ETC Posts

Germany - Black Forest - Sightseeing
The Black Forest Cake
Origin and ingredients

Black Forest gâteau or Black Forest cake is a chocolate sponge cake with a rich cherry filling based on the German dessert Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, literally "Black Forest Cherry-torte". Typically, Black Forest gateau consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake sandwiched with whipped cream and cherries. It is decorated with additional whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings. In some European traditions, sour cherries are used both between the layers and for decorating the top.Traditionally, kirschwasser, a clear spirit made from sour cherries, is added to the cake. German law mandates that any dessert labeled Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte must have kirschwasser.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte was first mentioned in writing in 1934. The dessert is not directly named after the Black Forest mountain range Read more...

Germany - Black Forest - Leisure
The largest theme park in Germany
Europa-Park

Europa-Park is the largest theme park in Germany, and the second most popular theme park in Europe, after Disneyland Paris. The park is home to 13 roller coasters, the oldest, which opened in 1984, is the Alpenexpress Enzian, which is a powered coaster that speeds through a diamond mine. Europa-Park has very high capacity roller coasters and attractions, meaning the park can accommodate approximately 60,000 guests per day.

Europa-Park is run by the Mack family, which has produced vehicles since 1780, circus wagons since 1880, and roller coasters since Read more...

Germany - Black Forest - Leisure
The new way of surfing
The longboard

A longboard is a type of skateboard. It is often longer than a conventional skateboard and has a wide variety of shapes. It tends to be faster because of wheel size, construction materials and more precise hardware. Longboards are commonly used for cruising, traveling and downhill racing, known as longboarding. Longboard 'dancing' and 'freestyle' are also becoming more popular styles, in which the rider uses skateboard-like motions and steps up and down the board, generally in a fluid manner. The first longboards were made by Preston Nichols in the 1940s and 50s as an alternative to surfing when the waves were too dull.

The "classic" purpose of longboards is for riding at a casual pace as a means of transportation. The focus is on Read more...

Germany - Black Forest - Sightseeing
The setting of the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales
The Black Forest

As deep, dark and delicious as its famous cherry gateau, the Black Forest gets its name from its canopy of evergreens. With deeply carved valleys, thick woodlands, luscious meadows, stout timber farmhouses and wispy waterfalls, it looks freshly minted for a kids' bedtime story. Wandering on its many miles of forest trails, you half expect to bump into a wicked witch or huntsman, and might kick yourself for not bringing those breadcrumbs to retrace your track.

Measuring 160km from top to bottom, the Black Forest is a ludicrously lovely expanse of hills, lakes and forest, topping out Read more...