Germany’s Black Forest: The Tourist Trap and the Bliss

This two-part clip from the Black Forest illustrates how, wherever you travel, you can have dramatically different experiences in the same destination. Most travelers, driven by “bucket lists,” get sucked into the highly promoted tourist trap version of a place. (In the Black Forest, they end up in Titisee - part one of this clip.) Some, however, step away from the commercial zone (so expert at bamboozling travelers and corrupting the industry) and manage to reach that “off the beaten path” dimension of the same sight (part two of this clip).
The sad reality is that the vast majority of visitors to Europe’s most-dreamed-about destinations have their romantic vision trampled by mobs of travelers on big bus tours and cruises. (Here in the Black Forest, it’s river cruises.) And the even sadder reality is that most don’t even realize the lost opportunity. The goal for us “Back Door travelers”: to turn our travel dreams into a pristine and unforgettable reality. In this clip, my guide, Simone Brixel (Black Forest Tours), shows us two very different sides of the Black Forest. The choice is yours.

Пікірлер: 201

  • @hoppes979
    @hoppes9794 жыл бұрын

    Whether it is tourist trap or whatever , this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen..

  • @WouldntULikeToKnow.

    @WouldntULikeToKnow.

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Mnicolette130 what?

  • @marthaperdew

    @marthaperdew

    Ай бұрын

    Very beautiful!!

  • @natalierozean5989
    @natalierozean59894 жыл бұрын

    He spoke of Titisee having a road made ONLY for pedestrians and people walking their dogs. I couldn’t help to notice he was driving the only vehicle on a road w nothing, but pedestrians and people walking their dogs. 😂

  • @asunats

    @asunats

    2 жыл бұрын

    If you live there or have a shop etc. you get a paper that allows you to drive there but yeah "Normal" arent allowed to

  • @prestin6798

    @prestin6798

    Жыл бұрын

    I was wondering if I was the only one questioning that.

  • @jamesmcguire6706

    @jamesmcguire6706

    8 ай бұрын

    ​@prestin6798 you didn't notice the guide driving, safe to assume the car was marked.

  • @planetoftheatheists6858
    @planetoftheatheists68584 жыл бұрын

    It has a nice pedestrian only street...that we are driving through

  • @alifaras693

    @alifaras693

    2 жыл бұрын

    dang best comment since creation of covid19 era

  • @eoinleen1
    @eoinleen15 жыл бұрын

    Titisee isn't the worst place. I was there in early May 2016 after 3 days of hiking and it was really beautiful, sunny, and quiet. Sitting by the lake with a beer was in that moment perfect.

  • @loveandlondon
    @loveandlondon7 жыл бұрын

    I love how blunt this is. So very true.

  • @philippe88

    @philippe88

    7 жыл бұрын

    Love and London Too many people go to Europe to experience something different, only to spend most, if not all, of their time in such touristy spots! It's such a missed opportunity to explore places off the beaten track. To me travel is to see some of the "main sights" while mostly emersing yourself in the local culture and way of life!

  • @loveandlondon

    @loveandlondon

    7 жыл бұрын

    I completely agree :)

  • @BT-pi1tk

    @BT-pi1tk

    7 жыл бұрын

    rick is a wise dude

  • @thomasdc2439
    @thomasdc24395 жыл бұрын

    Titisee was a beautiful place 25 years ago. Now it is just a shopping spot with a lake view.

  • @Ginkoman2

    @Ginkoman2

    5 жыл бұрын

    even 15 years ago. i remember camping there.

  • @jeffreywarrensmith581
    @jeffreywarrensmith581 Жыл бұрын

    Rick when i taught my travel class in Taiwan I used many of your videos. They are so professional, the language is clear and the vocabulary is excellent for teaching. Thanks so much.

  • @tomc.6073
    @tomc.60737 жыл бұрын

    Rick, that was again a fantastic video of the best... Enjoy! Cheers

  • @MultiSkyman1
    @MultiSkyman14 жыл бұрын

    So peaceful and beautiful. Crowded country too!

