For centuries, the rural area in the German southwest is characterised by a unique architecture: the "Black Forest house". A typical feature of this type of construction is the hip or crippled-hip roof that extends down at the sides. This protects the house from the heat of summer whilst keeping it warm in winter when the sun is lower. Another characteristic of a Black Forest house is the tiled stove in the living room. In the back of the house were the stables, where the animals help to warm the house in winter. These are no longer found today.
The most famous
Black Forest house
In the TV series "Die Schwarzwaldklinik" (the Black Forest Clinic), Prof. Dr. Brinkmann's Black Forest home is featured often. The house was built in 1912 as the summer residence of Helene Siegfried, a Berlin singer born in Lörrach, and has been a museum for the Waldshut district since the owner’s death in 1966. Today, the local history museum "Hüsli" shows the way of life and rural culture typical of the Black Forest.
The house of “Professor Brinkmann” can be visited today. – © Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH
Our recommendations
Architecture in the Black Forest
Learn about the history of the Black Forest and experience modern architecture at its best. Find the most exciting destination for you in our suggestions.
