Black Forest and Titisee

The Black Forest, in Germany's south-west corner, is a land of wooded hills, timbered farmhouses and clockmakers. Titisee, a glacial lake ringed by forest, is its most visited spot: walk the lakeside promenade, hire a pedal boat or take a short cruise.

Shops around the lake demonstrate cuckoo clocks, the region's famous craft, and cafés serve the original Black Forest cake, which is traditionally made with cherry brandy. Nearby, the Triberg waterfalls tumble through the forest, and in winter the Feldberg has snow for sledging.

Titisee is about an hour from the Rhine Falls and an hour and a half from Zurich, so it is often combined with a Switzerland trip. Summer is the best time for the lake, and lakeside hotels make Titisee a relaxing overnight stop on the way between Switzerland and the Rhine.