About Us
As the sun rises over the rolling hills I call home, a place of enchanting beauty and captivating history, another day as a tour guide and guest leader begins for me. I am ready to share the secrets and stories of this remarkable region with you. With every step, I feel the pulse of the land beneath my feet, a rhythm that reflects the richly woven tapestry of cultures and landscapes that make up this magical corner of Germany.
As I lead my group through Heidelberg's narrow, cobblestone streets, the scent of old sandstone, fresh flowers, and boiling mash fills the air, mingling with whispers of legends from centuries past. Above us rises the mighty Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent testament to the splendor of bygone eras. The weathered stones bear witness to the turbulent history that unfolded within its walls, from royal feasts to wars and conquests. I regale my eager listeners with tales of noble warriors, wise scholars, and happy lovers, and they are swept away on the wings of history before their inner eyes.
Leaving Heidelberg behind us, we drive through the verdant vineyards of the Bergstrasse and Odenwald, filled with anticipation as we enter a family-owned winery where generations of winemakers have honed their craft. We surrender to the pleasures of wine tasting, savoring the rich aromas and letting the symphony of the senses dance across our palates.
We continue our exploration, venturing along the Neckar River with its castles and the Rhine with its palaces toward the Black Forest, a realm of fairy tales and natural wonders. Towering evergreen trees sway in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. I lead my group through this mystical world of cuckoo clocks and half-timbered houses, where ancient folklore comes to life. We come across a hidden clearing where a gentle waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool. It's a scene straight out of a dream, and I encourage my guests to dip their toes in the cool water to connect with the soul of this enchanted land.
In the picturesque town of Baden-Baden, we stroll through narrow alleys lined with vibrant pastel facades, absorbing the lively atmosphere of the bustling squares and bustling streets. The melodies of street musicians fill the air, harmonizing with the laughter of locals and the excited chatter of visitors. We climb to the top of the nearby mountain and visit Hohen Baden Castle, a testament to human perseverance and architectural brilliance. From the tower's dizzying heights, we gaze upon a panorama that extends far beyond the state borders, yet captures the essence of Baden-Württemberg's breathtaking landscapes.
As the day draws to a close and my guests say their goodbyes, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Being a tour guide isn't just a job. It's a privilege, an opportunity to connect people from all over the world with the wonders of this remarkable region. Whether it's sharing the legends of castles and palaces, the delights of wine country, the wonders of brewing, or the magic of the Black Forest, I am a storyteller, a bridge between past and present, and it's my honor to guide others through the treasures of this land, a region that will forever hold a place in our hearts.
This is how Chat GPT describes my average working day as a tour guide, and even though the language is exaggerated and perhaps not every moment is as breathtaking as the artificial intelligence imagined, I have to agree with the overall portrayal. With enthusiasm and stories, I try to convey a little of the magic I feel to my guests.
I got to know and love the south-west of Germany as a child and teenager. During my studies in Heidelberg I learned more about art history, architecture and history, which I can now combine perfectly with my experience in and love of gastronomy and nature as a tour guide.
After working for some time in the tourism industry, both in an office and as a tour guide, the time had come to become self-employed and build my own small agency. I didn't have to look far for support for this project, as my wife Anja immediately agreed to support me full-time, using all her talents and energy.
We also have a team of enthusiastic tour guides who provide us with advice and support on a freelance basis.
Together we bring you the Neckartales.
History and stories from the Neckar Valley. And beyond.
Thanks to all,
best regards,
Jan Enss
Founder of Neckartales