Where not only the cock crows

STUTTGART – Blossoming orchards, slopes full of grapes, forest solitude and animals living a species-appropriate life. These are the images that many have in their minds of a holiday in the countryside. If you also want to look over the shoulders of regional producers, you will find many farms in SouthWest Germany that bring overnight guests closer to the idyllic countryside. From winegrowers to Black Forest farms, from fruit growers to horse farms, you can get to know very different facets of rural life up close in SouthWest Germany. And I'm sure there's a cock crowing somewhere.

A look over the shoulder: Ramsteinerhof in Fischerbach

On the traditional Black Forest farm of Ulrich and Brigitte Müller in Fischerbach, guests enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains of the Middle Black Forest. At the same time, they can watch the owners working on the farm and baking bread. After returning from hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, swimming, skiing or a sightseeing tour, it is best to review the experience while relaxing in the sauna and hot tub. The rustic holiday homes invite you to snuggle up and unwind in all seasons. If you then enjoy a few slices of freshly baked bread with a delicious Black Forest Vesper from the farm shop, you think you are close to heaven.

mueller-fischerbach.de

Organic children's farm: Wilmershof in Titisee-Neustadt

Ice cream lovers should pay a visit to the Wilmershof in Titisee-Neustadt. On the organic farm of the Fehrenbach family, ice cream is made according to old craft traditions and from the best milk. If excess pounds accumulate as a result of this indulgence, they can be worked off again with a variety of activities such as hiking, horse riding, swimming or skiing and ice skating. Sauna, solarium and whirlpool do the rest. Children are allowed to help care for the animals and ride on the tractor. Guests who do not want to spend the night in one of the cosy holiday flats, but want to arrive by motorhome, can use one of the newly built parking spaces.

wilmershof.de

Securely in the saddle: Holiday riding centre Trunk in Reckerstal

As is well known, happiness lies on the back of horses. Those who want to find it during their holidays should check in at the holiday riding centre in the Taubertal valley. Whether a beginner or professional, whether on a trained horse or on your own steed: All are welcome to join Alexander Trunk and his team. In the good old equestrian way, you can spend the evenings together around the campfire – community life is very important here. Those who prefer to be on their own will feel at home in the modern and comfortable holiday apartments. Excursions to the surrounding area with the Solymar thermal baths and Europe's most species-rich wild animal park as well as to Weikersheim Castle or Bad Mergentheim offer additional variety.

urlaubsreiterhof.de

Holiday among sweet fruits: Organic fruit farm in Überlingen

Lake Constance is fruit country. In the middle of it all, right next to the Lippertsreute landscape conservation area and only six kilometres from the lake, lies the Oberhof fruit farm owned by the Mayer family. If you've always wanted to know what it's like to live in an apple, you've come to the right place. On the organic farm, everything revolves around sweet fruits, which is why the bright and sunny apartments are called "apple", "quince" or "cherry". Of course, despite all the fruit, we can't do without animals, and by this we don't mean the worm in the apple, but the flock of goats, rabbits, chickens and cats in the big garden. The nearby Salem Monkey Mountain, which is definitely worth a visit, is yet more exotic.

obstgut-oberhof.de

Trying out your hand as a winemaker: Winzerhof Keller in Auggen

"In nature, with nature" is the motto at Winzerhof Keller in Auggen. The southern atmosphere of the sunny Markgräflerland alone ensures relaxation here, and with the Keller family, guests finally forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The stylish holiday apartments, in which the natural material wood provides an ambience of peace and serenity, invite you to relax. The swimming pool and various sports facilities provide opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Guests can immerse themselves completely in nature when they join the winegrowing family and their team in the vineyards and help with the harvest. Of course, the sustainably vinified cellar wines can be tasted together at the end.

winzerhof-keller.de

Holiday with relaxants: Hopfgärtle Müller in Bodnegg

Since ancient times, hops have been used as a remedy for restlessness and sleep disorders. In the Upper Swabian Hopfgärtle of the Müller family, the sight of the hop bines alone is enough to bring you peace. Apple trees, a farm garden and petting animals, meadows and fields further enhance the feeling of well-being. Those who like it lively should arrive at the end of August, beginning of September for the hop harvest. Cosiness prevails throughout the rest of the year. Before going to bed in the evening in one of the lovingly and modernly furnished holiday apartments, it is a good idea to enjoy one of the farm's own liqueurs, apple brandies or juices, the production of which is explained clearly during a guided tour.

hopfgaertle.de

Spend the night like in the "Wild West": Log cabins in Hohenstein

In the midst of the greenery, between the imposing Alb buffaloes of the "Swabian cowboy" Willi Wolf and the robust Icelandic horses of the Podlech family, stand the cosy log cabins of the Hohenstein Stud and provide overnight guests with a touch of Wild West atmosphere. On horseback rides, bike tours and hikes, they can explore the adjacent Swabian Alb biosphere area, which is home to unique flora and fauna with its juniper heaths, forests and river valleys. Back in Hohenstein-Meidelstetten, a true cowboy feeling comes over you on the wooden terrace or by the blazing fireplace. Should anyone dream of an unattached life in the American West, no one would be surprised.

islandpferde-hohenstein.de/uebernachtung

Spend the night in a coffee house: Alte Kass in Neidlingen

Neidlinger Lindachwelle, Seebachschnitte, Zwetschgenkuchen or Swabian Vesper – the specialities of the "Alte Kass" coffee house make your mouth water just reading about them, let alone when the delicacies are on the table in front of you. The fruit comes from the region's orchards, and the rest of the ingredients are also local. But the "Alte Kass" is much more than a café; the Hepperle family also has a shop with Alb products and cosy, modern guest rooms. The "Tschill-Schdub" is a great place to be lazy. Guests who like being more active can pack their hiking boots because it is only a stone's throw to the Schopflocher Moor, Neidlinger Waterfall or Reußenstein Ruin. 
alte-kass.de

INFO:

Many more inspirations for rural holidays in SouthWest Germany can be found at tourism-bw.com and urlaub-bauernhof.de.