Skip to content

Baden-Württemberg

A Region of Timeless Charm

Nestled in the heart of southwest Germany, Baden-Württemberg invites you to explore its blend of breathtaking landscapes, historic treasures, and cultural richness. From the enchanting Black Forest to the vineyards of the Rhine Valley, this region promises unforgettable experiences for adventurers, history buffs, and food lovers alike.

Baden-Württemberg has a fascinating history that dates back to Roman times. Once divided into small duchies and kingdoms, it united in 1952 to form the state we know today. Its storied past is evident in the grandeur of Heidelberg Castle, the medieval streets of Tübingen, and the baroque architecture of Ludwigsburg Palace. Each corner of the region whispers tales of resilience, innovation, and cultural heritage.

Savor traditional Swabian cuisine, hike scenic trails, or discover hidden gems in vibrant cities like Stuttgart and Karlsruhe—Baden-Württemberg offers something for everyone. Dive into its unique charm and experience the best of Germany’s culture and nature.

Highlights

Lake Constance (Bodensee)

Known as Bodensee in Germany, Lake Constance is a stunning destination where Germany meets Austria and Switzerland. This expansive lake offers picturesque views, charming lakeside towns, and plenty of activities such as boating, cycling, and wine tasting. Be sure to visit the island of Mainau, famous for its beautiful gardens, and the historic town of Lindau.

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald)

The Black Forest is a magical destination straight out of a fairy tale. With dense forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages, it’s perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. Don’t miss Triberg, home to Germany’s highest waterfalls, and the iconic cuckoo clock workshops. The Black Forest also offers opportunities to relax in world-famous spas such as Baden-Baden.

Heidelberg

Renowned for its romantic charm, Heidelberg is a must-visit city in Baden-Württemberg. Explore the stunning Heidelberg Castle, wander through the historic Altstadt (Old Town), and take in the views from the Philosopher’s Walk. This university city is steeped in history and culture, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and discovery.

Stuttgart

As the capital of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. Car enthusiasts will love the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, while art lovers can explore the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart. Don’t miss the Stuttgart TV Tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding vineyards.

Hohenzollern Castle

Perched atop a hill, Hohenzollern Castle is one of Germany’s most impressive castles. With breathtaking views and a fascinating history, it’s a fantastic spot for a day trip. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior, including its treasure chamber, and enjoy the surrounding countryside.

Ulm

Ulm is famous for its towering cathedral, the Ulm Minster, which boasts the tallest church spire in the world. Climb the 768 steps for panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. The city’s charming Fishermen’s Quarter with its half-timbered houses and canals is also worth exploring.

Schwäbische Alb (Swabian Jura)

This lesser-known gem is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The Swabian Jura offers dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, and castles. Highlights include the Nebelhöhle cave and the Lichtenstein Castle, often referred to as the “fairy-tale castle of Württemberg.”

Europa-Park

Located in Rust, Europa-Park is Germany’s largest theme park and a hit with families. With themed areas representing different European countries, thrilling rides, and world-class shows, it promises an unforgettable day of fun.

Other Must Visit destinations

Baden-Baden
Located in the northern Black Forest, Baden-Baden is a luxurious spa town known for its thermal baths and upscale ambience. The town is also famous for its elegant casinos and high-end lifestyle, making it one of the most exclusive destinations in the region.

Tübingen
Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Tübingen is a picturesque old town set along the Neckar River. Its cobblestone streets and charming half-timbered houses make it a delightful destination.

Triberg
Nestled in the Black Forest, Triberg boasts the world’s largest cuckoo clock and the stunning Triberg Waterfalls, one of Germany’s highest cascades.

Blautopt
The Blautopf in Blaubeuren is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its stunning, otherworldly beauty. This striking karst spring, located in the picturesque Swabian Jura, is renowned for its vibrant turquoise-blue waters, which seem almost magical in their intensity. The unique colour is a result of the way light interacts with the fine limestone particles suspended in the water, creating an enchanting effect that changes with the seasons and weather..

Giengen an der Brenz
Discover the Steiff Museum, the birthplace of the iconic teddy bear. Learn about its history and enjoy an engaging experience. Additional details are available on my blog.

Rottweil
The oldest city in Baden-Württemberg, Rottweil, is the namesake of the Rottweiler dog. It’s also home to the “Test Turm,” a fascinating architectural and engineering attraction.

Castle Sigmaringen
This magnificent castle, perched on a hilltop, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Monastery of Beuron
Nestled in the Danube Valley, this peaceful monastery is renowned for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, perfect for reflection.

The island of Mainau
Known as the “Flower Island,” Mainau is a lush, botanical paradise in Lake Constance, offering spectacular gardens and a peaceful escape.

