Great Continental Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo journeys deep into Germany’s Black Forest, where he observes the intricate craft of carving cuckoo clocks. The segment demonstrates how this meticulous workmanship, rooted in centuries‑old tradition, helped establish the nation’s reputation for high‑quality manufacturing and its enduring global appeal.

The Black Forest to Hannover is a television episode that follows presenter Michael Portillo as he journeys through one of Germany’s most iconic landscapes. The programme is positioned as a travel‑focused installment, taking viewers from the dense woodlands of the Black Forest toward the northern city of Hannover, and it is presented in a straightforward, episode‑style format. In this segment, Portillo travels deep into the heart of the Black Forest, where he witnesses a detailed demonstration of cuckoo‑clock carving. The hands‑on showcase highlights the precise techniques used by local craftsmen, illustrating the skill and attention to detail that have become synonymous with German manufacturing. Through this close‑up look at the clock‑making process, the episode makes clear how such meticulous workmanship contributed to Germany’s reputation for producing high‑quality goods. The demonstration serves as a tangible example of the broader tradition of German craftsmanship. By linking the artistry of cuckoo‑clock carving with the country’s wider industrial standing, the programme underscores how regional expertise helped shape a national image of reliability and excellence. Throughout, Portillo’s narration ties the forest setting to the legacy of precision that continues to define German products today.