It lies in the elbow formed by the Rhine River as it flows westward from Lake Constance and turns sharply to the north. In addition to the fir and pine that predominate, maple, ash, birch, walnut, oak, and beech trees give the landscape a varied color pattern during the autumn. Berries, fruit trees, mushrooms, and heather are common. In the higher districts cereals are produced. Among the wild animals of the forest are roe deer, red deer, wild pigs, and badgers.
Cattle graze in meadows and mountain pastures.
The Danube and Neckar rivers rise in these mountains. Along these and other streams are small manufacturing towns. Lumbering, woodworking, papermaking, and the manufacture of watches, cuckoo clocks, and mechanical toys are the principal industries. Tourism and winter sports are also important, and there are many spas, such as Baden-Baden and Wildbad. The principal towns are Freiburg im Breisgau, Offenburg, Rastatt, and Lahr.