2_0_DiscoverGermany_May2014_Issue14:Scan Magazine 1
9/4/14
20:29
Page 32
Discover Germany | Culture & Lifestyle | Holiday Highlights
Main image: The vineyards of Ihringen
A5
Rhein
Strasbourg 95 km
Appenweier B3 Offenburg
Ettenheim
Offenburg
nach Gutach Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof
Europapark Rust
B33 Richtung Villingen-Schwenningen
Teningen
Emmendingen
Endingen
Colmar Isenheimer Altar
KAISERSTUHL Freiburg Ihringen Nord
SCHWARZWALD
Breisach Freiburg Mitte B31 Freiburg Süd
Freiburg 21 km Kirchzarten B31
ELSASS Bergwildpark Steinwasen Ecomusée Ungersheim
Exploring the Kaiserstuhl
Dreieck Neuenburg
Mulhouse Automobilmuseum
Weil am Rhein Hüningen
It was not for nothing that the wordsmith Goethe described the Kaiserstuhl as a magnificent area. Home to superb wines, this idyllic paradise beckons on a trip to the Upper Rhine Valley.
B3
Basel Zoo 67 km
Basel City
Weil Vitra Design Museum
A5
SCHWEIZ
TEXT & PHOTOS: TOURIST INFO IHRINGEN/ENDINGEN | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE
Driving past the Black Forest and theVosges, those travelling south towards Switzerland will not fail to notice the gentle silhouette of the loess-covered volcanic hills, a stone’s throw from Freiburg im Breisgau in an area considered the warmest in Germany. Proclaiming how wonderful the wine is seems superfluous as once you have tried a glass of Kaiserstuhl wine, you’ll know exactly what we mean.The wines work their magic in the kitchen too, inspiring local chefs as the ideal accompaniment to regional specialities, and nature lends itself to a culinary journey: asparagus from the fertile loess ground, wild garlic, vineyard peaches, figs and mulberries. A colourful wealth of edible goodness strawberries, cherries and plums - gather together at the foot of the volcano, and wild herbs enrich any meal. Along with wine and great food, the region is renowned for its spectacular scenery. For lovers of nature, there is a fauna and flora in abundance, while Europe’s most colourful bird – the European bee-eater - can be seen
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hovering above. A host of rare and delightful creatures have chosen the Kaiserstuhl as their summer residence, including the elusive European green lizard, praying mantises and purple emperor butterflies. The pleasing presence of summer meadows, almond trees, wild orchids, cacti and vineyard herbs is a result of the temperate Mediterranean climate, and best discovered with a stroll along the quality-certified Kaiserstuhl hiking path, a winding journey to the highest point of the volcano (557m), known as the Totenkopf (Skull and Crossbones). Beginning in the romantic, wineproducing village of Endingen with its half-timbered baroque houses, the path weaves 20km to the winemakers’ village of Ihringen, Germany’s warmest place. Hiking paths take you past sites of loess erosion, small terraced vineyards, and reward you with well-de-
served panoramic views over the threecountry point. For cyclists, a ride around the Kaiserstuhl is recommended. Challenge yourself on a touring bike, or with ease on an E-Bike, there is a comprehensive rental system available. Neighbouring Alsace is easily explored by foot, and transport worries are non-existent with the Konus travel card, valid on local buses and trains. www.Ihringen.de www.endingen.de
Bottom, left: The view through the Torli Gate in Endingen. Photo: M.Hauser Bottom, right: The marketplace in Endingen