English translation: Cuckoo for Triberg.
Triberg was the final stop on my weekend getaway with Galiya and Austin (my previous two posts share the other stops if you missed them.) Our original plan was to go to the Black Forest on day one, Burg Eltz day two, and Nürnberg day three. When Galiya suggested this itinerary I was glad I had already seen Nürnberg because otherwise I would have been overwhelmed.
I’ve been talking so much about wanting to slow down my travels, yet I agreed to a weekend crammed full of driving. Thankfully, during our drive the first day we readjusted and decided to spend the final day in Triberg, which is also in the Black Forest. The driving time was similar, but Triberg is much smaller than Nürnberg.
Air B & B Views
After our adventure to Burg Eltz, we made our way to Triberg for the remainder of the day. We arrived around 1800, with plenty of time for a nice home cooked meal, and a walk to a nearby children’s park. Galiya and I spun our hearts out on a spinning wheel “ride” of sorts, the three of us attempted a wannabe zip line, and I haven’t laughed that hard in months.
Where were these kinds of parks when I was a kid?
The following morning I woke up before my compadres and made myself a cup of coffee while sitting on the outside balcony enjoying the view. I often struggle with my current job – the high pace, inconsistent schedules, living so close to those I work with, and lack of alone time really gets to me. I then take a weekend getaway and I am reminded why I am still here. It’s quite literally like a drug for me.
I sat and stared out at the golf course in front of the balcony, watching the automatic lawnmower run circles around the grass. I felt the wave of peace I often feel when I am sitting in a town far away from the hustle and bustle of work/other Americans. My heart aches more and more for a true life in Europe – but not this one.
The longer I am here, the more I am starting to believe my ideal life in Europe is possible, but I just don’t know when.
After Galiya and Austin woke up, we all enjoyed coffee together before making breakfast. I love, love, LOVE traveling with humans who enjoy cooking meals instead of going out. I know there is something special about going out to eat while on vacation, but for me I prefer to make my own meals if possible.
Lucky for me, these two were all for it.
With a belly full of brain food, we headed off to the Triberger Wasserfälle, a famous waterfall we thought would involve an epic hike through the woods. This waterfall is one of the highest in Germany, but only because the town of Triberg has a high elevation. The last time I visited the Black Forest I tried to find an epic hike, only to end up at a tourist attraction at the highest elevation of the forest.
Something similar happened this time.
This time, it was Austin who suggested the waterfall. We arrived only to discover not only did we have to pay to get in, but it was a waterfall we could see from the entrance to the woods. Needless to say this was not what we expected, however the waterfall was beautiful and I’m still glad we went.
The annoying part was that we had to wear our masks walking around the forest. I am ALL FOR the masks…trust me, I am living in Europe and I have seen first hand the success of mask wearing. HOWEVER, when outside I think it’s annoying. Everywhere else in Germany we don’t have to wear a mask when outdoors, so this was rough.
I was breathing like a fish before death walking up some of these hills, and the mask was making it worse. We managed to take off our masks with enough time for a photo before waterfall patrol found us and told us to put the masks back on. #rebels. Don’t worry, we were more than 6ft away from others.
The waterfall walk took us all of 30-45 minutes, and we spent the rest of the late morning walking around the shops. The Black Forest is believed to be where the Cuckoo Clock originates from, and Austin was on the hunt for a clock for his mom. My mom has also been longing for a true German Cuckoo clock, but my overthinking mind hadn’t been able to pull the trigger on a clock because there are too many options.
I discovered Austin and I are quite literally the same person. He struggles almost more than I do when making an important purchase (although I have similar struggles even over items that are under $10.) I just can’t decide when there are so many choices, it’s immobilizing. Thankfully for me, his struggle was my gain and I had so much time to stare at these clocks while he was deciding that I ended up buying one too!
I bought the battery operated version of this one.
I ended up choosing a classic looking clock, hand painted by the main who ran the shop. He and I chatted about his woodworking history in a town near where I am living, and he was such a patient, kind older man. I’m terrible at surprises, so I told my mom that evening about the clock. Mostly because I was worried she wouldn’t like it.
She’s either lying to appease me, or she really does like it.
Cuckoo clocks in hand, there was only one more stop to make in Triberg before we headed back to Garmisch…
Triberg is home to “The World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock” and this large building has a bird in the tiny upstairs window that comes out twice an hour. We managed to make it just moments before the birdie came out to say hello. The greeting from this bird was the most anticlimactic chirp, and we all shared a laugh and a “that was it” comment.
After our date with the large bird we made our way back to Garmisch, and I sat in the back seat of our rental car watching the road pass me by thanking God for these two selfless, kind humans. As if the trip couldn’t get any better, Austin and Galiya asked if I was ok listening to a sermon series they had been enjoying on the drive home.
