Turning New Hopes for Refugees
 
From 2007 to 2023, Dr. Clemens Goetz served as the mayor of Althengstett, Germany. His wife, Isabel Goetz, is the project manager for the Black Forest Refugee Camps in Germany. They have dedicated their lives to assisting the underprivileged, unleashing the power of unlimited possibilities, and turning new hopes for refugees.
 
21-year-old Syrian refugee Ryyan Alshebl, due to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's inclusive refugee policy, Germany accepted millions of Syrian refugees. Alshebl was allocated to the Black Forest Refugee Camp in Althengstett, where Isabel Goetz, utilizing her expertise in social work, ensured the necessities of life for every refugee including Alshebl.
 
Isabel Goetz leads a volunteer team at the refugee camp, where they roll up their sleeves, documenting each refugee's "overcoming reasons for fleeing,"organizing accommodations in reception, registration, and asylum procedures, advocating detailed integration measures, providing social welfare after asylum procedures, and coordinating with local governments like Althengstett to implement relief measures promptly.
 
Among them, Ryyan Alshebl had expertise, and Isabel Goetz recommended him to the Althengstett city government. Her husband, Mayor Clemens Goetz, boldly appointed Alshebl as an intern in the city government and sponsored his part-time studies at business school, majoring in German, information technology, and public administration.
 
The Best Return
 
Alshebl excelled with the best results: graduating in the top three of the German business school's part-time program and leveraging his expertise in computerizing municipal affairs to enhance the efficiency of public services, thus repaying Mayor Clemens Goetz and Isabel Goetz's kindness.
 
In particular, Mayor Clemens Goetz and Isabel Goetz have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to municipal affairs for sixteen years: prioritizing public welfare, placing citizens first through innovative thinking, comprehensive urban planning, education, festivals, and gaining trust in the council. They have united their originally fragmented constituents, fostering unity and confidence.
 
They proudly follow the example of hometown Nobel Prize laureate Hermann Karl Hesse, promoting cultural tourism, enhancing cultural awareness, and achieving mutual cultural assistance.
 
Mayor Clemens Goetz and Isabel Goetz exemplify such cultural richness, campaigning from door to door with Ryyan Alshebl and all active refugees, communicating and exchanging ideas, causing a great stir. Alshebl lived up to expectations, winning 55.41% of the vote to become mayor of Osterlensheim, Germany, the world's first refugee mayor, moving Europe and shocking the world.
 
Mayor Clemens Goetz and Isabel Goetz, as benefactors who shine light for others, have achieved remarkable success in elderly care, disability placement, and helping refugees embrace new lives.
 
A benefactor is someone who o lights a lamp of hope in others' hearts.
 
A benefactor is someone who always keeps goodwill in their heart and selflessly helps others proactively.
 
A benefactor is someone who quietly dedicates themselves, providing everlasting warmth to others.
 
They are exemplary figures praised by everyone.
 
Mayor Clemens Goetz and Isabel Goetz of Althengstett have sustained efforts to assist all refugees, becoming a model for treating refugees well across nations:
 
Acceptance: Strengthening refugee safety and legal channels.
 
Protection: Ensuring refugees' rights and dignity.
 
Development: Promoting overall human development of refugees.
 
Integration: Enriching communities through extensive refugee participation.
 
Therefore, Mayor Clemens Goetz and Isabel Goetz of Althengstett, Germany, inherit the spirit of Nobel Prize winner Hermann Karl Hesse from their hometown in 1946, creating a spiritual kingdom beyond political, economic, and moral turmoil, enabling generations of dedication, and allowing the ancient cuckoo clock and birthplace of Grimm fairy tales, the Black Forest, to forever shine with light. They call upon more people to become benefactors who help others, always lighting a lamp of hope for others, always selflessly helping others proactively, and always providing everlasting warmth to others. They are the finest benefactors, exemplary figures praised by all, truly deserving of the title of "German Angel Mayor Couple", stood out among 3,683 candidates recommended worldwide, earning the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation’s “28th Global Love of Life Award in 2025.”

Search for Life Fighters from 233 Countries Worldwide

    Everyone can break the shackles of life; everyone’s life holds boundless possibilities.

    For 28 years, the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation, with the support and encouragement of communities worldwide, has tirelessly promoted the “Global Love of Life Movement,” advocating: Be good to yourself—cherish your own life; be good to others—respect others’ lives; be good to the Earth—protect the Earth’s life.

