Dom St Blasius is a church of the former Benedictine monastery of St. Blaise Abbey located in the village of St. Blasien in Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg. After being burnt down in 1768. it was rebuilt by renowned architect Pierre Michel d'Ixnard as a Baroque round church. With a majestic dome 46 meters (150 feet) across and 63 meters (206 feet) high, it was the third-largest in Europe during the reign of Prince-Abbot Martin Gerbert in 1781. In 1974, the church was heavily damaged in a fire and was finally restored to its former glory in 1980.
The Feldberg is one of the highest mountain peaks in Germany. It stands at a height of 1493 meters (4898 feet) and has a municipality named after it. The large mountain is a popular spot amongst the adventure-seekers and offers a variety of sports activities like hiking, skiing and more. Besides, the mountain houses a nature reserve and has a rich flora and fauna collection.
Built in the middle of a lake, the charming and historic castle of Bottmingen offers customers a beautiful and romantic experience unlike any other. Dating back to the 14th Century, this Swiss mansion has been carefully preserved and elegantly renovated in the past few years with the opening of a fine dining restaurant, a wedding venue and lovely terrace gardens. Famous for its sumptuous French cuisine, the castle's restaurant offers a prix fixe menu along with a normal one, with dishes such as the Vivers lamb, Chateaubriand, Marinated Loch Fyne salmon, Porcini flan with parsley and the lip-smacking desserts sure to leave your taste buds in amazement and wonder. It also an excellent location for functions such as weddings, parties, corporate dinners and other events with lavishly decorated rooms seating 8 to 300 guests and an attentive, courteous service by the friendly staff. It is especially worth visiting during Christmas when the castle is lit up with stunning decorations.
Found at an elevation of 1,414 meters (4,639 feet), Belchen or Black Forest Belchen as it is also referred to as is regarded as one of the highest summits in the Black Forest. The unique feature of the summit here is that it brings together three different municipalities named, Kleines Wiesental, Schönenberg and Münstertal. Also, in 1949, Belchen was declared a nature reserve thanks to the wide range of flora and fauna found here. Pay a visit to Belchen to marvel at the spectacular view of Mont Blanc in the French Alps.
Steinwasen Park is a prominent amusement park in the Black Forest region and this mountainside attraction has various rides, a museum, as well as a small zoo, ideal for families. The pricing is decent and the park also offers several dining options. Another unique features is a suspension bridge which spans above the park and is considered the largest of its kind in the world.
With a focus on furniture and interiors, the Vitra Design Museum showcases the works of such iconic designers as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alvar Aalto. The delightfully asymmetrical museum building, designed by Frank Gehry, is a sight to behold.
The Catholic Antoniuskirche is one of the earliest examples of a church made of concrete. Built in 1925-1927, this church was designed by Karl Moser with his passion for novelty, which he displayed well into his 70's. The church is obviously influenced by industrial buildings. The bright interior can be compared with an aircraft hangar. Most of the building is at the smae height as those surrounding it, only the 70 meter tall north tower provides a view.
Literature is alive; it doesn't need a museum, but a place for authors and readers to meet. The Christoph Merian Foundation and and a group of supporters have set up just such a place: Literaturhaus Basel. Lectures, meetings with authors, exhibitions and much more are all part of the plans here. The building also acts as a home and workplace for the author in residence who changes every few months. A small library where books can be exchanged, has also been created. There are many strong points, not to mention the in-house journal, which is run by nine young people.
Being one of the biggest cultural hubs of Switzerland, Basel has various venues to offer where you can get a glimpse of the artistic talents of the city. One such venue is the Bischofshof Münstersaal, where various events take place. The main programs organized here are musical be it a rock concert or an orchestra playing the 9th Symphony. A great place to be when you are in need for something different.
Schänzli is a fascinating venue where mainly equestrian events take place. Other than horse riding, there are various other sporting events that take place here too, thus, making the Schänzli one of the most versatile sporting venues in Basel. The venue with a comfortable seating arrangement is packed to its capacity during regular event days, so if you are keen on watching some action on this distinguished ground, make sure you buy your tickets in advance. For further details on up coming events, do check their website.
Stadtkirche St. Martin is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the old town of Rheinfelden. The church dates back to the early 11th Century and is designed in Baroque style, coupled with strong Gothic influences. Over the centuries, the main building has undergone several changes, with a high altar and a large choir being erected later. Stadtkirche St. Martin caters to a small but beautiful parish; prayer services, community programs and choir events keep the church busy. It also doubles up as a wonderful space for music concerts and live performances. Call church parish for more information.
The Wanderwege Beider Basel is a company that organizes trails and hikes in Basel, since Basel has various trails that lead you to glorious destinations. They provide hikes and nature walks catering to professionals as well as beginners. The company not only guides you to various unexplored spots but also makes you aware of nature and environment conservation. For further details, do visit their website.