Region & Culture
As a contrast to the fantastic mountain scenery, there are a variety of options in the surrounding region and in the border triangle of Germany, Switzerland, and France. Below, we've selected just a small selection of possible excursions for your inspiration. Of course, there's much more to discover and experience...
Holzschneflermuseum Resenhof in Bernau: Farmers' everyday life from the past
Stepping over the threshold into the low-ceilinged living room of the Resenhof is like stepping into a bygone era. This single-roof farm in the Black Forest is over 200 years old, having been built in 1789 and preserved in its original condition. It was inhabited by farmer and woodworker Rese Hans until 1976, and has been the Black Forest Woodcarving Museum since 1977. Nowhere else in the Black Forest will you find the subject of "working with wood" presented so vividly in original workshops. Free admission is granted with the Bernau Inclusive Guest Card.
Hans Thoma Museum Bernau
In its more than 50 years of existence, the Hans Thoma Art Museum in Bernau has earned an excellent reputation far beyond the southern Black Forest. The extensive Hans Thoma exhibition contributes to this, providing an excellent insight into the painter's diverse oeuvre. From 1890 onward, Thoma (1839-1924) was Germany's most popular landscape and portrait painter for many years.
St. Blasien Cathedral
In the neighboring town of St. Blasien lies a truly special, sacred building. With the largest church dome north of the Alps, this church building, impressive in its simplicity and clarity, welcomes visitors and captivates with its perfect spatial harmony. Only St. Peter's Basilica and the Pantheon in Rome, as well as the cathedral in Florence, boast a somewhat larger dome. A visit to St. Blasius Cathedral should definitely be on any excursion itinerary.
Winterhalter Museum Menzenschwand
By the mid-19th century, Franz Xaver and Hermann Winterhalter were the most famous and popular princely painters at all European courts. They documented the European aristocracy in its entirety. Therefore, their work should be considered and preserved as a valuable pan-European cultural heritage. Le Petit Salon, furnished in the late Biedermeier style, is unique in the German and European museum landscape, as it is dedicated to these two painter brothers, who were associated throughout their lives. Le Petit Salon is located in Menzenschwand in the Black Forest, in the immediate vicinity of the brothers' birthplace, making it the most ideal location of all.
Baden State Brewery Rothaus
Brewery Tour: The Rothaus World of Adventures offers visitors many special features: The tour begins in the museum, the Zäpfle Heimat (home of the Zäpfle), continues along the Zäpfle Trail along the brewery to the Quellgeist (source spirit), and returns with a stop at the large adventure playground for fun and exercise. A climbing wall, obstacle course, and water play route provide variety. Finally, a 90-minute brewery tour offers exclusive insights behind the scenes of the brewery. The guided tour begins with an entertaining multimedia presentation, followed by a visit to the brewhouse, the lager cellar, and the bottling plant. Expert background information is provided on the craftsmanship of the master brewers and the technically sophisticated processes within the innovative facility. At the end of the tour, enjoy a Tannenzäpfle (a kind of beer) in the Zäpfle Bar. Space is limited, so we recommend registering early.
Freiburg im Breisgau
Freiburg im Breisgau, the university city in the Black Forest, is just under an hour's drive from Bernau and is known for its mild climate and its reconstructed medieval town center, crisscrossed by small streams. The Schlossberg recreation area is accessible from Freiburg via the Schlossbergbahn (railway). In the old town, the 116-meter-high tower of the Gothic Freiburg Minster towers over Münsterplatz. The city is a great place for a stroll. With the KONUS card, you can travel free of charge by bus and train from Bernau via Schluchsee to Freiburg and back.
Basel on the Rhine
The city on the Rhine boasts a wide variety of cultural offerings. Over 40 museums alone await your visit. Amidst many historic buildings, you'll find countless shops to browse. Modern architecture alternates with medieval buildings. The best way to explore Basel's Old Town is on foot.
Strasbourg in Alsace
Strasbourg in Alsace is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – not least because of its landmark, the famous Strasbourg Cathedral, which celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 2015! The Cathedral Square in front of it is considered one of the most beautiful market squares in Europe, not least because of the numerous picturesque half-timbered houses, some of which are four or five stories high. A highlight of the Cathedral Square is certainly the famous, richly decorated Kammerzell House. The entire city center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its diverse architecture.
Flower Island of Mainau in Lake Constance
Mainau Island in Lake Constance is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. Spring begins with around a million tulips and other spring flowers, hundreds of rhododendrons and fragrant roses sweeten the summer, over 11,000 colorful dahlias make autumn unforgettable, and in the colder months, the flower island transforms into a magical winter garden. This popular destination invites visitors year-round to forget the hectic pace of everyday life and consciously enjoy the beauty of nature.
Rhine Falls Schaffhausen
At 23 meters high and 150 meters wide, the Rhine Falls are one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Located just a few kilometers from Lake Constance, the Rhine Falls are one of the region's major attractions. Located west of the Untersee in Switzerland, they attract numerous travelers who enjoy fascinating views of the water cascading between the rocks from several platforms. Another vantage point is Wörth Castle, located on an island in the Rhine. Don't miss the impressive natural phenomenon of the Rhine Falls when you vacation with us.
Steinwasenpark
Steinwasen Park is a good 30 kilometers from Bernau. It's 218 meters long, 30 meters above the pine treetops: The adventure rope bridge in Steinwasen Family Park is one of the longest in Germany. Also popular are the summer toboggan run and the spectacular water ride in the River Splash. With 15 attractions amidst Black Forest firs, Steinwasen Park is a wonderful family destination.
Europa-Park
Europa-Park Rust is a must. This famous leisure and theme park is the most visited amusement park in German-speaking countries, with around 5.6 million visitors in 2017. According to the 2014 AECOM Theme Index, Europa-Park is among the 25 most visited amusement parks in the world, and after Disneyland Paris, it is the second most visited amusement park in Europe, as well as the most visited seasonal amusement park in the world. In September 2018, the "Golden Ticket Award" jury of the US magazine "Amusement Today" voted Europa-Park the best amusement park in the world for the fifth time in a row. Spanning a total area of approximately 950,000 m², it offers over 100 rides and several shows in 18 themed areas.
Bernauer Inclusive Guest Card
With the Bernauer Inclusive Guest Card, you get many activities free of charge for stays of just two nights. You can find details about the Bernauer Inclusive Guest Card by clicking on the link below.
Inclusive guest card
Personal advice
Feel free to inquire about possible outdoor activities upon arrival. We're happy to provide tips and recommendations to ensure your stay with us is an active experience.
