Explore the awe-inspiring Black Forest in a Mercedes V-Class

DAY 1 – Munich and Heidelberg

If you are looking for a fabulous family trip, the Black Forest offers stunning scenic routes steeped in history and culture. It is a landscape of verdant forests and picture-perfect valleys nestling amongst towering mountains.

Once you have arrived at Munich Airport, collect your Mercedes V-Class rental and settle the family in for a drive to the city to explore. The dynamic V Class MPV offers ample space for luggage and interior seating that can be customised to suit your needs. The kids will be comfortable and totally enthralled with the state-of-the-art infotainment systems.

Your first stop is breakfast at Tresznjewski located in the heart of Maxvorstadt, near to the famous museums of Alte, Neue and Pinakothek der Moderne. Try the traditional Bavarian Weisswurst sausage breakfast with pretzels, it is delicious.

Art lovers must take the opportunity to explore the Pinakothek der Moderne, which is close by. Wander around and be awed by the amazing exhibitions. The Pinakothek der Moderne features 20th century paintings, modern art, design and architecture sections.

Then drive to explore some of the famous sights. The Schloss Nymphenburg and the Schloss Schleissheim are both wonderful examples of Baroque architecture. Visit the famous Statue of the Bavaria, a 20m high work of art, standing on the west border of Theresienwiese next to the Hall of Fame.

Now it is time for you to enjoy the German Autobahn experience: take the A8 and head north west to Heidelberg. This scenic trip takes about 3 1/2 hours and passes through Stuttgart. When you arrive in Heidelberg, head to the famous Marktplatz and find an outdoor café to enjoy some coffee and cake. Lunch must be at the lovely Bergsee-Restaurant overlooking the Lake. Order the freshly cooked Black Forest trout followed by coffee and a platter of assorted local cheeses.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Lake to see the awe-inspiring views of the town from the water. Then drive to Gutach im Schwarzwald, about 50 km away to see an authentic working cheese farm. Take a fascinating tour and learn all about the famous cheese made here.

Head back to Freiburg to the comfortable Hotel am Obermarkt, located in a beautiful 15th century building. Enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning before driving back to Munich airport for your flight home. Drive your Mercedes V-Class to the Ritter Hotel, located in the oldest building in Heidelberg, dating back to 1592. You will spend the night here.

DAY 2 – Heidelberg and Freudenstadt

After breakfast, set off to explore Heidelberg. You can get a thrill riding the famous cable car. At 1.5km long, it is the longest cable car route in Germany. Climb off at the Station Königstuhl at the top, 550m above sea level for astounding views. Make sure you have a warm sweater, it can get cold up there. Next stop is a visit to the iconic Heidelberg Castle, a  beautiful Renaissance structure of red sandstone towering over the Neckar valley.

Stroll around the historic Old City and soak up the ambience. Stop for lunch at the Heidelberg Suites Restaurantschiff Patria, located on board a 1930’s riverboat. The setting is idyllic with views of the high-sloping banks with the city of Heidelberg rising to meet the castle at the top.

After lunch, set off on a 1 hour scenic trip on the A5 south to Baden Baden in the heart of the Black Forest. This lovely spa town is known for its healing thermal baths. Visit Friedrichsbad, a beautiful temple with a central ornate bathing pool, surrounded by statues and decorated with hand made tiles.

Continue along the high route through the Black Forest, one of the most scenic routes in all of Germany, until you reach Freudenstadt. You will be treated to most astounding views of the Rhine valley, the Vosges Mountains and Mummel Lake.

Drive to the fascinating Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum for an overview of the history and culture of the Black Forest. It offers a traditional farmhouse dating back to 1612 and a host of fascinating exhibitions. You can learn all about the life of the Black Forest carpenters and craftsmen through interactive displays.

Next is a stop at a café to sample the famous Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, Black Forest Gateau, the region’s famous chocolate and cherry cake. Spend the night at the Hotel Langenwaldsee.

DAY 3 – Freiburg and Titisee-Neustadt

In the morning, drive along the A5 and enjoy a relaxed and scenic trip south to Freiburg, a journey of about an hour, through the stunning Black Forest. Stop to snap some photos of the beautiful Church Tower.

From Freiburg, head east on the B31 to the picture-postcard town of Titisee-Neustadt, situated on Lake Titisee. This region is world famous for its cuckoo clocks. Join a guided tour to learn how these historic clocks are made. Each clock has a unique story and is handcrafted in the age-old tradition, passed down through the generations.

Lunch must be at the lovely Bergsee-Restaurant overlooking the Lake. Order the freshly cooked Black Forest trout followed by coffee and a platter of assorted local cheeses.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Lake to see the awe-inspiring views of the town from the water. Then drive to Gutach im Schwarzwald, about 50 km away to see an authentic working cheese farm. Take a fascinating tour and learn all about the famous cheese made here. Head back to Freiburg to the comfortable Hotel am Obermarkt, located in a beautiful 15th century building. Enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning before driving back to Munich airport for your flight home.