It was music to my ears. ❤
Q: Cuckoo clocks – annoying, or fun? I think I could manage one, but having more than one in my house would drive me mad.
Blissfulbritt 
32 thoughts on “Kuckuck für Triberg”
thechrisdotcom
They’re fun. But I agree, more than one, might have a problem. Haha
Brittany
I have a friend in Washington who has MULTIPLE and if we video chat I hear them going off and I want to rip my hair out. They all click and tick at different speeds.
Ms. Rach Allene
Is it weird that I want to weep with joy for you? Gah. I’m so glad you’ve found your people and are enjoying Europe. I can’t wait to read about how you make living in Europe – the way you desire and are meant to – a reality!
Brittany
No that’s not weird! Thank you, what a kind emotional moment we share! I only wish I had more time to spend with these two.
It can be hard to get with people with different schedules. But the moments we have are always enjoyable!
rootchopper
My grandparents had one in their dining room which had two big easy chairs crammed in the corners. I remember sitting on Grandpop’s knee watching the clock intensely. Inevitably I’d be distracted and the cuckoo would appear and disappear. Nooo! Now I have to wait for…ev…er!
Brittany
Ha! I can see a kid becoming enamored by the clock, waiting for the bird.
Hyddyr Caradoc
My sister-in-law had 5 tiny ones in her kitchen set to different time zones: Paris, London, Washington DC, local, and New York. They were so tiny that they made a tiny little cuckoo sounds and, since they were blocked off in the kitchen, the noise was pretty muted. Still. If I’d had to live with them? No, Nope. She also had this bird call clock that clucked, cooed, tooted, etc., a different bird call on the house. That one really was annoying. However, I love our old grandmother clock that chimes. I’m sure it drives others nuts. Say, do you wear face masks on your travels now? Stay safe and thanks for all the virtual traveling you provide. 🙂
Brittany
Different time zone ticking would drive me bonkers! But if it were quiet enough I suppose I could manage!
Yes I wear a mask when traveling, and when going into town. And at work. We wear masks everywhere here! (Just not outdoors.)
Pree
I feel like I’ve naturally gravitated away from eating out as much as I used to. If I do get something from outside, I’ll bring it home to eat or eat somewhere else.
But after being in Milan for the last few weeks, I don’t feel guilty about spending money on food at all! I mean, 1 euro cappucino and a gelato on a cone for 3 euros?! I realize I’ve been swindled in America, with the $5 lattes and $7 ice cream scoops and froyo cups!
Brittany
1 euro cappuccino!? WOW. Yo, America sucks in so many ways. This is a prime example of the robbery they do. Sheesh, and the quality is Schiesse too…so it’s not even worth the high price tag.
integratedexpat
I love the cuckoo clock. Congratulations on actually managing to pick out just one (or two, if your mum’s is different ). I know exactly what you mean about making choices: indecision is my middle name. That’s what makes eating out so complicated. First you have to choose which restaurant, then you have to decide what to drink, then they expect you to choose from a menu; so many menu choices!
Brittany
I just bought the one, for my mom!! I figured if she didn’t like it I would keep it because I really like it. Sometimes I really hate having a strict diet, but sometimes I like it because it makes eating easy when I eat the same few foods. LOL.
A Dude Abikes
Hi Brit, it was nice to read your post, and thanks for visiting my blog.
My dad and his wife have an old grandfather clock that I like, but not to sleep. So they turn it off while I’m there. My mom has a wall click that also annoys so intake the battery out. I guess the hourly chimes kinda drive me cuckoo!
Best wishes and perhaps we’ll visit again!
A Dude Abikes
Brittany
Something about a grandfather clock is like a timeless classic. I’m reminded of a friends house when I was growing up, where we would play card games, eat macaroni, and every hour the clock would chime.
Pam
So one Clock only that can make any type of noise….there’s something about an hourly , half past reminder…☺️❤️ It can take You to so many places and memories😊
Brittany
One is they key. Thankfully this one I bought has the ability to turn any music chimes off.
A writer writing.
Cuckoo clocks look nice and I like them, but I think the noise would make me crazy after a while, especially if it woke me up at night 🙂
Brittany
Agreed!
MaryBeth
Move to Europe indefinitely then we’ll never be continents apart. Your ideal life is possible and I know when….there’s no time like the present!!
Brittany
Catch me being your neighbor. Ask Ben to see if the woman upstairs is ready to sell/move on to another spot. 😂 I’ll be a dishwasher while I learn German, I’d actually quite enjoy a job away from front of house. HAH!