  • @thewanderingwindycity06
    @thewanderingwindycity066 жыл бұрын

    Rick Steves, you are an inspiration to my life. One day I would like to give a proper thank you.

  • @JayBVideos
    @JayBVideos4 жыл бұрын

    thank you Steve!! very helpful information about the tourist trap....

  • @itsjustmyopinionbut1671
    @itsjustmyopinionbut16714 жыл бұрын

    I live in a part of the US that is very sparsely populated. My town has a population of 2500 and my graduating class was made up of 325 seniors .... I travel Europe now for a living (and a passion) and love every single inch of it .

  • @bmw_m4255

    @bmw_m4255

    11 ай бұрын

    How

  • @s001b
    @s001b4 жыл бұрын

    This place looks like a dream to me, it's really magical

  • @starfox1

    @starfox1

    3 жыл бұрын

    its pretty, but its also a complete tourist trap because its all german stereotypes. its not authentic. the stereotypes are there to lure tourists in and charge more. did you see the kinds of people walking about? asians, non germans, etc. i love that , but for a little tiny town ? no. to me , if i saw those kinds of "locals" crawling everywhere i would leave because i would know i would not be experiencing something authentic. instead, its an experience created to feel like germany, in which case why even bother to have traveled there ?

  • @BASEDBOARD
    @BASEDBOARD3 жыл бұрын

    This is Rick Steve himself? You made my 10 months in Spain so much better for having your book, thank you sir!

  • @HardeeQuinnDee
    @HardeeQuinnDee7 жыл бұрын

    If someone goes there for the first time, and possibly the only time, it may be scary to venture off. You've definitely been to that place many times so you've been fortunate to know what's good and safe. Obviously that's why your tour books are a good thing to use I'm sure.

  • @carolynsovet6153
    @carolynsovet61537 жыл бұрын

    We just spent a week hiking in Kandern in the southern park of the Black Forest. Rick is so right about the beauty and the quiet.

  • @arojy1

    @arojy1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Kandern is the same town shown in the second part of the video?

  • @tanyaclark8131

    @tanyaclark8131

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@arojy1 I don't recognize it as Kandern and I lived in Kandern for five years. Very similar though.

  • @GOODMAN-ug4td
    @GOODMAN-ug4td7 жыл бұрын

    I miss you germany... I lived there for 3 years and now i'm back my country again... germany always in my heart because germany very besutiful ... I MISS YOU 😢😢😢😢😢😢

  • @krishnagaming4488

    @krishnagaming4488

    5 жыл бұрын

    From which country u are ???

  • @i86ij99
    @i86ij998 ай бұрын

    I chose Titisee as a base when visiting the nearby Ravennaschlucht christmas market, instead of a city like Freiburg, for the specific reason that it is touristy enough to sustain some amenities in winter to not feel completely isolated (many restaurants, direct train and bus connections, even a big wellness/spa/water park for families), yet still within reach to many beautiful hiking or even skiing spots.

  • @roysheaks1261
    @roysheaks1261 Жыл бұрын

    I went to the Titisee circa 1985, rented a rowboat and paddled around, bought a cuckoo clock and some Wuerzelmaenner, and had a great time. The tourist traps weren’t as large there back then.

  • @CynicallyObnoxious
    @CynicallyObnoxious7 жыл бұрын

    I wanna live there that town is adorable and clean and everyone seems nice and not dickish

  • @thetravellingjanitor728

    @thetravellingjanitor728

    7 жыл бұрын

    John Higgins love it or leave it. I had to endure Obama.

  • @anne-marie3966

    @anne-marie3966

    2 жыл бұрын

    you must be American

  • @charlesadams1495
    @charlesadams14957 жыл бұрын

    Living in the area, Titisee is kind of touristy but for many items have good prices for the typical German souvenirs, however look at a calendar and come during the festival seasons and join with and enjoy the local fun.

  • @limeallens6160
    @limeallens61603 жыл бұрын

    i enjoy the novelty of places like this

  • @uriahdudai548
    @uriahdudai5482 жыл бұрын

    Every word you spoke was just so correct.

