Tourist Triathlon in Triberg and Roadside Oddities

The city of Triberg is a must-do for any Black Forest tourist. Only here you have the (first ever) biggest walk-in cuckoo clock. Another one close by claims to be the (current) largest...

The heart of the clock is made from wood.

There are cuckoo clock shops galore, cuckoo clocks on the walls, and one house is even sporting a bear clock.

We found some disturbing art, and have yet to understand why those wooden Easter Island Moai lookalikes would wear Bollen Hats.

With the next big tourist trap attraction in mind we followed the river Gutach upstream to the Triberg Waterfalls, which is at 163m (535ft) one of the highest waterfalls in Germany, and came across some further sights. This beautiful timber-frame building for example.

But the town had yet another oddity in store for us: In Europe we are familiar with designated parking space for families, women or Smart Cars. The Triberg authorities have decided to create the first designated parking spot for men. Bravo, men have come a long way in the equal rights issue  ;-)

Finally at the falls: After paying an entrance fee of 3.50 EUR per person (conservation of nature costs money!) we walked up the steep trail along the falls. Well, we have seen bigger and more spectacular waterfalls in North America (and for free), however, the Gutach river cascading down over seven steps admittedly looked mighty pretty, too.

And while Sonja was still looking for the best vantage point, Roland had already continued his hike up.

The Triberg Falls are in fact the main attraction in this region, and rightly so. We were impressed and glad that we didn't shy away from the tourist trap character the town seemed to reflect.

Another cascade, and a view from above.

Still breathless and in awe we began with the descent.

After this energy-sapping exercise Roland needed to be fed. The man chose a salami pizza while the lady went with roasted potatoes and salad.

On our way home we spotted a castle on a hill, one of many by the way. But this one called us, and we went up.

Again Sonja went where no normal people her age would go to get the above spectacular vista of Hornberger Castle and the city of Hornberg. Roland followed suit to snap a picture of her. Later we worried a bit about getting down again... lets just say it was not the most elegant way to descent.

Hornberg is also home of a major sanitary ware manufacturer. Their design center provides a huge (probably walkable) toilet as an peculiar eye catcher. The company doesn't beat around the bush. The message is clear: "We deal with your crap!" Not sure if that lack of subtlety in that specific matter would work in North America, though where a simple thing like a toilet becomes a washroom, restroom or powder room...

And last but not least we spotted a cowboy or maybe he was a shepherd using a public road.

Enough of the curios for today. It was another good day spent in the shoes of a tourist.