    To date, we have honored 481 Global Love of Life Award recipients from 81 countries across seven continents, along with 16 Global Love of Life Literature Award winners, including the chivalrous poet Cheng Chou-yu and Chinese chef-poet Song Chengbao, and 41 Hope Award recipients, such as anti-drug hero Kao Chao-liang and reformed figure Wu Shih-hsuan. Additionally, we have cared for and supported over 350,000 of the world’s most vulnerable children with cancer, including Mary Donita Uy, a bone cancer angel from a Philippine slum, helping them fight cancer with love and live with hope.

We are deeply grateful for the recognition and resonance from global media outlets such as CNN, BBC, NHK, Yahoo, YouTube, Facebook, and Baidu, which have widely reported our efforts as the “Nobel Prize of Life.”

    We are profoundly thankful for accolades including the 3rd National Public Welfare Award in 2001, the Hong Kong Loving Heart Award in 2010, the Ministry of Education Social Education Contribution Award in 2018, Colombia’s Congress Resolution No. 61 in 2019 granting its highest congressional honor, the United Nations NGO World Harmony Outstanding Contribution Award in 2021, and the China Charity and Filial Piety Culture Award in 2022. These recognitions inspire us to continue sharing, encouraging, and striving alongside global communities.

The foundation warmly welcomes nominations of life warriors who demonstrate effort, compassion, courage, and achievement from people worldwide. (Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Global Love of Life Award Nomination Hotline: +886-2-29178770, Fax: +886-2-29178768, Address: 3F, No. 52, Mingde Road, Xindian District, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan, Website: http://www.ta.org.tw, Email: ta88ms17@gmail.com).
 
Igniting the Wheel of Life

Dr. Clemens Goetz, Mayor of Altenstadt, Germany (2007-2023), adhered to the principle: "Bringing Peace Back to the City!" This was a significant demand from the citizens of Altenstadt in 2007.

In the southern German town of Altenstadt, home to 8,000 residents, there was a major dispute: the former incumbent mayor was popular among some but labeled a fraud by others.

On another note: "Later, the former incumbent mayor was convicted of adultery. Scandals involving anonymous and derogatory letters spread through the community via the media." Governance deteriorated. The city council expressed distrust in the former incumbent mayor. Over 40 years, the population tripled: one-third locals and two-thirds new refugees, unsure of their future.

Most villagers supported—Pastor Clemens Goetz stepped forward to run for mayor. True to their hopes, he won the election with 59% of the vote in the second round, defeating the incumbent mayor.

Pastor Clemens Goetz moved to Altenstadt from another town, relocating with his wife Isabel Goetz and their four children.

Upon becoming mayor, Clemens Goetz quickly realized that people were no longer talking to each other. They wanted to avoid arguments, and communication had dwindled, worsening the situation.

Mayor Clemens Goetz pondered deeply, wondering how to restore peace and, especially, unity among the people. He realized it would take many years and efforts in various aspects: innovative thinking, free communication, city planning, education, and festivals...

Initially, Mayor Clemens Goetz focused on administrative management, ensuring it operated well and reliably. He treated everyone equally, regardless of their previous allegiances.

Mayor Clemens Goetz asked for just one thing: "Do your job well."

Due to the previous mayor's misconduct, the city council distrusted the new mayor and administration, maintaining strict control over municipal affairs, which was understandable.
Mayor Clemens Goetz, together with administrative colleagues, engaged in extensive and transparent communication with the city council.
 
They held open and frank meetings, and over the years, the council saw the new mayor drive discussions and debates among the citizens—on all important matters, with time, trust gradually grew.
 
At that time, there had long been a major debate over whether and where to build a nursing home. He made a decision and argued that the nursing home should be located in the city center rather than in the outskirts near the forest. The local council listened to his views.
 
Later, Mayor Clemens Goetz understood how crucial the information of this decision was: placing the most vulnerable people in the center rather than pushing them to the margins. They wanted to create a society that cares—about everyone, especially the most disadvantaged.
 
At that time, favorable urban development opportunities arose due to vacant houses. He successfully purchased these properties for the town because the homeowners trusted him.
 