  • @bcperry1973
    @bcperry19737 жыл бұрын

    And you have to wonder if there is a topless beach around Titisee.

  • @jasonmelton9755

    @jasonmelton9755

    4 жыл бұрын

    And is the water similar to the waters of Lake Titicaca!

  • @ninagall7500

    @ninagall7500

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@jasonmelton9755 but do they have TP? Beavis wants to know.

  • @scottscottsdale7868

    @scottscottsdale7868

    3 жыл бұрын

    There is.

  • @hughjanus7654
    @hughjanus76545 жыл бұрын

    People with trekking poles on paved roads cracks me up

  • @adeelhussain2304
    @adeelhussain23047 жыл бұрын

    I love the fact that Rick was going to give us a deep lesson in how time is the most valuable asset we have and then became distracted by the sign. But all kidding aside, I love to go hiking and camping in different states & countries and what Rick and his guide showed is absolutely true. There will always be a resort town or schtick associated with these types of locations. The best rule I have is the 40/60 - at maximum you should spend 40% of your time in or around the town, but 60% (the majority) should be spent outdoors (or the main reason why you traveled).

  • @USAR8888
    @USAR8888 Жыл бұрын

    Is Rick smoking weed again or what? That town looks absolutely beautiful. He seems extremely overly salty seeing people enjoying this town, it's kind of weird. And why are they the only car driving down a "pedestrian only" road?

  • @jasonmelton9755
    @jasonmelton97554 жыл бұрын

    I agree, but as a traveler I like commercial stops that give me a moment to relax and reset in the modern world. It gives me intermittent opportunities to reflect and breathe.

  • @user-rs8yq5jp7q
    @user-rs8yq5jp7q6 ай бұрын

    Beautiful

  • @shreau
    @shreau2 ай бұрын

    I lived in Freiburg for 4 years and I miss it every single day ❤

  • @rionasallyhartman8089
    @rionasallyhartman80897 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful part of the world

  • @Chillaxing113
    @Chillaxing1132 жыл бұрын

    I get what you're saying about that town near the Black Forest being a tourist trap, but those towns are necessary for lodging and meals after a day exploring the forest. Here in the United States we call them gateway towns. I have visited many of our national parks here in the U.S. and stayed in the gateway towns. Many are tourist traps but some are nice. My favorite is Bar Harbor, Maine, the gateway town to Acadia National Park. Springdale, Utah the gateway town to Zion National Park is very nice too . Maybe there will be a time I'll be able to visit The Black Forest .

  • @abbiec1475
    @abbiec14756 жыл бұрын

    i love that place!:)

  • @theinoculation
    @theinoculation5 жыл бұрын

    As a local I never understood why tourists come to those artificial places like Titisee or Triberg. Make a trip to the Belchen or visit the Wutachschlucht.

  • @max.power89

    @max.power89

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ja da ist es so viel schöner!

  • @bc9459
    @bc94592 жыл бұрын

    The Bob Ross of travel guides!

  • @gatheringleaves
    @gatheringleaves2 жыл бұрын

    I must go here one day!

  • @MuhammadShahid-xk7um
    @MuhammadShahid-xk7um7 жыл бұрын

    I love germany

  • @MimiYouyu
    @MimiYouyu5 ай бұрын

    Great honest video❤❤❤

  • @gardensofthegods
    @gardensofthegods6 жыл бұрын

    Haha that was very cute... but I do wish you had mentioned that a number of the towns in the Black Forest have spas and springs.. Hot Springs too if I recall correctly

  • @rachelm9350
    @rachelm93502 жыл бұрын

    LOL I haven't gone to Titisee, we didn't have time LOL. BUT I did go in October 2021, and even "tourist traps" didn't look like that due to Covid...such an AMAZING empty vacation. Fussen looked abandoned, along with Bad Durrheim, Reichsberg Cochem, Burg Eltz, Koblenz, Heidelberg even.... no crowds ;0! Open air museum (very very few people) Triberg. Fabulous with no one there.

  • @danmar007
    @danmar0076 жыл бұрын

    This town looks like a movie set. :)

  • @LLLLLLLLLucas

    @LLLLLLLLLucas

    4 жыл бұрын

    I think you've missed the point of the whole video.

