In the south-west of Baden-Württemberg, the rural district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald runs along the French department of Haut-Rhin, almost reaching Switzerland. The proximity to both has a direct effect on the district’s economic activity and on cultural exchanges between the areas. Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald’s economic structure is characterised by medium-sized enterprises in agriculture, manufacturing industries in the automotive sector, metrology and control systems as well as mechanical engineering. With its many spa and rehabilitation facilities, the district also has a strong tourism and health service sector. Large areas of the Kaiserstuhl mountain range, which stretches across the district, are part of Europe’s Natura 2000 network.