It’s not easy to describe the town of Blumberg that’s close to Lake Constance, the mystic Black Forest and the Swiss border. No regular old article will do it justice. Why? Because there’s more to it than just its natural beauty.
So sensational is Blumberg that it’s made up of ten local municipalities rolled into one cute town. It also has six churches between them, all worth seeing since many churches in Germany are pieces of art onto themselves. No, I’m not exaggerating, I swear! Many old churches are a treasure trove of artwork from various centuries.
With all these churches in the area, it’s no wonder that the town produced a cardinal. Oh, that would be a Catholic Cardinal, not the bird. ;-) Cardinal Bea was born at the turn of the 20th century and his house is now a frequently visited museum.
Too bad Blumberg’s two castles don’t stand anymore. All that remains of Burg Alt-Blumberg are only a few walls, which have been like that since the castle was destroyed in 1645. Burg Grünburg is another castle ruin, though this one remained standing for another 135 years, until it too was sacked.
With your castles, churches and Cardinal out of the way, you got all the time in the world to see both the Bodensee and the Schwarzwald.
Decisions. Decisions. Which one to do first? Who cares, as long as you do them both! I’m pretty sure you won’t mind just leisurely walking or cycling along tree lined little lanes passing many a red roofed house.
The Bodensee is awesome for sunbathing, swimming, and all other types of water sport activities. You can see Switzerland from the shoreline; but, before a free European Union you had to stop at Blumberg’s Customs Office at the border, which still stands.
On to the the Black Forest, there are less chances to sunbathe here. You’re better off walking or bicycling your way around. Oh, I got an idea, how about trying Nordic Walking? Don’t worry if you’re new to it — they almost certainly have beginner trails.
All that sure works up a hearty appetite, so eating some yummy Black Forest culinary delights will help. Oh, I’m hungry already and I haven’t even put on my walking shoes yet. Maybe we ought to get something to eat before we hit those trails and castles. :-)