  • @danmar007

    @danmar007

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@LLLLLLLLLucas Okay, I'll play. What IS the point?

  • @stillalive8583
    @stillalive85835 жыл бұрын

    Glad to see you showing a more serious side, Rick. I shall avoid Titisee as you advise, Any tips for a leisurely walk in the woods - with public transport access?

  • @JG-wb1ix
    @JG-wb1ix Жыл бұрын

    The irony of this is that Rick Steves turned a few beautiful places into tourist traps today....the Cinque Terre , Colmar, and Strasbourg come to mind. They are still beautiful places but now it's gift shop after gift shop with a number of tours and backpackers everywhere.

  • @gomogo2000

    @gomogo2000

    10 ай бұрын

    I was thinking the same thing, but you've really confirmed it living in Europe.

  • @Jrprez22
    @Jrprez227 жыл бұрын

    Is it bad to love both places? I hate to admit it, but I thought the "tourist trap" town looked beautiful and lively and the second spot of course was serene and spectacular. I think there is room for both. Just my humble opinion. Love all your videos.

  • @Ginkoman2

    @Ginkoman2

    6 жыл бұрын

    i agree. it is really beatiful to walk trough it for around 1-2h, but you shouldnt spend a day there.

  • @tien90802

    @tien90802

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yup, it's called travel shaming. You see it all the time. You see it with food, movies, music, etc. It's a form of snobbery.

  • @1957bots8
    @1957bots87 жыл бұрын

    Never heard of it. I was stationed in Bad Kissingen. 'Bad' in German is bath. Very nice small town and sereral hotel spas.and far from a tourist trap. You can even find it here on you tube.

  • @enzoselva888
    @enzoselva8886 жыл бұрын

    THANK you for mentioning this! Tourist traps are awful!

  • @markthomas9568
    @markthomas9568 Жыл бұрын

    My dad took me in the 90s it was Amazing.

  • @mats7492
    @mats74927 жыл бұрын

    as a german it was pretty interesting to see Titisee.. ALL the germans stereotypes are present there...

  • @homesafe7460
    @homesafe74607 жыл бұрын

    Magnifique. J'ai toujours adoré Germany. Greetings from Algeria

  • @wollyhotdog
    @wollyhotdog2 жыл бұрын

    For our foreign visitors: plan your trip ahead, avoid the crowds and check out gems like: die Halde; Hotel Sommerau or others :-)

  • @mokokawi
    @mokokawi7 жыл бұрын

    I need to go there soon :)

  • @JGlennFL
    @JGlennFL7 жыл бұрын

    Rick, you should visit the Bodensee, also called Lake Constance. It is a large, beautiful lake on the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and is a favorite vacation destination for Germans. We were there this June and it is far better than the Schwarzwald, in my opinion.

  • @elissavalle4953
    @elissavalle49535 жыл бұрын

    Rick Steves Thank you!

  • @patriciaguerra-tn1lq
    @patriciaguerra-tn1lq7 ай бұрын

    Exelente

  • @seetoh87
    @seetoh877 жыл бұрын

    Forgot the shaver Rick? Happy travels :).

  • @yougotnojams6784
    @yougotnojams67844 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful, but sad the forest deasapear for the fields. A long ago was a great big forest

  • @lance-biggums
    @lance-biggums2 жыл бұрын

    That tourist town has some natural beauty with the lake and the hills around it, but the town itself is so painfully kitschy you can tell it's made for tourists.

  • @rohanfez5060
    @rohanfez50605 жыл бұрын

    Wowwoooo bueatyful place

  • @gh0strec0n
    @gh0strec0n5 жыл бұрын

    Any idea where is the place steve went with his guide? In the 2nd part of the clip?

  • @max.power89

    @max.power89

    4 жыл бұрын

    That is not that far away from that tourist trap that you see!

  • @preshthabijlani4366
    @preshthabijlani43665 жыл бұрын

    what is the name of the town or the serene place in the video?