Donautal
This scenic valley along the Danube River is a nature lover’s haven, with trails and picturesque views perfect for hiking and exploration.

Hohenkarpfen
From the top of Hohenkarpfen, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Swabian Alps and surrounding valleys, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Festivals

Nabada in Ulm

When: Oath Monday in July
This unique water parade on the Danube features colourful boats, rafts, and “Flotte” that float down the river, accompanied by lively concerts and plenty of water fun. It’s a local tradition that celebrates the start of summer and attracts visitors from all over.

Weindorf in Stuttgart

When: Late August
At this festival, local winemakers gather to sell their wines, creating a vibrant atmosphere of food, music, and gemütlichkeit. Visitors can sample a variety of regional wines while enjoying the festive ambience of the city centre.

Bregenz Opera Festival

When: July – August
Held on Lake Constance, the Bregenz Opera Festival is famous for its floating stage, where opera performances take place with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s one of the most iconic cultural festivals in the region.

Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest

When: Spring (April-May)
This large beer festival in Stuttgart is filled with over 120 beer tents, traditional food, and lively entertainment. Visitors can enjoy German beer, carnival rides, and local specialities in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.

Cannstatter Volksfest

When: Late September – Early October
Known as the “second Oktoberfest,” the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart is a massive beer festival with food stalls, carnival rides, and traditional Swabian dishes. It’s one of the largest beer festivals in Germany.

Heidelberger Herbst

When: September
This autumn festival in Heidelberg is filled with street performances, food stalls, craft markets, and live music, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Heidelberg’s historic centre. It’s a great way to experience the charm of the city.

Rheingau Musik Festival

When: June – August
Held along the scenic Rhine River, the Rheingau Musik Festival offers classical music performances in picturesque settings, such as vineyards and castles. It’s a prestigious festival attracting top-tier musicians and music lovers.

Fasnet (Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht)

When: February – March
This carnival festival is a colourful, lively tradition in the Swabian and Alemannic regions, featuring elaborate costumes, masks, and parades. Towns like Rottweil and Villingen-Schwenningen come alive with celebrations marking the beginning of Lent.

Christmas Markets

When: December
Baden-Württemberg hosts some of Germany’s most enchanting Christmas markets, including Stuttgart, Heidelberg, and Mannheim. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, shop for handmade goods, and savour seasonal treats like mulled wine and gingerbread.

Schwäbisch Hall Kunstfest

When: July – August
A celebration of theatre and music, the Schwäbisch Hall Theatre Summer Festival offers performances in an open-air amphitheatre. From classic plays to modern productions, it’s a cultural highlight in the region.

Food and drinks

Baden
  • Schwarzwälder Schinken (Black forest smoked ham)
  • Schwarzwälderkirschtorte (Black forest cake)
  • Dampfnudeln (Yeast dough cooked and served with vanilla sauce or cherries)
  • Knöple (round Spätzle)
  • Hefezopf
  • Linzer Torte
  • Springerle
  • Kirschwasser
  • Spätzle or Käsespätzle
  • Maultaschen
  • Flammkuchen
Swabian
  • Gaisburger March
  • Spätzle or Käsespätzle
  • Maultaschen
  • Schupfnudeln
  • Linsen mit Spätzle
  • Gelbwurst
  • Flammkuchen
  • Brezeln (they look different from the ones in Bavaria, the arms are thinner and the “stomach” has a cracked crust)
  • Trollinger, Gewürztraminer and Spätburgender wine
Black Forest Cake

