Baden-Württemberg Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Baden-Württemberg? This guide covers everything you need to know including culturally important attractions and natural wonders, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and much more!


Introduction to Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is a southwestern German state, rich in both cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is the third-largest state and the most prosperous in Germany, offering a wide range of travel experiences for all kinds of visitors.

The state was formed in 1952 by merging the two former states of Baden and Württemberg, each with its own history and culture. Today, Baden-Württemberg boasts of 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, ranging from historic castles and monasteries to natural landscapes and modern architecture.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through some of the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Baden-Württemberg.

List of Places to Visit in Baden-Württemberg

Laden with significant history, culture, and natural wonders, Baden-Württemberg offers endless possibilities for exploration:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Heidelberg Castle – A historic castle in the city of Heidelberg, famed for its Renaissance architecture and scenic views of the Neckar River.
  2. The Maulbronn Monastery – One of the best-preserved monasteries in Europe, dating back to the 12th century.
  3. Mercedes-Benz Museum – A stunning architectural complex in Stuttgart, showcasing the history and evolution of Mercedes-Benz cars.
  4. The Roman Bath Ruins – An impressive complex of Roman baths in Baden-Baden, featuring on-site thermal baths and spa facilities.

Natural Attractions of Baden-Württemberg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. The Black Forest – A beautiful woodland landscape with walking and hiking trails.
  2. The Bodensee (Lake Constance) – A scenic lake on the Swiss border, offering pristine beaches, watersports, and beautiful views.
  3. The Hohenzollern Castle – A historic castle perched atop a hill overlooking stunning countryside views.
  4. The Schwäbische Alb – A rolling countryside that is excellent for hikes, bike rides, and outdoor recreation.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg boasts of some of Germany’s most picturesque hiking and biking routes:

  1. The Black Forest – Central/North Route – A well-marked trail that runs through the north and central parts of the Black Forest. Taking in some of the best views and most famous sights in the area, this trail should take about two weeks to complete.
  2. Lake Constance Cycle Path – A picturesque path that takes in 270km of rolling countryside and all the lakeside towns that line the lake. The route runs through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
  3. The Swabian Jura Hiking Trail – A trail through the stunning landscape of the Swabian Alb, running for 350km between Donauwörth and Tuttlingen.
  4. Neckarsteig – This 125-km trail takes in some of the most beautiful parts of the Neckar Valley, between the towns of Heidelberg and Bad Wimpfen.

Best Things to Do in Baden-Württemberg: Activities and Tours

  1. Drive the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest High Road) – A scenic drive through the Black Forest, taking in spectacular views of valleys and hilltop castles.
  2. Visit Stuttgart – The capital of the state and home to incredible architecture, including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum.
  3. Take a hot air balloon ride – Get a bird’s eye view of the countryside and famous landmarks such as castles, vineyards, and the Black Forest.
  4. Go Wine Tasting – The region is famous for its winemaking, and there are plenty of vineyards to visit and sample a variety of wines.
  5. Relax at a Thermal Spa – Baden-Baden is famous for its rejuvenating spa facilities that offer thermal baths, saunas, and other treatments.

Week-Long Itinerary for Baden-Württemberg

With so much to see and do in Baden-Württemberg, planning your trip can be overwhelming. Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you get the most out of your visit:

Day 1-3: Explore Stuttgart and its cultural attractions, including Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Wilhelma Zoo.

Day 4-5: Visit the stunning Heidelberg Castle and explore the historic town center.

Day 6-7: Discover the beauty of the Black Forest by exploring the small towns such as Triberg and Baden-Baden, followed by a wine tasting.

Food and Drink Scene of Baden-Württemberg

  1. Must-Try Dishes

Baden-Württemberg cuisine is hearty and flavorful with plenty of delicious dishes to try, including:

  • Maultaschen – A hearty pasta dish filled with a mix of meat and vegetables, served with a side of potato salad.
  • Spätzle – A German-style pasta made from flour and egg, which is great as a side dish or served with Ossobuco.
  • Badische Schupfnudeln – A hearty dish made from doughnut-like dumplings that are steamed and then pan-fried in butter.
  • Black Forest Ham – A famous smoked ham produce that is a staple in the region’s cuisine.

  1. Local Beverages

Baden-Württemberg is a wine region and boasts of over 23,500 hectares of vineyards. The region produces a variety of wines, including the Reisling, Pinot Noir, and Trollinger. The state is also famous for its beer, and you should try the Rothaus Tannenzäpfle, a delicious local beer.

