Triberg Cuckoo Clocks, GERMANY
Airing Date: Dec 20th, 2004
Located in Germany's Black Forest, Triberg is the cuckoo clock capital of the world. Cuckoo clocks originated here over 200 years ago and they're one of the reasons why Triberg has become one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Black Forest. Why cuckoos? The Black Forest is full of cuckoo birds and it's the easiest bird noise to imitate.
For the residents of the Black Forest the winters are long and dark, so many of them take to carving intricate cuckoo clocks during these months. By the time the summer comes, they are ready to go round the region selling them door to door.
To get a taste of just how many different types of clocks there are, you can pay a visit to the House of 1000 Clocks. Here you'll find clocks of every shape and size, from cute to ugly all under one roof. It's enough to drive you cuckoo crazy!
Triberg would not be complete without the world's largest cuckoo clock, which stands four and a half metres tall and weighs 150 kilos. It's even in the Guinness Book of Records, and its chimes can be heard on the hour, every hour.
If you need a break from all the clocks sample some traditional German cuisine at Restaurant Lille, where you can try everything from smoked ham sausage, sauerkraut and of course, the famous Black Forest Cake.
The facts
Thai Airways International fly to Frankfurt from $1985 ex Perth and $2057 ex Sydney. Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rate. Conditions apply.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Stay at the Maritim Hotel from $140 a person.
Hertz car hire costs from $83 a day.
Travelworld
Tel: 13 14 35
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 20/12/04