  • @TEOTIANIKKU
    @TEOTIANIKKU3 жыл бұрын

    Wao❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @e.x.watson9997
    @e.x.watson9997 Жыл бұрын

    In that case, what's the best place to stay if you just want to hike in the forest?

  • @xiaoluohao
    @xiaoluohao Жыл бұрын

    So where were they in the second part of the clip?? Schraksford??

  • @itsmematthew
    @itsmematthew Жыл бұрын

    So where should one go then ? Where is the second clip ?

  • @24sweetguy
    @24sweetguy4 ай бұрын

    I live and work in Berlin. Where are those beautiful mountains I mean how I can get there in second part of video.

  • @sydneydaramy5453
    @sydneydaramy54533 жыл бұрын

    That was to quick and it was beautiful

  • @magnoliam4159
    @magnoliam41592 жыл бұрын

    He said where not to go… but where do we go? Need more info

  • @yoya4766
    @yoya47664 жыл бұрын

    Tourist trap is a double edged sword. It provides needed resources e.g. somewhere to sit, to eat etc. At the same time its often tacky and expensive.

  • @fbabarbe430
    @fbabarbe43011 ай бұрын

    Even the top of the Mount Everest is a tourist trap.the amazon, deserts around the gulfstates, lot of atol islands.

  • @Ian-dn6ld
    @Ian-dn6ld6 жыл бұрын

    Du bisch aufm Schwarzwald gwea und hasch ned guda Dach oder ade gsait. At least I kinda would have thought you might have done this for some reason 😅 I mean it’s the blackforest. Personally Titisee a nice village with the Bad Paradies around the corner. Neustadt down the road is also a really nice spot.

  • @wollyhotdog

    @wollyhotdog

    2 жыл бұрын

    So sinne se halt, de uusländer. Kumme von wit her und stolpere gliich in dr huffe touris…. .:-)

  • @bambipardis1105
    @bambipardis11055 жыл бұрын

    My family still lives here

  • @bombon2033
    @bombon20332 жыл бұрын

    Can we let people do as they like? some tourists love that, others are more adventurous nad no everybody has the opportunity to explore a place like you or visit several times.

  • @northoftherockies

    @northoftherockies

    Жыл бұрын

    He's merely presenting an alternative. Calm down, Karen.

  • @bombon2033

    @bombon2033

    Жыл бұрын

    @@northoftherockies And I am giving my opinion. Who is more Karen? you that can not give an opinion without trying to insult or me that I am using my right to give an opinion of a public video with respect? Education is the key.

  • @robertwright5889
    @robertwright58896 жыл бұрын

    This kind of video is beneath you Steve. Don't trash a location because it's not what you want. I see no difference between a place like this and Times Square (where I am from). Both can be overly touristy but that does not mean they can't also be fun. It just depends on what you want and your mind set.

  • @tlahuicolexiii2844
    @tlahuicolexiii28445 жыл бұрын

    Pedestrian Only? & your driving?

  • @kitty8438
    @kitty84384 жыл бұрын

    Has anyone else noticed how amazingly green this man's eyes are? Wow

  • @wanderlingd7047
    @wanderlingd70473 жыл бұрын

    I know I'm very late here but I was wondering how one goes about hiring a legit guide when traveling.

  • @mokokawi
    @mokokawi7 жыл бұрын

    nice beard bro

  • @elliotsmith9812
    @elliotsmith98127 жыл бұрын

    That first part looks exactly like Interlaken.

  • @stephenlepore4476
    @stephenlepore44763 жыл бұрын

    Often but not always, the tourist trap spots can plant the seed for curiosity to explore an area more. Sometimes though, visitors will pass through a tourist spot and leave with the "Been there, done that" attitude. What a shame, for them-

  • @EdUcation-og2is
    @EdUcation-og2is4 жыл бұрын

    OMG it is the equivalency of Gatlinburg TN, USA

  • @fbabarbe430

    @fbabarbe430

    11 ай бұрын

    Gatlinburg is one big street for cars😂 and billboards.