Where to Stay in Baden-Württemberg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of options for all budgets in Baden-Württemberg, including:

  1. Hotel Traube Tonbach – A luxury option in the heart of the Black Forest with rustic rooms and an excellent restaurant.
  2. Hostel Löwenherz – A budget-friendly hostel in Freiburg for solo travelers or those traveling in a group.
  3. Hotel am Charlottenplatz – A mid-range hotel in Stuttgart’s city center, close to many attractions and restaurant options.

What to Buy in Baden-Württemberg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Black Forest Cake – A delectable chocolate cake inspired by the region’s landscape and famous as a dessert.
  2. Müllerthal Lederhosen – A traditional, handcrafted leather outfit worn on special occasions and a popular souvenir from the region.
  3. Baden-Württemberg Wine – A perfect gift to take home or share with friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is a region steeped in tradition, and you should expect to encounter the following customs while on your trip:

  • Respect for authority figures – As in many parts of Germany, showing respect for local authorities, such as police and elders, is essential.
  • Punctuality – Germans are well known to maintain schedules and punctuality, so plan accordingly.
  • Sunday closures – In some parts of the state, retailers remain closed on Sundays.

Best Time to Visit Baden-Württemberg

The best time to visit Baden-Württemberg is in the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the temperatures are mild and fewer crowds. However, summertime remains a popular season to visit the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Baden-Württemberg

  1. Do:

  • Try the local cuisine – Germany is known for its hearty and flavorsome dishes, so try as much as you can.
  • Respect the environment – Practice sustainable tourism and leave no traces of litter.
  • Observe social distancing – Germans are particular about using spaces, so observe social distancing rules in public places.

  1. Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside homes and public spaces – It is customary to remove shoes for hygiene purposes in many parts of the region.
  • Graffiti – Graffiti and vandalism are strictly prohibited in most parts of the state.
  • Insult the locals – Germans are generally friendly people, but insulting or making fun of them, their culture, and beliefs is not appreciated.

Safety and Health

  1. Safety in Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is one of the safest states in Germany, with low crime rates. However, tourists should always observe safety precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and remaining aware of your surroundings.

  1. Health in Baden-Württemberg

Germany has an excellent public and private health care system. In case of an emergency, call 112 (EU emergency number) for assistance.

Getting to Baden-Württemberg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Baden-Württemberg

The main entry points into Baden-Württemberg are the Stuttgart Airport and the Karlsruhe Baden-Baden Airport. You can also fly into the Frankfurt Airport, which is about 2.5 hours away from Stuttgart.

Bus Stations Near Baden-Württemberg

Flixbus offers regular, affordable connections from major German cities to Baden-Württemberg. You can also take a train to the major cities in the state.

Other Options

If you prefer to drive, Baden-Württemberg is easily reachable by the German autobahn network. You can also rent a car or take a bike or walking tour.

How to Get Around in Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg has an extensive public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. The state is easily navigable, with well-marked hiking and biking trails. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Baden-Württemberg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Depending on your interests, there are plenty of other exciting destinations and excursions to consider:

  1. Munich – 2.5 hours away by train, Munich is famous for its historic center, beer halls, and museums.
  2. Strasbourg – A charming French city, located just over an hour from Baden-Baden, famous for its Gothic cathedral and narrow alleyways.
  3. Frankfurt – Known for its skyscrapers, financial district, and museums, Frankfurt is just over an hour away by train.

Conclusion

Baden-Württemberg’s rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes make it one of the best travel destinations in Europe. From the Black Forest’s scenic drives to the Swabian Jura’s hiking trails, Baden-Württemberg has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to one of Germany’s most beautiful and prosperous states.

Rainbow over the Hohenzollern Castle in the Swabian Mountains Rainbow over the Hohenzollern Castle in the Swabian Mountains The unique, Manhattan-like street grid is the distinguishing feature of Mannheim The unique, Manhattan-like street grid is the distinguishing feature of Mannheim Stuttgart, the Land's capital, has the largest airport within Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart, the Land's capital, has the largest airport within Baden-Württemberg Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart Stuttgart's museums and cultural institutions are world-famous Stuttgart's museums and cultural institutions are world-famous Heidelberg is the location of Germany's oldest university Heidelberg is the location of Germany's oldest university See the world's tallest church steeple in the medieval old town of Ulm See the world's tallest church steeple in the medieval old town of Ulm Maultaschen mit Kartoffelsalat, the staple dish of the region Maultaschen mit Kartoffelsalat, the staple dish of the region


    Black Forest
    Bodensee Region
    Rhine-Neckar
    Stuttgart Region
    Swabian Mountains