Hotel Garni Kaiserstuhl

This was the best place we stayed in Southern Germany – so clean and comfortable (even a full length bath to luxuriate in!). Our host, Michaela, greeted us with a big smile and gave us hiking maps and free bus passes for the duration of our trip. When we hiked up through the vineyards above the town, the views of the Rhine Valley were breathtaking. Also, the din of bird sounds added a great soundtrack to our hike. We talked to a couple of birdwatchers who told us that the area is a paradise for bird lovers. We learned that the local vintners have constructed breeding huts to help repopulate the hoopoe bird (an endangered species). One suggestion I would make (and something I would do if we go there again) would be to take a bus to nearby Vogtsburg or Oberbergen and, from there, hike back to Ihringen through the vineyard hills and forests. That way, one could go much farther without backtracking. Also, I want to say that the food there was exceptional. Breakfast at the hotel was everything we could want, and our dinner at Heidi’s courtyard café was the best food we had in Germany (especially the spargel soup). Every day, busloads of Rhine River tourists pass through Ihringen on their way to a brief stop in Lake Titisee. I hope they keep doing that and don’t suddenly decide to stop in Ihringen. That would take away from the area’s local charm and authentic ambience. All in all, this was a fantastic leg of our vacation. Thank you again to our hosts, Michaela and Helmut, for making us feel so welcome.