Badenweiler Germany -An Astounding Place to Visit

In 1998, I had the opportunity to visit Germany. While there, one of the wonderful places I called home was Badenweiler, a small, elegant town nestled in the Black Forest. If you ever visit Badenweiler, you should plan to take many photographs as the area is incredibly picturesque. I recommend going in late spring, when everything has had time to green up and the flowers are in bloom. If you visit at other times, however, you are still in for a treat.

Badenweiler is a town with many faces and has its own personality distinct from other German towns. It has a rich history as a health resort and is known for a mineral spring resort, Cassiopeia Therme. Cassiopeia Therme boasts a variety of pools, saunas, and services such as massage.

In the days when tuberculosis was exceptionally prolific, the rich and famous traveled to Badenweiler for the fresh air and health facilities. Although many did recuperate from the illness, others were not so lucky. Stephen Crane, for instance, the author of The Red Badge of Courage, died of tuberculosis in Badenweiler when he was only 28. He was near death when he arrived and lasted only briefly.

The area draws visitors for good reason; the climate is healthful to the mind as well as body. Badenweiler and the surrounding land has a fairy-tale atmosphere that is completely enchanting and slightly surreal. Within the town's limits, small palm trees flourish in large pots against a rising backdrop of rolling hills, vineyards, and native forest. These tropical trees add an interesting, if out of place, touch. You won't see these if you go in the winter, though; the palm trees are brought inside in the winter to protect them from Germany's cold and snowy winters.

Badenweiler is a perfect spot to call home during any stay in Southern Germany. It is only 17 miles from Basel Switzerland and only 7 miles from France; in fact, visitors can see French countryside from atop Badenweiler's 11th century Castle ruins. In addition, the historic city of Freiburg, Germany is only 19 miles away.