Mayor Clemens Goetz proposed that the city council agree to establish a new city center with a public square. Previously, there were no public squares; all buildings were constructed along main roads. This new center includes a nursing home, fountain, cafes, and shops, becoming a place for people to gather and celebrate.
 
In 2011, everyone participated in a pilot project and began visiting families with newborns. "The community has a whole new face" became the motto. This approach helped especially new families overcome their sense of unfamiliarity. So far, this method has been successful. Many cities have adopted this model.
 
In 2012, he publicly invited people to attend a workshop on the future of the town. This led to ideas about establishing a family center and creating a multi-generational park near the new city center.
 
By successfully applying for a funding program, they also found the necessary financial support. Several local communities initiated various projects for the multi-generational park.
 
Today, "Wheel of Life," encounters in this park: from strollers to pushchairs and wheelchairs, people of all ages gather there.
 
The family center has become a significant driving force for cohesion. Those who participated in the family visits in 2011, establishing the first meaningful connections in town, will have children turning 13 by 2024. All families starting from 2011 have naturally integrated into the structures and clubs, making Altenstadt truly feel like home for everyone.
 
Mayor Clemens Goetz has organized many festivals, and the town has increased financial support for associations that typically provide programs and hospitality. With increased support, associations are willing to organize large-scale festivals. These large festivals bring everyone together: old and young, wealthy and poor, locals and new refugees, Germans from all over and tourists from various countries.
 
In 2013, they signed a city twinning agreement with a city in France. In 2019, they began developing a partnership with a city in Lebanon, expanding their horizons.
 
From the autumn of 2015, a large number of refugees began arriving in Germany. Refugees were allocated nationwide based on the resident population. Altenstadt had to accommodate approximately 300 refugees in a short period of time.
 
Fear and anxiety towards foreigners were high among the population. It was crucial to find housing for refugees, and most importantly, to find people willing to help these individuals from around the world integrate into their society.
 
Early on, Mayor Clemens Goetz established a position within the administration to oversee this task, working together with volunteers. The results were very positive.
 
Mayor Clemens Goetz's message to all citizens was, "Do not be afraid!" This was what he wanted to convey. Also, Ryyan Alshebl, who emerged from this work, is recipient of 2024 Fervent Global Love of Life Award, awarded by the Taiwan Cultural and Educational Foundation).
 
In a nearby town—Ostelsheim— he became the first Syrian refugee elected as mayor.
 
In his campaign, Alshebl was also very convincing because he had learned administrative management under the administration of Mayor Clemens Goetz. People hope he can initiate positive development in his new role, bringing the city to achieve improvements similar to those in Altenstadt.
 
There is Light in the Black Forest
 
During the 16 years Clemens Goetz served as mayor, the city of Altenstadt became well-known for its volunteer commitment, creativity, openness, and wise construction. Here is a positive figure: in 2007, there were 4,200 people registered in clubs and groups. By 2023, despite many activities being paralyzed by COVID-19, this number increased to 5,500, a growth of over 30%!
 
People often asked him why he chose such a difficult city to run for mayor. For him, it was precisely this challenging situation that attracted his ambition.
 
What was the story? He was born on August 6, 1962, in Stuttgart and grew up in Freiburg. He studied philosophy and theology and served as a pastor in church ministry for many years. "Blessed are the peacemakers!" was an important phrase from the gospel for him.
 
He then took over the educational management of an open youth center, which was not a religious center at all. There were many troubled young people there. During that time, he remembered many young people dying from drugs or their own traffic accidents. This place was a very important and educational period for him.
 
He was able to effectively use what he learned there in his later life.
 
After the youth center, he served for nine years as the director of education, culture, associations, and festivals in Nagold, a town 30 kilometers from Altenstadt. When asked to run for mayor of Altenstadt, he discussed it with his wife and decided to do so.
 
In Germany, mayors have a lot of influence. He was the leader of the municipal employees (about 200 in Altenstadt), the chairman of the city council, and the representative of the town.
 
In describing his work over the past few years, he talked a lot about his own ambitions and ideals.
 
More precisely, it should be about "everyone": if he hadn't discussed many public welfare undertakings with his wife, she wouldn't have made him aware of the issues and, through her analytical and calm screening process, conveyed his more intuitive and effective ideas. His work would not have achieved such results.
 
The work he described was able to be realized thanks to the contributions and efforts of many, many people.
 
