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Baden-Wrttemberg

The federal state of Baden-Wrttemberg with its capital Stuttgart lies in the southwestern part of Germany. A sunny climate, wonderful landscapes, a rich culture, beautiful medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, an excellent gastronomy andan enormous diversity of leisure and sports activities make the prosperous Baden-Wrttemberg one the main holiday destinations which attracts great numbers of visitors from all over the world. The proximity to the western neighbor France, as well as to the southern neighbors Switzerland and Austria, has added unique and fascinating aspects to the culture and traditions of Baden-Wrttemberg over the centuries.

Major Attractions

Schwarzwald (Black Forest)
Towering fir trees, rolling hills and crystalline lakes make the Schwarzwald one of Germany's best known forest areas. The Schwarzwald Hochstrasse between Baden-Baden in the north and Freudenstadt in the south and past the beautiful Mummelsee is one of most scenic routes.

Burg Hohenzollern
In 1850, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia and his cousin Prince Karl Anton von Hohenzollern commenced construction of this imposing neo-Gothic castle - the romantic expression of a royal dream. The castle offers a magnificent view from the battlements over the surrounding landscape. A tour of the building, through its halls and suites of rooms, gives an insight into the history of the Hohenzollern line, the last monarchial rulers of the second German Reich. The treasury room still contains the Prussian royal treasures, including the crown of the kings.

Stuttgart
In the state capital of Stuttgart - home of Mercedes Benz - visitors will encounter a plethora of art, culture and shopping pleasures. One of Germany's greenest cities, Stuttgart is surrounded by vineyards, forest and parks. In the city's welcoming traditional inns you'll sample, first hand, the world-famed "German Gemtlichkeit" while indulging in delicious food, wine and German beer.

Baden-Baden
Baden-Wrttemberg has many healing baths and spa resorts. The oldest and most elegant one is Baden-Baden at the foot of the Black Forest. The town's "Kurhaus" is the cultural centre and one of the most beautiful and luxurious casinos in the world.

Heidelberg
Picturesque Heidelberg on the river Neckar is one of the most visited towns in Germany. Heidelberg is associated with student life, cosy pubs, antique shops tucked away in back streets, small galleries and the famous Heidelberg Castle. Crooked alleyways, renaissance and baroque faades shape the appearance of the Old Quarter of Heidelberg.

Bodensee (Lake Constance)
Lake Constance, Germany's largest lake, shimmers beneath the impressive panorama of the Alps. Right here, on the border with Switzerland and Austria, it is not just the flower-festooned island of Mainau that will fill the visitor's heart with wonder.