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Ben's Bauernhof

2017

Just returned from a very pleasant three week solo trip to the Schwarzwald. Trip over and back via Lufthansa very smooth and unremarkable - very good meals. Security and passport controls much improved this year and less time consuming with easy to use kiosks and baggage check-ins. Easy access to airport bahnhof and on the way south quickly. One hour delay with a mechanical problem and troublesome exchange between Rastatt and Baden-Baden by bus. This detour was cleaned up by the time I returned north three weeks later. I was at my first farm by early afternoon. First three days at "Brujosenhof" near Oberkirch where I took most of my meals. Train stop at Oppenau-Ibach easy walk from farm. Large apartment for just me and the non-English speaking hosts very accommodating. Visited most of the bigger villages along that train line - Apple fest and large flea market kept me busy.

Second week was excellent at a farm 5 minute walk from Himmelreich bahnhof. Excellent restaurant another 5 minutes where I took most of my meals. Most early mornings found me training into Freiburg (18 min) for breakfast and coffee at the large bahnhof there. Walked most larger villages along that train line including Kirchzarten, Hinterzarten, Titisee, and Schluchsee. Met friend for dinner in Titisee one afternoon. The "Erlenhof" is a large horse farm 17 minutes west of Titisee. Spent one day exploring Bad Säckingen (2 hr train ride). Walked a landmark route to many of the highlight sights including a walk across the Holzbrücke into Switzerland.

Last farm was the "Schönerhof" in Steinach 10 min walk from train stop. Large apartment and very friendly hosts some who spoke excellent English. Campingplatz just around the corner with nice little restaurant where I took many meals. Nice trips to Wolfach, Schiltach, Gutach, Gengenbach, Zell am Hammerbach, Offenburg and the Trachtenmuseum in Haslach.

Straight run from Steinach to Mainz for last night at Ibis hotel short walk from the Römisches Theater bahnhof. Easy walk to the Altstadt and early trains to the airport. Nice on time flight to DFW.

Many of the farmers throughout Europe have guest rooms (Zimmer Frei - Privatzimmer) and Ferienwohnungen (apartments) to rent and usually at very reasonable rates (slightly more than camping but less than or equal to pension or small hotel).

Big or little, with animals or mainly crops, these Bauernhöfe are almost always a fun experience. If interested - many farmers will allow you to participate in or observe daily work routines. When was the last time you milked a cow?

For me there is something special about waking up early to grazing cows below my flower laden balcony as I enjoy a cup of strong German coffee and breathe the crisp country air.

Farms with Ferienwohnung or Ferienhhaus (apartments or a separate guest house) sometimes only take boarders for a week or several days at a time but many have rooms available for the overnighters.

For the slight inconvenience of having to use a toilet and shower/bath usually just outside your room - you can sometimes cut your budget even more.

Many of the farms also allow camping on the property so if you enjoy pitching a tent - that would be another low-budget possibility.

Breakfast rooms come in all sizes and shapes and the Frühstück much of the time consists of the farm's own produce. Normally - a very substantial meal at the Bauernhöfe.

If you are traveling to any of the following regions and would like to view some farm possibilities in that area - just click on the links below -