I grew up with tales from the Brothers Grimm; stories that often depicted the forests of Germany. Having moved from our small farm, over a river and through the woods (really!)—I would pretend I was in the depths of the Black Forest, running from wolves or something even worse. In truth, I was actually running in a small woods surrounding our house…in rural Michigan. We went to Germany last Christmas to visit family, and when we visited Germany a second time—in June—I knew exactly where I wanted to go.
My pre-trip research took me to Professor D. L. Ashliman’s information on the Brothers Grimm, indicating that the brothers spent time working as librarians. The Grimms also collected folk tales from various locations in Germany, compiled into their well-known collections. While Freiburg is not one of the locations explored by the brothers, this charming city is well known for its access to the Black Forest. But first…a little more about Freiburg.
Freiburg could be a perfect setting for all things Brothers Grimm—it is full of lush greenery, and enchanting rose-covered buildings, fences and trellises. With stunning architecture, whimsical decorations, winding streets, and markets with fresh food and beautiful flowers, the community offers many outdoor eating spaces. Rather bold birds—used to being fed—swoop in on tables, looking for their next nibble—oh…tales of Hansel and Gretel! A water channel system runs throughout the city, with children running along them, racing small, colorful sailboats. Around the edges of Freiburg, the Black Forest awaits, and the view from the cable car going into the Forest is stunning. Huge trees stand tall, and evergreens with drooping branches bespeak every Fairy Tale image I have ever had. Lichen-covered rocks peek from amongst the trees, and trails disappear into the Forest, making for an unforgettable first impression of this magnificent place.
Stepping out of the cable car, the Forest is silent–that kind of silent that can be harmless or foreboding, depending upon the day…or story. The trees are simply beautiful—stretching to the sky. Sunlight and shadows play, and trails go as far as the eye can see. Moss-covered stumps, and nooks and crannies in the tree trunks—could possibly house…a magical something. Mist moves slowly here—in wisps—floating through the trees. Some of those trees lean in over the trails—ever so slightly—as if to listen, very carefully, as to why you are there.
Situated neatly at the top of the cable car stop, a small restaurant’s expansive glass windows overlook the Forest. A collection of books—for all ages—greets you at the entrance. I observed children reading at tables; reading alone with watchful adults, or reading with adults—sharing and discussing their books. The back of the restaurant houses a second bookrack—to be enjoyed, read and shared, in the depths of the Black Forest. This, in itself, is a Fairy Tale come true.
(photos courtesy of Guest Blogger)
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Our guest blogger today is Brenda Hahn. Brenda’s permanent home is in Florida, where she and her family live. As a Teacher/Librarian, her experiences include, U.S. public schools, public libraries and both U.S. and International IB schools. Brenda’s vivid imagination keeps her library full of fun and applicable 21st Century life-long learning skills. She can be reached at theartfullibrarian@gmail.com, or follow Brenda on Twitter, at: @bmhwriter.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
If you’d like to write a guest post for the ALSC Blog, please contact Mary Voors, ALSC Blog manager, at alscblog@gmail.com.