Holiday time is family time. You travel together, look forward to relaxation, to enjoyment and to being a family again for a while. But what when mum and dad just want a bit of peace, but little Jim, already bored by the swings in front of the house, has other plans?

And what about the teenager who finds everything's 'uncool' anyway because 'nothing's up'? Family holidays really can become stressful - but not in the Black Forest.

High family friendliness

Germany's south western highlands have been awarded the stamp of family friendliness, namely the 'family friendly holiday destination' award. Twenty of 24 „family holiday“ in Baden-Wurttemberg quality seals adorned destinations in the Black Forest:

Baiersbronn, Feldberg, Freiamt, Furtwangen, Grafenhausen, Kappelrodeck, Lenzkirch, Lossburg, Ottenhöfen, Sasbachwalden, St. Georgen, Seebach, Seelbach, Schluchsee, Schonach, Schönwald, Titisee-Neustadt, Todtnauberg, Triberg und Unterkirnach. Another has been awarded to the theme park “Europa Park” in Rust and to the “holiday village” Schramberg-Sulgen

Only when the destination responds to and satisfactorily fulfils the complete range of needs and wishes of children does it achieve the seal of approval. A house sporting the mascot 'Leo Luschtig' (Happy Leo in south German dialect) provides a secure outdoor play area, a separate room indoors with play corner, a selection of toys and games suitable all age groups within the family, family reductions and laundry facilities. And for families with smaller children, cot, nappy changing table, bottle warmer, potty and baby bath are also offered as part of the package.

Holiday in the Black Forest: diversified and for all ages

The family friendly holiday resorts have tailored their entertainment packages to the seasons. With lantern and torch lit walks on warm summer evenings, expeditions into the forest at dawn, adventure trips to old castles and much more, an enjoyable holiday packed with variety is guaranteed. Creative entertainment offers and art courses awaken children's fantasy. And so parents can also peacefully enjoy their time together, babysitters always stand at the ready. For younger families footpaths for the pushchair and suggestions for excursions with toddlers are also available.

Adventure and thermal baths, funicular railways, rail visitor centre as well as leisure and nature parks promise not only best mood but above all else 'action'. In the Steinwasen Park in Oberried near Freiburg, not only can indigenous wildlife be observed in its natural habitat but a toboggan run and a 218 metre long suspension bridge can be tried out. The fairy tale museum in Baiersbronn also proves that you don't have to be an adult to enjoy a trip to a museum.

With more than 4 Million visitors in 2009 Europa-Park is not only market leader in Germany but also the biggest seasonal theme park worldwide and among the top ten theme parks in the world. 

Germany’s biggest theme park–located in border triangle Germany, France and Switzerland–is one of the top ten theme parks in the world. Visitors can go on a journey through 13 different European themed areas and experience over 100 attractions and fascinating shows. No other tourist destination in Germany offers as much fun and entertainment for all age groups. After an exciting day in the park visitors can settle down in one of the four luxurious 4-star themed hotels of the park.

The family friendly holiday resorts offer children a whole mass of entertainment possibilities: Bungee trampolining in Titisee, American bowling in Freiburg and a Black Forest safari on quad bikes will convert many teenagers to the 'Black Forest Experience'.

What would the Black Forest be without its famous farms? Again and again they captivate the interest of both the big and the small adventurer. Whoever decides to take a holiday on a farm is automatically part of the farmer's family. Especially for children, the experience of being able to get to know the animals on the farm is particularly exciting. And for the older guests it can also be fun to help with the hay baling, milking a cow or mucking out the stable.

Even the vineyards in Ortenau, Markgräfler Land, Kaiserstuhl or in the other wine regions of the Black Forest offer an unforgettable holiday experience. And being there at the right time even guarantees helping in the harvest of the next vintage. Perhaps even a sponsorship of individual vines - and in next year's family holiday even harvest your own wine.

Information about the family friendly holidays in the Black Forest can found in the 'Family Holidays' prospectus obtainable from the Haus des Gastes (the guesthouse), D-78136 Schonach, tel: +49 7722.9648119 or on the internet at www.familien-ferien.de

Photo: © Corinna Genter-Boccia, Gaggenau