  • @paulthe2mikolajdupontsrens586
    @paulthe2mikolajdupontsrens5866 жыл бұрын

    Rick looking like Steve jobs lol

  • @thomasphillips8539
    @thomasphillips85393 ай бұрын

    I would guess Rick has a personal gripe with the Titisee community.

  • @thomasphillips8539
    @thomasphillips85392 ай бұрын

    I can't help but wonder if this is a personal gripe Rick Syeves has with this lovely community.

  • @TheJoergenDK
    @TheJoergenDK Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for talking about the forest, and not the usual suspects of any and every forest - and the usual four seasons! Finally someone talks about the forest itself! Instead off copying the narrative on the fox, the owl and the calculated time limit...!

  • @olivianielsen3186
    @olivianielsen31867 жыл бұрын

    Where is the famous teutoburg forest of Germany?

  • @canuzzi

    @canuzzi

    7 жыл бұрын

    In the state Nordrheinwestfalen near the town Paderborn.

  • @witchdoctor9145
    @witchdoctor91453 жыл бұрын

    Me, who lives 10 mins away from Titisee 👀

  • @trends2morrow107
    @trends2morrow1075 жыл бұрын

    You haven't seen New Zealand .....perhaps

  • @fbabarbe430

    @fbabarbe430

    11 ай бұрын

    Less culture.

  • @corneilcorneil
    @corneilcorneil5 жыл бұрын

    Titisee ... a lot people, specialy tourists, are sheeps. You can see it worldwide.

  • @chrisclark1761
    @chrisclark17613 жыл бұрын

    Great points. Have to say there is certainly a balance to be struck between the Plastic Tourist Towns and the Anthony Bourdain hardcore tourism.

  • @fbabarbe430

    @fbabarbe430

    11 ай бұрын

    At least Europe has no plastic tourist towns. Excerpt some entertainment Parks.

  • @Muiri144
    @Muiri144 Жыл бұрын

    I don't think there are any animals that could hurt you in the black forest so venturing off doesn't seem scary

  • @ysobel14517
    @ysobel145177 жыл бұрын

    Rick likes saying Titisee. :-)

  • @user-up8jx3mt6j
    @user-up8jx3mt6j Жыл бұрын

    The pastries in Germany are so rich that you'll not need to eat for a week.

  • @helmhamerhand733
    @helmhamerhand733Ай бұрын

    Thanks for the info, we will not be going to Titisee.

  • @darthdennis6681
    @darthdennis66814 жыл бұрын

    HE IS SOOOO STONED !!! ( Yes...Rick Steves is an avid pot head)

  • @princeicio
    @princeicio4 ай бұрын

    This looks like a pedestrian zone 1:00

  • @SacredTraveler
    @SacredTraveler8 сағат бұрын

    Yes, my tour is NOT going there 😂

  • @michaelnewell6385
    @michaelnewell63853 жыл бұрын

    What happened to ricks cameraman? Is he on strike? This looks like a do it yourself.

  • @coffeeseven
    @coffeeseven3 жыл бұрын

    Looks like the Wisconsin Dells.

  • @chuckwin100
    @chuckwin1007 жыл бұрын

    why would you drive a car in a pedestrian only zone?

  • @mhtinla

    @mhtinla

    7 жыл бұрын

    LOL because that's what American tourists do!!

  • @justincharlswick8848

    @justincharlswick8848

    7 жыл бұрын

    Excalibur. Rick Steves is aloud to drive anywhere he wants in europe. It is known

  • @jasonfrost2487

    @jasonfrost2487

    7 жыл бұрын

    It's clearly evident that this is not a "pedestrian only" part of the "tourist trap". BTW, why would it be considered a trap if huge throngs of tourists enjoy being here? It's beautiful!

  • @tube.brasil

    @tube.brasil

    7 жыл бұрын

    It's a matter of perspective...I couldn't care less for those green fields...just like Minas Gerais and so many other places here in Brazil. But the touristy German place I find curious and interesting. Of course, if you have seen it 53 times like Steves, it's another story.

  • @davidkrause4826
    @davidkrause4826 Жыл бұрын

    I'd like my swingline stapler back please...