He found it easy to interact with people, engage with them, and show interest in others. He always tried to treat everyone with great respect.
 
He believed that laws and rules are the foundation of a fair and just society, and that mutual support and solidarity make everyone's life better and happier. He gave a lot and received a lot. He was very grateful.
 
There are people who make contributions
 
Isabel Goetz, wife of Clemens Goetz, mayor of Altenstadt, Germany, began her university studies in history and Romance languages and literatures in 1986, covering French, Spanish, Italian, and other Romance languages and cultures.
 
At the end of Isabel Goetz's studies, a very well-known professor offered her a doctoral scholarship. However, after some time of reflection, she decided not to pursue an academic career but chose social work instead.
 
Isabel Goetz knew clearly that she was more suited to being a "desk worker": she wanted to create and promote good structures to enable others to move forward smoothly.
 
When she started working in 1998, Isabel Goetz helped long-term unemployed people to re-enter the workforce. This was considered nearly impossible, but her success rate was surprisingly high.
 
After the birth of her second child in 2002, Isabel Goetz took a break to care for her four children family.
 
In 2008, Isabel Goetz resumed working part-time. Her new task was to establish support structures for the elderly.
 
Isabel Goetz established a structure where elderly people and their relatives could get information and care guidance, networking their area's outreach hospice work, and then she became the head of the department supporting people with disabilities.
 
At that time, supporting people with disabilities was the largest department financially within the district government.
 
In 2016, Isabel Goetz was asked to take over the refugee and Refugee department, one of the most challenging tasks of those years because the situation was unprecedented, and everyone was at a loss.
 
Sometimes, there were buses full of refugees parked in front of their building, and she didn't know what to do. It wasn't easy.
 
But to this day, Isabel Goetz is proud that she never requisitioned public halls or sports facilities for refugees, always reaching consensus solutions with city locals. She organized refugees from different countries, religions, and cultures to live together under one roof.
 
Isabel Goetz organized essentials, bank accounts, support, and healthcare for refugees. This was unprecedented.
 
Over the years, Isabel Goetz established structures to support full-time and volunteer work across the region, promoted language courses, and most importantly, opened pathways for training and employment.
 
In 2021, Isabel Goetz took on a new role in nearby Calw: in the management team following the mayor, she was responsible for education, culture, and tourism.
 
Each municipality is responsible for the education, upbringing, and care of children up to school age (6 years). They employ around 300 nursery teachers for this. Calw is a school city with approximately 3,000 students. Teachers' salaries are paid by the state; everything else is paid by the city.
 
Calw also has a large and important music school that offers instrumental courses, a boys' choir, and a major ballet department.
 
A large public library is also within Isabel Goetz's responsibilities, as well as several museums. The Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Hermann Hesse hailed from Calw, and they maintain his legacy there. She is the executive director of the International Hermann Hesse Society, and tourism, festivals, and cultural events also fall within her work scope.
 
Isabel Goetz was elected as a member of the International Supervisory Board to propose the Cluniac Monastery sites as World Heritage. Hirsau, as Calw's former monastery, plays an important role in this.
 
At first, even for Germans, this was hard to understand. The key point is that these monasteries, in the 11th century, were the first voluntary international network, contrasting with other parts of society, where there was participation, elected leaders, and free choice of professions.
 
This movement had a significant impact on Europe and their free societies.
 
For Isabel Goetz, it is very important that everyone has equal opportunities, especially in the fields of children and youth.
 
Future life opportunities or opportunities to engage in music and culture help foster independence from overly dependent family structures.
 
Isabel Goetz tries to make her staff aware of the need to provide opportunities for as many children and young people as possible in this regard.
 
One small example: Calw supports the so-called wind and string courses. At ages 11-13, an entire class of students is provided with an instrument and appropriate lessons.
 
Isabel Goetz's husband, Clemens Goetz, is more outgoing and likes to interact with people directly.
 
Isabel Goetz's strength lies more in analysis and creating sustainable structures.
 
They often discuss and talk with each other. She sees his successful work as mayor as a confirmation of the path they have walked together.
 
For Isabel Goetz, this is also a motivation to create good conditions in the field of activities to ensure especially young people have good life opportunities.
 
Certainly! Here's the English translation alongside the corresponding Chinese original text:
 
Everyone comes to be a benefactor of refugees
 
A significant number of people around the world are forced to leave their homes for various reasons. The challenges they face should not be overlooked or seen as a new phenomenon but rather a natural response of humanity to crises and a testament to everyone's pursuit of happiness and a better life.
 
