Black Forest is a mountain district in southwestern Germany, covered with forests of dark fir and spruce trees. The German name of the region is Schwarzwald, which means black forest. The northern part consists of a sandstone plateau. Granite mountains cover the southern part. The highest peak is Feldberg (4,900 feet, or 1,490 meters). The Rhine River flows for almost 100 miles (160 kilometers) past the western edge of the forest. The Danube River rises in the region.
The region is noted for its mineral springs. Many health resorts, including the famous city of Baden-Baden, are located near these springs. The forests yield much lumber. New trees are planted to replace those that are cut. Granite quarries are located in the south part of the Black Forest.
The people of the Black Forest manufacture toys, cuckoo clocks, radios, and musical instruments. They have kept many old customs and traditions. The Black Forest is the scene of many ancient German legends and fairy tales. A part of Mark Twain’s book A Tramp Abroad describes the Black Forest.
