This was the central point of the Conrath development plan, named Conrath after the architect that conceived it, that planned the development of the town from 1870. The victorious German Empire wanted to create a new part of town based on the Haussmann Parisian model with long, wide avenues and monumental buildings. The Place de la République, formerly Place de l'Empereur, is the starting point for the Avenue de la Paix, the Avenue de la Liberté, which leads to the university also built by the Germans, and the old town via the Place Broglie. The square was also conceived as being the central point for several different thing. These were central power because of the Palais Du Rhin, the former Imperial Palace; regional power, because of amongst others the Landtag of Alsace-Lorraine, the former parliamentary assembly that today houses the National Theatre; and German culture, because of the library. These five massive buildings mark out the German presence in the countryside of Strasbourg. In the centre of the square there is a garden, which is full of flowers even in autumn and is home to a statue by Drivier, who was a colleague of Rodin. This sculpture was erected in 1936 in honour of those soldiers who died in World War One.
This is one the largest buildings in the Petite France quarter. It was built at the end of the 17th century by Tarade, but designed by Vauban. This building towers over the Ill river, with its pillars plunging into the river. At that time, the 'large lock' was used to complete the defence system of the covered bridges, making it possible to flood the region and to block possible assailants at the same time. Today, it is possible to climb up and admire the astonishing view from the terrace, through the telescopes and viewpoint indicators. The view overlooks the covered bridges opposite, the old quarter and the cathedral. Admission free.
A route between the towns of Hundseck and Untersmatt was constructed in 1930, which came to be known as Schwarzwaldhochstrasse. It was extended in 1952 to the cities of Baden-Baden in the north and Freudenstadt to the south to provide an easy access to hotels and scenic spots on the high altitude Black Forest mountains. The 60 kilometer (37 miles) stretch of the road provides a great opportunity for nature trails and winter sports at an altitude that ranges from 700 to 1100 meters (2296 to 3609 feet).
Located in the town of Oppenau and the Black Forest of Germany, All Saints' Abbey (Kloster Allerheiligen) is a Premonstratensian abbey that has an unusual structure with large brick walls standing just above the main façade. The building, which is constructed out of brown bricks, was established in the 11th century and was promoted to the ranks of an abbey in 1657. Destroyed by several fires, the building was demolished and its stones were used for reconstruction purposes in the nearby town. However, as tourism expanded, it was remade and rebuilt to its current form.
Standing on the high moors of Hornisgrinde, the 20th-century observation tower makes for a striking picture. The tower's origins date back to 1909, when Achern's Grand Ducal District Office commissioned the construction of the project. By 1910, the tower was completed, and it served as a popular landmark in the region until World War II. During the war, it was taken over and used for military purposes, thus relegating it to functional use well until 1999. Continued efforts to refurbish Seebach's forest landscape resulted in the tower's restoration, and it opened to the public once again as a glorious observatory spot, affording stellar alpine vistas and views of the moor landscape.
Tucked away in the arms of nature, Benz Muhle is a historic mill with an overshot wheel from the 1800s. This beautiful attraction beckons nature lovers looking for a rustic farm experience in the Black Forest. This popular excursion offers the opportunity to explore the picturesque farm, which includes a playground, a magical biotope and a rustic garden. Known to serve delightful wood-fired bread, local schnapps and beer, Benz Muhle also offers its premises for private events.
The neo-classical building which houses la bibliothèque nationale universitaire (B.N.U) - National University Library - is one of five very large structures on the place de la République built by the Germans after the defeat of 1870. They wanted to make Strasbourg a symbol of the power and culture of the Reich; they constructed a number of grandiose buildings, whilst implementing cultural policy in Alsace-Lorraine. The current library was created between 1889 and 1894. This followed the destruction of the municipal library in the bombardments during the siege on the town in 1870. It was immediately very well-equipped by the Empire. Today it is the second best library in France, holding more than 3 million manuscripts on 55 kilometres of shelves. It is practically exhaustive on such subjects as Alsace, Germanic and religious culture.
Gengenbach Winzer lies at the entrance of a picturesque valley and has been a Gengenbach tradition for over five decades. However, the site of the liquor store has historically been a vineyard, with records showing that the early Benedictines had vine farms dating back to over a thousand years. Plentiful sunshine, shaded areas and a favorable climate create ideal conditions for some of the finest wines of the region. Some of its popular products include Riesling, Chardonnay and Regent, among others. The wine store also remains a thriving venue for live-in concerts and other events.
Château de Herrenstein was formerly a medieval castle tucked away in the very heart of the idyllic, rolling countryside of Neuwiller-lès-Saverne in France. The defense structure was constructed circa 11th century, and was subjected to several renovations and improvements ever since. It also successively fell into the possession of several counts, bishops and aristocrats. It suffered from significant damage in 1676, when it was ravaged by troops. At present, it is in a state of decrepitude. However, the château remains a place of historical significance. An absolute must-visit!
Found right in the heart of Zell am Harmersbach, Storchenturm-Museum is a popular museum that boasts of a large and diverse collection. The wide range of exhibits here includes pieces from the ceramics and porcelain industry and several other objects. Moreover, the museum has attracted visitors from all over Germany thanks to its artifacts that were acquired over a long period of time.
Established in 1557, Domaine Albert Seltz has always been in the hands of the Seltz family- a family with a linage of wine grape growing. After he took on the reins from his father, Albert Seltz changed the wine estate's ways, from how the vineyard grapes were nurtured to their processing and production. Sustainability is the only theme at his winery. Keeping in tune with the natural ways has only added more taste to the bottles that leave the winery's premises.
Tucked away on an elevated hill above the quaint town of Bühl, Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe presents a stunning visage, its sumptuous exterior evoking a vivid image of the structure's past as a thriving luxury hotel. Dating from the early 1900s, this landmark structure overlooks the verdant surrounds of the Black Forest from its lofty perch and serves as a prominent cultural landmark in the area. The former hotel stands frozen in time, having retained many of its distinctive features, and much of its designs bear allusions to the neo-baroque style of architecture. Several accompanying historical elements attest to its architectural splendor, establishing Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe as a timeless remnant of history and grandeur.