The European Chronicles 2026.2 - A Black Forest Loop & A Three Country Transit

June 08, 2026

The European Chronicles 2026.2 - A Black Forest Loop & A Three Country Transit

Hidden in the woods...

This is the only mill in the Black Forest with two water wheels; it was built in 1825. Family owned since 1839, it is now a restaurant, although the mill is still operational for demonstration purposes.

Stunning ride to get there; many little forest roads, but one major route failure...

Heading out toward the Panoramastrasse

Um, nope. Unlike Italy, Germany means it. 😂

No worries, there are more good roads.

This is a 2-way road...including the occasional tractor. With pavement better than anything at home. 😎

Relive 'Black Forest Loop'

A fun loop, with time to explore more of Freiberg. The "vibe" changes on the weekend; more festive, with a market at the Munster.

How can you beat a lingerie store serenade?

Fun in the runnels.

Way too cute.

One. At. A. Time.

Gnocchi (yum).

Germany - Switzerland - Italy

Time to head to La Thuile, Italy, right on the border with France. A reasonably long transit day, some highway, but also a couple of lower Swiss passes that turn out to be stunning. No surprise, all of Switzerland is stunning, and they have the best pavement on the planet.

Mia gets her Swiss vignette. You can now do it online, but I wanted the sticker. 😂

That's a public primary school in Gruyeres, Switzerland (yes, the cheese).

Heading up the Col des Mosses, best road of the day.

The Grand St. Bernard pass is still closed, so I'm taking the tunnel to Italy. Not really a hardship; although the pass is stunning, the climb up the Swiss side to the tunnel entrance would easily be a "top 10" road in the US. Beautiful sweepers, stunning views, perfect pavement.

Welcome to La Thuile, Italy.

At the Chalet Eden...one of these is not like the others... 😎

Bunch of exotics out enjoying the day and a late lunch. On any given day, you'll see more exotic cars out being flogged on the passes than you will in a year in the US. Actually being used...and by flog, I mean flog...this isn't a drive to the local Cars and Coffee. 😎