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
Whether it is tourist trap or whatever , this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen..
@WouldntULikeToKnow.
2 жыл бұрын
@@Mnicolette130 what?
@marthaperdew
Ай бұрын
Very beautiful!!
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
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
Жыл бұрын
I was wondering if I was the only one questioning that.
@jamesmcguire6706
8 ай бұрын
@prestin6798 you didn't notice the guide driving, safe to assume the car was marked.
It has a nice pedestrian only street...that we are driving through
@alifaras693
2 жыл бұрын
dang best comment since creation of covid19 era
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.
I love how blunt this is. So very true.
@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
7 жыл бұрын
I completely agree :)
@BT-pi1tk
7 жыл бұрын
rick is a wise dude
Titisee was a beautiful place 25 years ago. Now it is just a shopping spot with a lake view.
@Ginkoman2
5 жыл бұрын
even 15 years ago. i remember camping there.
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.
Rick, that was again a fantastic video of the best... Enjoy! Cheers
So peaceful and beautiful. Crowded country too!
Rick Steves, you are an inspiration to my life. One day I would like to give a proper thank you.
thank you Steve!! very helpful information about the tourist trap....
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
11 ай бұрын
How
This place looks like a dream to me, it's really magical
@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 ?
This is Rick Steve himself? You made my 10 months in Spain so much better for having your book, thank you sir!
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.
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
4 жыл бұрын
Kandern is the same town shown in the second part of the video?
@tanyaclark8131
3 жыл бұрын
@@arojy1 I don't recognize it as Kandern and I lived in Kandern for five years. Very similar though.
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
5 жыл бұрын
From which country u are ???
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.
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.
I wanna live there that town is adorable and clean and everyone seems nice and not dickish
@thetravellingjanitor728
7 жыл бұрын
John Higgins love it or leave it. I had to endure Obama.
@anne-marie3966
2 жыл бұрын
you must be American
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.
i enjoy the novelty of places like this
Every word you spoke was just so correct.
And you have to wonder if there is a topless beach around Titisee.
@jasonmelton9755
4 жыл бұрын
And is the water similar to the waters of Lake Titicaca!
@ninagall7500
4 жыл бұрын
@@jasonmelton9755 but do they have TP? Beavis wants to know.
@scottscottsdale7868
3 жыл бұрын
There is.
People with trekking poles on paved roads cracks me up
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).
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?
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.
Beautiful
I lived in Freiburg for 4 years and I miss it every single day ❤
Beautiful part of the world
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 .
i love that place!:)
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
4 жыл бұрын
Ja da ist es so viel schöner!
The Bob Ross of travel guides!
I must go here one day!
I love germany
Great honest video❤❤❤
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
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.
This town looks like a movie set. :)
@LLLLLLLLLucas
4 жыл бұрын
I think you've missed the point of the whole video.
@danmar007
4 жыл бұрын
@@LLLLLLLLLucas Okay, I'll play. What IS the point?
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?
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
10 ай бұрын
I was thinking the same thing, but you've really confirmed it living in Europe.
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
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
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.
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.
THANK you for mentioning this! Tourist traps are awful!
My dad took me in the 90s it was Amazing.
as a german it was pretty interesting to see Titisee.. ALL the germans stereotypes are present there...
Magnifique. J'ai toujours adoré Germany. Greetings from Algeria
For our foreign visitors: plan your trip ahead, avoid the crowds and check out gems like: die Halde; Hotel Sommerau or others :-)
I need to go there soon :)
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.
Rick Steves Thank you!
Exelente
Forgot the shaver Rick? Happy travels :).
Beautiful, but sad the forest deasapear for the fields. A long ago was a great big forest
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.
Wowwoooo bueatyful place
Any idea where is the place steve went with his guide? In the 2nd part of the clip?
@max.power89
4 жыл бұрын
That is not that far away from that tourist trap that you see!
what is the name of the town or the serene place in the video?
Wao❤️❤️❤️❤️
In that case, what's the best place to stay if you just want to hike in the forest?
So where were they in the second part of the clip?? Schraksford??
So where should one go then ? Where is the second clip ?
I live and work in Berlin. Where are those beautiful mountains I mean how I can get there in second part of video.
That was to quick and it was beautiful
He said where not to go… but where do we go? Need more info
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.
Even the top of the Mount Everest is a tourist trap.the amazon, deserts around the gulfstates, lot of atol islands.
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
2 жыл бұрын
So sinne se halt, de uusländer. Kumme von wit her und stolpere gliich in dr huffe touris…. .:-)
My family still lives here
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
Жыл бұрын
He's merely presenting an alternative. Calm down, Karen.
@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.
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.
Pedestrian Only? & your driving?
Has anyone else noticed how amazingly green this man's eyes are? Wow
I know I'm very late here but I was wondering how one goes about hiring a legit guide when traveling.
nice beard bro
That first part looks exactly like Interlaken.
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-
OMG it is the equivalency of Gatlinburg TN, USA
@fbabarbe430
11 ай бұрын
Gatlinburg is one big street for cars😂 and billboards.
Rick looking like Steve jobs lol
I would guess Rick has a personal gripe with the Titisee community.
I can't help but wonder if this is a personal gripe Rick Syeves has with this lovely community.
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...!
Where is the famous teutoburg forest of Germany?
@canuzzi
7 жыл бұрын
In the state Nordrheinwestfalen near the town Paderborn.
Me, who lives 10 mins away from Titisee 👀
You haven't seen New Zealand .....perhaps
@fbabarbe430
11 ай бұрын
Less culture.
Titisee ... a lot people, specialy tourists, are sheeps. You can see it worldwide.
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
11 ай бұрын
At least Europe has no plastic tourist towns. Excerpt some entertainment Parks.
I don't think there are any animals that could hurt you in the black forest so venturing off doesn't seem scary
Rick likes saying Titisee. :-)
The pastries in Germany are so rich that you'll not need to eat for a week.
Thanks for the info, we will not be going to Titisee.
HE IS SOOOO STONED !!! ( Yes...Rick Steves is an avid pot head)
This looks like a pedestrian zone 1:00
Yes, my tour is NOT going there 😂
What happened to ricks cameraman? Is he on strike? This looks like a do it yourself.
Looks like the Wisconsin Dells.
why would you drive a car in a pedestrian only zone?
@mhtinla
7 жыл бұрын
LOL because that's what American tourists do!!
@justincharlswick8848
7 жыл бұрын
Excalibur. Rick Steves is aloud to drive anywhere he wants in europe. It is known
@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
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.
I'd like my swingline stapler back please...