Acceptance: Strengthening Refugee Safety and Legal Channels
Migration should be safe, legal, and orderly, with migration decisions being voluntary
 
Encourage countries to prohibit arbitrary and expulsion.
 
Encourage countries and all relevant actors to expand the number and scope of safe, voluntary migration and resettlement alternative legal pathways, fully respecting the non-refoulement principle.
 
Encourage countries to pay greater attention to the safety and human rights of all asylum seekers and refugees entering their territory.
 
Protection: Ensuring Rights and Dignity for Refugees
 
Encourage countries with significant labor output to implement policies and practical measures to provide protection for citizens who choose to shelter refugees.
 
Encourage countries with large labor-exporting populations to implement policies to protect against exploitation, forced labor, or trafficking.
 
Encourage countries to implement policies that enable refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants to fully utilize their skills and capabilities to better contribute to their own and their community's well-being.
 
Encourage countries to adhere to the obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) when addressing the vulnerability of unaccompanied children or minors separated from their families
 
Encourage countries to comply with the obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child when dealing with all migrating minors.
 
Encourage countries to implement national policies providing equal educational opportunities for refugees, asylum seekers, and refugee learners at different levels and degrees.
 
Encourage countries to enact legislation to provide refugees with adequate and sufficient social protection.
 
Encourage countries to enact legislation to prevent refugees and asylum seekers from becoming "stateless persons."
 
Development: Advancing the Overall Human Development of Refugees
 
Encourage countries to enact legislation aimed at recognizing, transferring, and further developing the formal skills of all refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons residing in host countries.
 
Encourage countries to implement legal, policy, and practical frameworks that facilitate the integration of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons into local communities.
 
Encourage countries to implement policies and practices that promote and uphold the integrity and well-being of families, regardless of their migration status.
 
Encourage countries to implement policies and practices that provide equal opportunities for refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons with special needs, similar to those for other disabled citizens.
 
Encourage the international community to increase development aid and emergency assistance to countries hosting large numbers of refugees and those fleeing armed conflicts, benefiting all, regardless of their migration status.
 
Encourage countries to implement policies and practices that guarantee all refugees' religious freedom in belief and practice, regardless of their migration status.
 
Integration: Enriching Communities through Broad Refugee Engagement
 
Integration is neither assimilation nor merger, but rooted in a "two-way process" of mutual enrichment of cultures and mutual recognition. Encourage countries to enact legislation promoting local integration.
 
Encourage countries to implement policies and initiatives that actively promote positive images of refugees and express solidarity with them.
 
When foreigners are forced to flee violence or environmental crises in host countries, they are often eligible for voluntary repatriation or evacuation schemes. In such cases, encourage host countries, donor countries, or countries of origin to implement policies and programs that facilitate the reintegration of returnees into society.
 
Everyone are welcomed: Black Forest Refugee Care Tour
 
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is not only the birthplace of quaint cuckoo clocks and Grimm fairy tales but also renowned for its serene pine forests, picturesque lakes, and forest trails. It boasts dreamy romantic castles and quaint villages.
 
Popular attractions in the Black Forest are mostly located between the east bank of the Rhine River and the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Drive past the tranquil Titisee, the picturesque glacier lake of the Black Forest. Titisee is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Black Forest, with stunning scenery suitable for all seasons. During spring and summer, you can swim and sail on its calm waters, though it tends to be crowded in summer. In winter, the frozen surface of this ancient glacier lake becomes a popular outdoor ice skating rink.
 
Hike to Triberg Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in the Black Forest. Triberg Waterfalls are located in the heart of the Black Forest, accessible by walking along forest paths from the town's station of the same name. Even after winter sets in, the waters of the Gutach River still cascade down from the top of the 7-tiered rock face. The viewing platforms can be slippery due to icy conditions, so please walk carefully. At night, Triberg Waterfalls are illuminated in vibrant colors; take a starlit walk before lights out at 10 PM to admire the breathtaking scenery.
 
