wide

Other Black Forest Fairytales

Snow White, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Frog Prince, and Rumpelstiltskin