Glottertal

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Germany’s Black Forest, the Glottertal Valley stretches from the lowlands near Freiburg to the peak of the Kandel mountain. The Glottertal first appeared in historical records in 1112, mentioned in a property description of St. Peter’s Monastery. For centuries, the Counts of Freiburg, followed by the Schwarzenbergs, held sway over this picturesque valley. From 1567 to 1805, Glottertal fell under the rule of Further Austria, a part of the vast Habsburg domains. Then, after the Napoleonic Wars reshaped Europe’s map, Glottertal became part of the Grand Duchy of Baden. In more recent times, in 1970, the four independent villages of Unterglottertal, Oberglottertal, Ohrensbach, and Föhrental united to form the modern municipality of Glottertal. The Glottertal isn’t just a place of scenic beauty. It also boasts a rich history of viticulture. The earliest documented evidence of winemaking here dates back to around 1580. Wine production reached its peak in the latter half of the 19th century, with vineyards covering not just the Eichberg and Schlossberg, but also the land of nearly every farmer. Incredibly, there was even a vineyard at the Wuspenhof, situated at an altitude of 720 meters above sea level, a remarkable feat in Germany. Sadly, this golden age ended abruptly with the arrival of devastating diseases and pests like peronospora, oidium, and phylloxera. Today, the Glottertal vineyards cover about 58 hectares, still some of the steepest and highest in Germany. The slopes, with inclines of up to 70 degrees, while perfect for catching the sun’s rays, make mechanized work nearly impossible. As a result, around 90% of the work in the Glottertal vineyards is still done by hand. The Glottertal also played a starring role in German television history. The Carlsbau building, situated in this valley, served as the exterior filming location for the popular 1980s TV series “Die Schwarzwaldklinik” (The Black Forest Clinic). While the interior scenes were shot in Hamburg, the Carlsbau’s image became inextricably linked with the show, drawing fans to the Glottertal. Originally a spa clinic, the Carlsbau stood empty for a decade before reopening as a psychosomatic acute clinic in 2014. Today, Glottertal continues to thrive, attracting tourists with its beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and delicious cuisine. It’s a place where history, nature, and culture blend seamlessly, offering a unique experience for every visitor.