At the Black Forest Open Air Museum, relive rural life from the 17th century on a journey through historical time and space. The museum primarily showcases well-preserved 17th-century farmsteads like the Vogtsbauernhof, complete with blooming gardens and fields where cows and horses graze freely. In the afternoons, staff dressed in colorful attire from the Gutach period perform traditional crafts live. Children will surely enjoy the outdoor playground and the attic filled with nostalgic toys. Directly in front of the museum is the city's commuter train station.
 
Perched on the eponymous hill, it is one of the most magnificent castles in the Black Forest. About a 1-hour drive from Triberg Waterfalls, Hohenzollern Castle offers spectacular panoramic views and features galleries and exhibitions inside that are well worth seeing. This was the actual residence of the Prussian royal family. Join a royal castle tour to glimpse into the royal chambers.
 
Take a sip of water from the Fountain of Youth in Baden-Baden, the natural spa capital. Baden-Baden Spa Town may be the most relaxing segment of your entire Black Forest journey. It is recognized as the natural spring source by ancient Romans. Visit the columned water pump house "Trinkhalle", adorned with beautiful murals. Take a sip of the reputedly healing waters. Experience the Roman baths at Caracalla Spa. For a delightful stroll through town, head to the cobblestone pathways of the picturesque old town or the upscale Sophienstrasse.
 
Ride the roller coaster at Europa-Park, Germany's largest theme park thrill moment. For some family fun and screams, head straight to Europa-Park to experience over a dozen exciting and fun rides. The park's main attractions are roller coasters, along with a diverse range of indoor themed performances and interactive science exhibitions. There are over 50 fun attractions and rides, including an outdoor monorail train designed especially for young children. Just a half-hour drive north from Freiburg, you'll arrive. It's recommended to go early to enjoy without obstacles and avoid long queues or waiting troubles.
 
Head to the Freiburg Cathedral and climb the bell tower to play the Gothic landmark. This 12th-century Gothic landmark in Freiburg is grand and majestic, about a one-hour drive west from Lake Titisee. The Romanesque facade of the cathedral is adorned with vivid gargoyles, towering spires proudly stand, and inside, vibrant stained glass windows are breathtaking. Concerts (organ quartets, etc.). It's recommended to climb the 116-meter high bell tower before noon, not only to take in the spectacular cityscape but also to listen to the harmonious tolling of 19 ancient bells.
 
On the Black Forest Canopy Walkway, enjoy sweeping views and overlook the forest from the spiral wooden observation platform. The Black Forest Canopy Walkway features a 1,250-meter-long spiral wooden observation platform where you can leisurely walk up to enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest. Amidst the crowns of beech, fir, and spruce trees, leisurely arrive at the top of the observation platform, 20 meters above the ground, to catch a glimpse of the most beautiful scenery of the forest. It's suitable to visit year-round; during winter, snow-capped pine trees make for the perfect backdrop for your scenic photographs, and thrilling rides down the central slide.
 
Find your own unique cuckoo clock, a classic Black Forest treasure. These intricately hand-carved cuckoo clocks are the perfect souvenir from your journey through the Black Forest. You'll find cuckoo clock shops in towns big and small, but Triberg is one of the best places to purchase one. Popular spots include the "House of 1000 Clocks" near the entrance of Triberg Waterfalls, and across from it, Oli's Schnitzstube. They offer a wide range of products, from small items to intricate 20-inch house models. To ensure authenticity, check for the VDS (Black Forest Clock Association) certificate before making a purchase.
 
Head to the Baden Wine Route for a wine-tasting journey through Germany's wine region. The Baden Wine Route stretches approximately 280 kilometers, passing through vineyards between Heidelberg and Konstanz. Embark on a scenic self-drive journey along the Baden Wine Route, dotted with historic vineyard towns where you can stop at a traditional winery of your choice. Along the route, many signposts provide information about wineries, making it easy to navigate. Most wineries offer free tastings before you make a purchase. Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) is a highlight of this region.
 
Explore the medieval mansions of Calw, one of the most beautiful towns in the Black Forest. Calw is nestled in the dense pine forests of the Nagold Valley, approximately a 2-hour drive south from Frankfurt or a westbound train ride of 1 hour from Stuttgart. The town center features rows of half-timbered medieval houses, perfect for photography. It's also the hometown of German writer and Nobel Prize laureate Hermann Hesse, with a museum named after him located near the western bank. Majestic landmarks like the 11th-century Hirsau Abbey and the ruins of Hirsau Castle offer free admission.
 

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