Related content

Tourist accommodation types

Types of Tourist accommodation in Germany Germany, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular hotel types you can find in Germany, each offering a unique experience. It is important to note that these descriptions are not protected by law, and you can call your hotel a park hotel even if the park is really small. Some do have a minimum requirement, you will for instance not find a Berghotel in the valley. Finding a romantic hotel might also be a challenge. Most German hotels have two single beds, each with their own duvet. The interior is very basic and for cheaper hotels, there are no “little things” like chocolate on your pillow or flowers in the room that make your stay special. Coffee-making facilities in your room are also not very popular.   Berghotel These hotels are typically located in or near mountainous regions. These hotels are designed to cater to tourists seeking outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The offer a rustic and cosy atmosphere Location This type of hotel is located in the mountains and is mostly traditional or rustic. You typically find such a hotel in the Black Forest, in the Alps, in the Swabian Jura or in the Harz Mountains. Seasons These hotels attract a diverse range of visitors year-round. In winter, they are favoured by skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. During the summer, these hotels become a hub for hikers, bikers, and other active sports enthusiasts. Reasons to go Cosy Rustic Breathtaking views Things to consider Crowded in peak season Remote Familienhotel Designed with families in mind, these hotels provide family-friendly amenities such as play areas, children’s menus, and family suites. Many are located near popular attractions like amusement parks and zoos, making them an ideal choice for a family vacation. Location Conveniently located across Germany Seasons All Reasons to go While not all facilities are available at every family hotel, you can often find options such as children’s entertainment, family-friendly rooms, child-friendly catering options, playrooms, playgrounds, childcare services, and leisure activities tailored for families. These hotels aim to create a welcoming environment for families, with some even offering spa or wellness facilities. Things to consider Family hotels are specifically designed to cater to guests travelling with children, and they typically do not accept bookings from those travelling without children. This ensures a family-oriented atmosphere and allows the hotel to focus on providing the best possible experience for families. Gasthaus or Gasthof (Inn) A traditional, family-run inn that combines cosy accommodations with a welcoming, often rustic, on-site restaurant or beer garden. These charming establishments are found in villages and smaller city neighbourhoods. When in the countryside it is called a Landgasthaus. Location Conveniently located across Germany Seasons All Reasons to go Known for their homely feel, Gasthäuser and Gasthöfe often feature wooden furnishings, local decor, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy authentic German dishes made with regional ingredients, like schnitzel, bratwurst, and seasonal specialties, often served with local beers or wines. Ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local culture, these inns provide a uniquely personal, laid-back experience with a focus on German hospitality.. Things to consider Generally simpler than larger hotels, with basic amenities and often no room service, fitness centres, or other facilities associated with modern hotels. Confirm that essentials like Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, and parking are available if needed. Payment options may be limited to cash or certain cards, so it’s wise to confirm these details in advance. Hotel Garni A Hotel Garni in Germany is a type of accommodation that focuses on providing comfortable lodging with a limited range of services. Unlike full-service hotels, a Hotel Garni typically offers just breakfast, without an on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. These hotels are usually smaller, often family-run, and provide a cosy, personalized atmosphere. Rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities, and breakfast is typically a highlight, featuring a buffet of fresh, local options like bread, cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, and coffee. Location Conveniently located across Germany Seasons All Reasons to go Found in cities, towns, and holiday regions, Hotel Garni is ideal for travelers who plan to explore local restaurants and attractions throughout the day, and simply need a clean, comfortable place to rest and start their day with a hearty breakfast. The focus on simplicity and convenience makes it a budget-friendly and hassle-free option. Things to consider Hotels Garni usually only serve breakfast and do not have in-house restaurants for lunch or dinner. If you prefer dining on-site, consider whether nearby dining options suit your needs and schedule, especially if you’re in a remote area. Smaller Hotels Garni may have limited staffing hours and stricter check-in and check-out times, so be sure to confirm these details if you’re arriving late or leaving early. Hütte A Hütte in Germany refers to a rustic mountain hut or cabin, often located in scenic alpine areas, forests, or national parks. Traditionally used by hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts, these huts provide simple, communal-style accommodations for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. A Hütte is typically managed by organizations like the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein) and is designed to offer shelter, a warm meal, and basic amenities to travellers on their journey. Location Mountains, forest or national parks Seasons All, but check in Winter Reasons to go Most Hütten are accessible only by hiking trails, offering stunning views and a close connection to nature. Perfect for adventurous travelers, a stay at a Hütte offers a unique experience in the German wilderness, though it comes with rustic accommodations that prioritize simplicity and sustainability. Hüttenvermietung Müller Tips for sleeping in a Hütte (German) Packing list for sleeping over (German) Rules for staying in a Hütte Things to consider Hütten are rustic by nature and usually provide only the basics—bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and a communal dining area. Facilities like

Read More »

Travel ideas within Germany

Germany is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and many regional specialties.To add your suggestions please submit it via this form Below are some travel inspiration for each German state, and some regions and town Businesses listed on our site Travel Agents Accommodation National parks in Germany There are 16 national parks in Germany. See this list for more details. Article from lonely planet about 10 National parks in Germany. Travel inspiration Deutschlands schönste Reiseziele Discovery Germany Entdecke Deutchland (also in English) Related content

Read More »

