Group Tour Operator and DMC for the Black Forest, Germany
Black Forest Chrysanthemums – Highly recommended!
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Chrysanthemum Festival in Lahr, Germany
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Chrysanthemum Festival in Lahr, Germany
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Show round by a Guide at Chrysanthemum Festival in Lahr, Germany
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Gengenbach
The Chrysanthemum Festival in Lahr: a vibrant display of autumnal shades in the heart of the Black Forest.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn with a festival of intense oranges, yellows and reds! Decorated with more than 10,000 chrysanthemum, worked into fascinating and creative arrangements, the picturesque German village becomes a vibrant sea of colour.
Established in 1997, the annual Chrysanthemum Festival in Lahr is continually growing in popularity. Discover the pretty historic village and marvel at the thousands of blooms and beautiful flower arrangements decorating houses, cars and flowerbeds alike. See beautiful flower archways and huge structures on floats. During the festival, there is also a programme of events running in the town which you could stop to enjoy. The event normally takes place for 2 weeks at the end of October/early November each year.
Additionally, experience more of the beautiful Black Forest region! Discover its spruce and fir covered mountains, gentle valleys and spectacular gorges carved by the River Rhine. Also see waterfalls, timber farmhouses, extravagant traditional costumes, hot spas and cuckoo clocks.
Dates
End October / Early November 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart UK
Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais. Continue through France, stopping for an overnight stay in the Lille area. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to the Black Forest
We will depart after breakfast, driving through France and over the border into Germany and on to our hotel in Gengenbach for the next 4 nights.
Day 3
At leisure in Gengenbach
A free day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or take a short walk into the town. Gengenbach is a charming town steeped in history, where you can experience the best of German culture, nature and cuisine. Explore the Old Town, where you can admire the colourful half-timbered houses, the medieval abbey and the largest Advent calendar in the world.
Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 4
Colourful Chrysanthemums
Travel to the picturesque village of Lahr, in the heart of the Black Forest for their annual Chrysanthemum Festival. Meet up with a local and experienced guide for an unforgettable walking tour to discover the historic centre and see the thousands of chrysanthemum arrangements that show off Autumn’s colours to their finest and which are also atmospherically illuminated in the evening hours. See the intricate arrangements on cars adorned artistically with flowers. Local houses are also decorated with original and rich cascades of flowers. What’s more, a varied cultural and musical programme is on offer in Lahr’s Marktplatz.
Return to the hotel for dinner, with unforgettable memories of a colourful day!
(Note: Max 25 persons per group for guided tour which must be booked in advance)
Day 5
Baden-Baden, Mummelsee and Freudenstadt
Our excursion today first takes us to the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden also known as the ‘Rose Capital’ of the Black Forest and renowned for its thermal baths, parks and gardens. It was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. There will be some free time to explore the town, take a stroll along the impressive frontage of the Trinkhalle Pump Room with its Corinthian pillars and striking murals. Maybe take a 5 minute ride on the Merkur Funicular Railway, built in 1913 and the longest in Germany which offers great views from the summit. An alternative way of discovering the town is by horse and carriage.
From here we will drive to picturesque Mummelsee, a large lake situated along the Black Forest High Road (Hochstrasse). It’s name comes from white water lilies called “Mummeln” and as a result of its unusual location and the primeval vegetation which surrounds it, there are many tales and legends featuring water nymphs and an underwater king who grew up here.
We will continue to Freudenstadt which has the biggest market square in Germany with striking historical structures, pretty buildings, beautiful arcades known as the Bögele, and small boutiques. Markets are usually held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 6
Depart the Black Forest
It’s time to leave, making the return journey into France where we will stop overnight in the Lille area. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 7
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast heading north to the port of Calais and take the short sea crossing back to the UK, and home.
Optional extra day or Excursion
Black Forest Open Air Museum, Lake Titisee Cruise and Black Forest Gateau!
Make the scenic journey towards Gutach, stopping at the Black Forest Open Air Museum. Here you can see historic farms and experience how people lived and worked in the Black Forest up to 600 years ago! In addition, there are around 15 outbuildings – such as mills, saws and storage facilities – cottage gardens, a herb garden and numerous animals of old breeds.
From here we will head to the picturesque Lake Titisee which is located in the heart of the southern Black Forest, a region known as the Hochscharzwald (the ‘High Black Forest’). The lake is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest. Here, you can wander along the lakeside promenade and stroll around the small village which offers plenty of shops selling souvenirs and local specialities together with many cafes and restaurants where you can get some lunch. We can include a relaxing round-trip cruise on the lake to enjoy the scenery followed by some traditional Black Forest Gâteau and coffee in a local cafe.
Suggested Hotel – Inspected by Greatdays Staff in 2024
Schwarzwald Hotel, Gengenbach ****
A stunning hotel with a beautifully landscaped courtyard with a small stream and a relaxing spa area. Set opposite Gengenbach’s historic centre, this 4-star hotel on the banks of the river Kinzig offers cosily furnished rooms, a restaurant, bar and patio. Discover Gegenbach’s romantic old town in a pleasant 8-minute walk from the hotel.
Schwarzwald Hotel, Gengenbach ****
| Departure date | 7 days / 6 nights |
| October – November 2025 | From £789.00 per person |
Single supplement price on request