Amy
Oh man… The lack of alone time would kill me. Almost literally. I’m such a hermit-like introvert, and I need WAY more alone time than the average person… even the average introvert. 😂🙈 Your weekend away sounds SO perfect, especially for you!! Two high quality people who respect your travel preferences and body’s needs (SO important, especially for food!), and those same people and adventures that fill your soul… Aww, my heart is so happy for you Brittany!! ❤️
I would’ve had the same reaction about masks outside in nature too… It seems a little unnecessary, especially when there are so few other people — and nobody within 10 feet! Love how you were a rebel and captured the photo!! 😉 I wanted to get an authentic cuckoo clock when I was in Europe too, and I had the SAME problem… Too many beautiful options!!
Brittany
I admire your resistance in telling me about your clock in this comment. I would have immediately freaked and been like OMG SAMESAME! Hahaah.
I def need a lotttt of alone time too, but lately I’ve been getting more than usual. It’s a weird balance! Also I think being truly alone is different than being alone still surrounded by people thinking you “should” be more social. It’s hard living around so many coworkers.
Amy
Bahaha you noticed!! I thought it would be WAY more fun to include a photo… and since I couldn’t do that here, I tried to hold off until I could text you! 😂
AMEN to being truly alone vs around people who think you “should” be more social!! Those truly alone moments are way more rejuvenating… especially when we’re not worrying in the back of our minds that our alone time will be interrupted by someone who thinks we shouldn’t or don’t want to be alone. 😉 The last few times I was on travel around other people (aka 2019 😂), I was totally upfront with them and explained how I’m a mega introvert and just needed some quiet alone time. When they realized that I actually *wanted* to be alone, I think they stopped feeling guilty about me being alone, which made all of us happier doing what we wanted to do… me hanging out by myself and them with each other! If that makes sense… 😜🙈 It’s probably harder around coworkers that you see ALL the time, rather than a short vacation, but I hope you’re able to find as many moments of true, valuable, rejuvenating alone time as you need!! ❤️
Brittany
Being a human is so much work sometimes! I love that your openness helped with everyone and their moods and guilt!
gpavants
Hi Brittney,
Sounds like you were cookoo for cuckoo clocks. It sounds like a real blessing to have these two travelers. I pray you always have good ones.
Thanks,
Gary
Brittany
Thank you so much friend, I pray this too.
Lefty Jv Vargas
Hello, I totally connected with your Triberg experience (really the whole blog), especially the part requiring a tough decision-making process of a cuckoo clock purchase because of the many choices…yup totally me. I am in Garmish for 2 nights on August 3-5 and I was wondering if I can get by with 1 overnight or should I extend to 2 nights? God Bless.
Brittany
Oh my!! There are so many things to do in Garmisch, I suppose it depends what your goals are. I would absolutely stay for more than one night. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or would like some recommendations.
Lefty Jv Vargas
Hi Brittany, thanks for sharing in my excitement in my up coming visit to the Garmisch area. I have to preface my goals with a little about me, I am a city kid at heart, but with age I have found that in the open space is where I can think. I have grown to accept the upside of being away from the city. So here we are, my goals is to connect with the scenery around me, explore a little outside my comfort zone, and see the Schloss :). I like to do simple hikes and climb anywhere just to get a view of the landscape around me. I have 3 days in Bavaria and I at the moment I have 1 day in Garmisch and 2 day in the Black Forest (Triberg). I have been several time to Garmisch over a period of 10 years will serving in Germany, but not to the Black Forest. My question, would it be better off to change my itinerary to 2 days in Garmisch and 1 in the Black Forest? Not sure if I need 2 days in Triberg? Thank you for recommendation and insight.
Brittany
If you’ve already been to Garmisch and explored the hills around there (Wank, Kramer, Eckbauer are three of my favorite back yard Garmisch hikes), or seen Eibsee and the Gorge/Höllentalklamm, then I would stay two days in the Black Forest.
Triberg itself is small, but you can use that as your home base if you want to spend a couple days driving around the Forest. You’ll have more things to do possibly in Garmisch for two days, but with some research perhaps you can find other things you’d like to see in the Black Forest. I would also recommend a visit to Freiburg just in the corner of the Black Forest. It’s a fun college town. It is a small city though.
Lefty Jv Vargas
Hi Brittany and thank you for the great suggestions! My itinerary will take me from Munich, Garmisch, Black Forest, Strasbourg, Colmar, Lucerne. I will definitely check out Freiburg during my stop at Triberg! Thank you once again.
Brittany
What a lovely trip! I have been fortunate enough to visit all of these places except Lucerne.
I recommend getting a bite to eat in Marché couvert while in Colmar. It’s the covered market and has amazing fresh vendors. Have a wonderful trip!