Kaiserstuhl

Kaiserstuhl is a volcanic mountain group in Baden-Württemberg that rises west of Freiburg through gentle hills and forested peaks. Its highest point reaches 557 meters (1827 feet) and the terrain alternates between vineyards, loess slopes and patches of natural woodland.

The name evolved from Königsstuhl following the coronation of Otto III as emperor in 996, who had held court nearby two years earlier. The volcanic soils later attracted winemakers who terraced and planted the slopes over the following centuries.

The area produces wines appreciated for their fruitiness and the sunny slopes host small taverns where visitors taste local bottles during harvest season. Many families work their vineyards by hand and welcome guests into rustic tasting rooms that open directly onto the rows of vines.

Walking trails wind through the hills and link wine villages, viewpoints and forest sections together. The Breisgau S-Bahn and Kaiserstuhl Railway bring visitors to several starting points around the range.

The warm slopes shelter more than 30 orchid species and a southern flora rarely found elsewhere in the region. Praying mantises and sand lizards live here in a climate that recalls Mediterranean areas.