Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf
Studied Political Science & Sociology at Ruhr University BochumGraduated 1999
Is the Black Forest in Germany as scary as the name implies?
It is not scary at all. In fact, it is lovely.
Actually, nobody knows why this mountain range is called “Black Forest”. The ancient Romans called it “Mons Abnobae”, after the Celtic goddess Abnoba (Diana in Latin). The word “Black Forest” (“svarzwald”, “silva nigra” in medieval Latin) appeared for the first time in a document from 868, and we have no clue why. (One theory says it was just a writing error, because the name was derived from the Latin word “Nicer” for the river Neckar.)
Over the centuries, the Black Forest changed its appearance several times. Originally, it was a dense forest of leafy trees (mainly beeches) and coniferes. Then, almost all the trees were cut in order to use the wood. After that, it was reforested with fast-growing firs which have a darker appearance. Today, the forest stewards let it grow naturally, so the leafy trees are becoming more rife.
Anyway, it is a region which is perfect for hiking and mountain-biking.
Most trails are wide as shown in the picture above. There is nothing dangerous in the woods, no aggressive animals and not poisonous plants. The only dangerous thing is the common tick (however, I have never got bitten in 50 years). And maybe a hangover after having a glass wine too much in the evening before.
EDIT:
Here an excerpt of Avienus, Rufius Festus: Descriptio Orbis Terrae from the 4th century:
A votive stela for goddes Diana Abnoba, still visible in Badenweiler:
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