Most travelers will approach the same way along the main thoroughfare running up to the front of the cathedral and will be awestruck by its sheer size and grandeur. The magnificent structure towers over the surrounding cityscape and nearly every square inch of the building is ornately carved. Here we are in the 21st century with 1,000 foot skyscrapers in our modern cities and I am still awed by buildings that were built 500-1,000 years ago. Can you imagine how the people of that time felt? They must have been completely dumbfounded seeing it for the first time.

An outstanding masterpiece of Gothic art, Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the finest images of the Middle Ages that you will ever see. The construction of the Romanesque cathedral began in 1015, but only the crypt and original footprint remain. The current structure is made of pink sandstone which changes color according to the time of day, and the lighting effects around the cathedral are simply magical to watch, especially on summer evenings. I took time to explore the interior and then proceeded to climb up the 465 ft spire overlooking the city.

Encircled by the River Ill, Strasburg has mirrored the changing fortunes of France and the Alsace region for hundreds of years. It’s easy to explore Strasbourg’s different districts on foot, each of which has its own distinct identity intimately related to its history and locals.  You will notice some parts of the city seem typically German, while others feel very French.

Strasbourg has changed hands many times between the two countries over the centuries, even as recently as WWII when it was occupied by Germany. This gives the city a distinct flavor that is unique and refreshing. Must sees for history and architecture lovers include, of course, Strasbourg Cathedral dominating the cityscape, but also La Petite France and Rohan Palace; home to three museums; Museum of Decorative Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Archaeological Museum.

After I walked the historic center, saw the major sights, and immersed myself in the beauty of the ancient city, I headed for the little district with magnificent half-timbered houses and wooden galleries; La Petite France. La Petite France is perhaps the most famous district in Strasbourg, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. I was just amazed at how well preserved the buildings were and it really felt like I had stepped back in time to old Europe. After I soaked it all up and took an adequate amount of photos, I stopped to have lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Just a short drive from Strasbourg lies the legendary Black Forest. Located in a large mountain range in Southwest Germany, the Black Forest or Schwarzwald in German, is home to the nation’s outdoor destination, the inspiration for the Grimm Brothers’ fairytales, and world-renowned thermal spas. Black Forest is a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. With the Rhine valley to the west and south, this area is defined by its many hills, large valleys, wide rivers, dense forests, and quaint villages. I spent a day here hiking while visiting a friend in Germany, but you could easily spend several days in this one region alone. There’s plenty to see and do, and just taking the time to soak it all up is what it’s all about.

Places of note in the Black Forest are Hausach, located in the Kinzig valley on the Westweg (West Trail) which is the most well-known and most popular long-distance hiking trail in the Black Forest. If you’re into waterfalls the Triberg waterfalls are worth a visit, the highest in Germany. Another popular spot is Gutach, home of the Bollenhut, a traditional ladies’ hat topped with pom-poms, which is a symbol for the Black Forest as a whole. If you want more German culture you can head into Schiltach, home of old half-timbered houses, raftsmen, and, local tanners. This village was first mentioned as a parochial village in 1275 and stretches far back into medieval history.

I spent most of my day in the Black Forest hiking around the area and stopping in a few little villages. If you’re wondering where the Black Forest got its name just take a walk through the woods and you’ll understand. The trees are packed so tightly together that even on a bright sunny day the denseness of the forest makes it appear almost black with the lack of sunlight. This also means wildlife is less abundant than a typical forest which creates an almost eerie silence. The dramatic scenery combined with the natural mystery surrounding the area makes it easy to see how all the fairy tales and folklore were created over the years.