Weather in Germany

German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. In the northwest and the north, the climate is oceanic and rain falls all year round. Winters here are relatively mild and summers comparatively cool.In the east, the climate shows clear continental features; winters can be very cold for long periods, and summers can become very warm. Dry periods are often recorded. In the centre and the south, there is a transitional climate that may be predominantly oceanic or continental, according to the general weather situation. Winters are cool and summers warm, though maximum temperatures can exceed 30 °C for several days in a row during heat waves. The warmest regions of Germany can be found in the southwest.Here summers can be hot with many days exceeding 30 °C. Weather atlas gives a good overview of the climate per month Another good source of information by Region/Town is the Climatemps website. Here is an example of the weather data they have for Stuttgart Current weather conditions BERLIN WEATHER STUTTGART WEATHER FELDBERG WEATHER Towns with the most sunshine Freiburg and Chemnitz are known as the towns with the most sunshine hours in Germany.Looking for other sunny cities in Germany? You can see a comparison here. When you don’t feel yourself during the darker months, you might suffer from Seasonal affective disorder Warmest cities in Germany Frankfurt is the warmest city in the summer.The city with the highest average temperature for 2019 was Köln-Stammheim. Offenbach am Main is also on the list.Rostock is the coldest on average. Most Rainfall per city Halle / Saale has the least rainfall. It also seldom rains in Erfurt, Berlin and Magdeburg – they still have little sunshine (3.8 to 4.4 hours/day).According to Bild, A lot of rain falls in Oldenburg (1072 milliliters), Remscheid (942), Essen (931), Solingen (896) and Wuppertal (866).This means that North Rhine-Westphalia is not only one of the regions with the poorest sunshine but also one of the rainiest regions. Where to find the most Snow The snowiest location in Germany is the Zugspitze, standing at an elevation of 3,000 meters. While snow is most common in mountainous regions, lower-lying areas also experience snowfall, though less frequently. The heaviest snowfall typically occurs in January and February. Types of weather conditions Precipitation refers to any form of atmospheric moisture that falls to the Earth’s surface. There are various types of precipitation that can occur depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions in a particular region. The most common types of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail. To read more about the difference between Graupel, Freezing rain, Sleet and snow, have a look on this page from NJ.  der Regen Rain Rain occurs when liquid water droplets in the air combine and become heavy enough to fall to the ground der Hagel Hail Hail is formed when strong updrafts carry water droplets high into the atmosphere where they freeze and are repeatedly cycled through rising and falling air currents, forming layers of ice. der Dauerregen Constant or persistent rain The US National Weather Service has a good explanation of the different types of rainIn Central Europe one speaks of continuous rain when it continues with uninterrupted rainfall and a severity of more than 0.5 millimeters of precipitation per hour for a period of at least six hours. der Sprühregen or der Nieselregen Drizzle Fairly uniform precipitation composed exclusively of fine drops very close together. Drizzle appears to float while following air currents, but unlike fog droplets, it falls to the ground. Quite often fog and drizzle occur together. der Graupel / Graupel Also known as snow pellets.Graupel forms when snowflakes are coated with a layer of ice. Graupel is typically white and opaque. der Eisregen Freezing rain Raindrops becomes supercooled and freeze upon impact with any surface. This results in ice that can accumulate.Freezing rain occurs when the layer of freezing air is so thin that the raindrops do not have enough time to freeze before reaching the ground.  Instead, the water freezes on contact with the surface, creating a coating of ice on whatever the raindrops contact.  der Schneeregen Sleet Sleet is simply frozen raindrops and occurs when the layer of freezing air along the surface is thicker.  This causes the raindrops to freeze before reaching the ground.Sleet occurs mainly just before snowfall and looks like hoarfrost droplets. In contrast to snow, sleet grains are easily breakable. Often these break when they hit the ground. der Schnee Snow Snow occurs when the temperature is cold enough for water vapor to freeze into ice crystals in the air. Snow is solid precipitation that falls from the sky in the form of ice crystals. The ice crystals look like six-pointed stars, needles, columns or plates.  der Nebel Fog In the meteorological glossary fog is defined as ‘obscurity in the surface layers of the atmosphere, which is caused by a suspension of water droplets. By international agreement (particularly for aviation purposes) fog is the name given to resulting visibility less than 1 km. However, in forecasts for the public, this generally refers to visibility less than 180 m. Some also say that Fog is a cloud that reaches ground level (rolls in) Der Dunst Mist Mist is defined as ‘when there is such obscurity and the associated visibility is equal to or exceeds 1000 m.’ Like fog, mist is still the result of the suspension of water droplets, but simply at a lower density. Mist typically is quicker to dissipate and can rapidly disappear with even slight winds, it’s also what you see when you can see your breath on a cold day. Some also say that mist forms on the ground (rises) der Eisnebel Freezing fog The fog forms when the temps at the surface are below freezing.The accumulation will usually be horizontal due to the wind. This type of fog can occur when cold air

Read More »

🇿🇦 Feeling a little homesick?

We’ve got a taste of home waiting for you.
From South African concerts to casual meetups across Germany—check out what’s happening near you.