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In southern Baden, between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, lies Germany's sunniest vacation region: the Kaiserstuhl, the volcanic low mountain range in the Upper Rhine plain, attracts cyclists, hikers and wine lovers in particular - and yet it almost remained just a royal chair.

By train to Breisach am Rhein: Plan arrival

The names alone put you in the mood: Amolterer Heide, Dachslöcher Buck, Schneckenberg and Oberbergener Scheibenbuck. But it is not only its 17 designated nature reserves that have made the small low mountain range of volcanic origin in southern Baden such a popular vacation destination.

Imperial weather at the Kaiserstuhl

The climate also plays a decisive role, because the Kaiserstuhl region is one of the warmest and sunniest corners in all of Germany. The tendency towards better weather is certainly also the reason why the region is so popular with cyclists. If you pedal a little, you can make it around the small low mountain range as well as the neighboring Tuniberg on the Kaiserstuhl bike trail in a single day. If, on the other hand, you prefer to keep both feet on the ground and go hiking, you can get active on almost natural hiking trails. In addition to eight different themed trails with a total length of 140 kilometers, since 2010 you can also hike on the Kaiserstuhl Trail between Endingen and Ihringen: 21.7 kilometers of pure idyll.

As with all pleasures in the fresh air, the right balance of physical exertion and culinary rest is important in the Kaiserstuhl region. Here in southern Baden, one of the highlights of the day is to visit one or two hospitable wine cooperatives along the way after a hike. It's best to refresh thoroughly with water first before setting about tasting fine Rieslings, Pinot Blancs and Pinot Gris.

This is how the Königsstuhl became the Kaiserstuhl

Finally, there is only one thing left to clarify: How did the Kaiserstuhl actually get its name? Local historians claim that it has to do with King Otto III. He held a court day near Sasbach on December 22, 994, whereupon the entire mountain range was christened the Königsstuhl. A few years later, King Otto became emperor - and the region was promoted at the same time.
You can find more about wine growing in the region here: Wine, architecture and design in Baden-Württemberg

By the way, you can find tips on how to travel comfortably and inexpensively on long-distance and local trains with Deutsche Bahn here.

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