Black Forest
The Black Forest (German: Schwarzwald [ˈʃvaʁt͡svalt] ⓘ) is a large forested mountain range in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany, bounded by the Rhine Valley to the west and south and close to the borders with France and Switzerland. It is the source of the Danube and Neckar rivers.
| Black Forest | |
|---|---|
View from the Hohfelsen near Seebach | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,493 m (4,898 ft) |
| Coordinates | 48.300°N 8.150°E |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 160 km (99 mi) |
| Area | 6,000 km2 (2,300 sq mi) |
| Geography | |
Map of Germany with the Black Forest(outlined in green)
| |
| Country | Germany |
| State | Baden-Württemberg |
| Parent range | Southwest German Uplands/Scarplands |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Central Uplands |
| Type of rock | Gneiss, Bunter sandstone |
Its highest peak is the Feldberg with an elevation of 1,493 metres (4,898 ft) above sea level. Roughly oblong in shape, with a length of 160 kilometres (100 miles) and breadth of up to 50 km (30 mi), it has an area of about 6,009 km2 (2,320 sq mi).
Historically, the area was known for forestry and the mining of ore deposits, but tourism has now become the primary industry, accounting for around 300,000 jobs. There are several ruined military fortifications dating back to the 17th century.