Tradition: Black Forest houses and local trade in the Black Forest
Black Forest houses
Mighty Black Forest farm houses shape the landscape. The hipped end roof, with large overhang stretches almost to the ground on the weather side. The opening for the harvests, with the stalls underneath is on the mountain side. The living space with a traditional cockle stove is in the front. The whole building can be heated with this stove, and the ham under the roof can be smoked at the same time…
As the winters were long and snow was common everything was integrated under one roof. The spring water was run directly into the entrance to the well, into the house. The living trout in the watering trough was a sign for the good water quality. The shingle wall covering made from untreated(!) wood lasts around 80 years and provides good insulation. Cosy chats around the cockle stove - a true experience!
Local trade
Shingle maker was one of the typical professions which encompassed everything to do with wood. Exterior walls and roofs of Black Forest barns were covered in shingle. Wood turner, carver and spoon maker - not all professions have survived. However wood is still an important material, proven by the many carpenters and saw mills still existing.Many of the traditional local trades are demonstrated to guests during specially-organised evenings. In the local history museum regular glass-blowing demonstrations are also given.
Baumgartner, the shoemaker master, closed his business in 1996 due to age reasons. But straw shoes are still available - and even courses showing how to plait the shoes.
