Is the Black Forest Really Black?

There are more than a few legends connected with Germany’s Black Forest. Several have to do with the name. ‘Schwarzwald’ in Germany, ‘Black Forest’ in English. Is it really black in color? Well, no, it is definitely very much green. From a distance though, the dense pine forest appears to be black or deep blue in color, depending on the light. Once inside the territory, things open up and people express amazement that there are farms and fields and pastures. On a warm late September day, the Black Forest is definitely emerald.