Ferienhaus Albmatte

Apartment B4 was spacious, comfortable, just as described, and had what we needed for a family holiday with home cooking. The garden stream and playground at the complex were a hit with the kids, and there’s also a nature playground and mini-golf nearby. Waterfalls, a deer reserve, scenic trails, and a spa with a heated pool in green surroundings are all a short walk away. The southern Black Forest has plenty to see, and the apartment is well placed for the main attractions. A few practical things: the washer takes €2 coins and the dryer €5 bills. There were quite a few insects indoors and no window screens, though that seems common in the area. We messaged the hosts through the channels provided but didn’t hear back, and we didn’t try calling. There’s no one on-site, so it feels like a straight rental apartment. If you’re looking for personal contact with the owners, this may not suit you.

Titisee was easy to explore on foot, and parking by the train station was close to the sights. We swam at the beach by the lake, then picked up schnitzel sandwiches and Black Forest cake on Seestrabse and ate them at a standing table overlooking the water. The kids also found a few cute rubber ducks, including an I love Titisee Rubber duck, an authentic Octoberfest duck, and a German biker duck on a motorcycle. They were thrilled with them and have keepsakes to remember Titisee. The Hasenhorn coaster, or toboggan ride, lasted more than 10 minutes and had breathtaking views all the way down. The ski lift ride to the mountain top took at least 15 minutes and brought even more lovely views. Before reaching the hotel, we hiked along the river at Ravena Gorge and train viaduct, where there’s also a cuckoo clock shop with beautiful handcrafted clocks. We’re hoping to return for the super exclusive Christmas market, and are watching online for tickets to go on sale since they sell out quickly. At the apartment hotel, check-in and checkout were very easy. It’s next to a beautiful waterfall hike and a relaxing indoor/outdoor pool that the kids loved. The layout worked well for five people, with two fold-down beds in the wall that left more room in the living area. The full kitchen had everything for cooking, though we ordered pizza through lieferando instead. It took about 45 minutes, and the app works on unlocked US phones in Germany. There was a room of board games and toys for the kids, and it was easy to find the English option on the TV for a few episodes before bed.

Really clean place, with lovely nature all around. The hosts were polite and gave us useful information. Check-in and checkout were easy, the kitchen was well equipped, and there was a small, nice terrace.

The Cuckoosnest attic apartment had loads of space, a very complete set of kitchen utensils, and felt clean. We came with our three kids. The place is dated, though, like stepping into my mum’s house in the seventies, and the glass entrance door with a curtain was a bit odd. The owners didn’t come across as very welcoming or friendly. Most disappointing was what happened to our brand-new water shoes. We left three pairs outside to dry against a bench, and the next day they were gone. The owners said they hadn’t seen them, but we found them in the trash and fished them out. No guest would throw away three pairs of new shoes.