The Most Interesting Cities and Towns to Explore in Baden-Württemberg

Stuttgart is among the trendiest cities in Germany, consistently impressing travellers with its wide, diverse range of attractions. The city boasts sprawling squares spattered with gorgeous architecture, and a series of interesting museums and galleries. Anyone even mildly interested in automobiles will love the snazzy Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums in town. Stuttgart also earns major Brownie points with children, thanks to its awesome nature spots and museums that are especially designed for little guests.

The world-famous Roman spa town of Baden Baden, nestled in Germany’s fairy-tale-like Black Forest, beckons with the promise of a rejuvenating holiday. The thermal baths at Friedrichsbad or Caracalla Therme have proven therapeutic elements and leave you feeling as fresh as new. The town also boasts extensive, top fashion, ample green coverage, a stunning Old Town centre and museums. The icing on a memorable holiday in Baden Baden is, of course, the legendary Black Forest cake.

The vibrant, youthful university town of Freiburg im Breisgau can be found in the sunniest region in the country. Its silhouette is made up of breathtaking architecture, like Freiburg Minster, New Town Hall, Martin’s Church, Haus zum Walfisch (House of the Whale), and Martinstor (Martin Gate). Look down, and you will find intricate motifs on the Old Town square and cute canals (Bächle) running along the street sides.

Ulm is best known for the tallest church steeple in the world and for being the birthplace of Nobel laureate Albert Einstein. Additionally, the dreamy setting of Fischerviertel (the Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter) along the River Blau and the beautifully preserved medieval city walls surely make a stop at this rather unsung town worthwhile.

In Karlsruhe, a range of amazing Neoclassical architecture, endless greenery, charming medieval squares, vibrant shopping streets and over 50 museums and galleries vie for your attention. The most noteworthy landmark in town is undoubtedly the spectacular 18th-century Karlsruhe Palace, from which 32 avenues fan out in beautiful symmetry.

Mannheim is best known for being the starting point (or the end point) of Germany’s iconic Castle Road. However, the town itself has much to offer travellers. For instance, the sprawling Mannheim Palace, one of the largest and most beautifully conserved palaces in Europe, and the stunning Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau Wasserturm (water tower) in a gorgeous green plaza. Moreover, Mannheim has pristine, green oases and interesting museums.

Konstanz, the most popular stop along the famous Lake Constance, records hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, and certainly for good reason. This sunny town has a romantic Old Town, the iconic 11th-century Konstanz Minster, historic architecture like the Hohenzollernhaus and Rathaus, and several museums. However, what draws tourists the most to Konstanz is its ancient harbour, looking out onto the beautiful lake, as well as the opportunity for a leisurely river cruise.

The 18th-century city of Ludwigsburg might not be a tourist hotspot throughout the year, but that changes every September and October as the Largest Pumpkin Festival in the World kicks off in town, in the presence of hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over Europe. However, you certainly won’t regret your decision of stopping in Ludwigsburg at other times of the year. The sprawling Baroque Ludwigsburg Palace alone – housing a lovely ceramic museum and with the Blühendes Barock gardens wrapping it on all sides – make a visit to Ludwigsburg worth it. The town also preserves other noteworthy architecture, like Favorite Castle, Monrepos, the Evangelical city church, as well as a romantic old town.