On the weekend of 11 and 12 February 2012, the streets of Schwäbisch Gmünd will echo to the discordant sounds of Guggenmusik. Around 20 bands are expected to descend on the town, which has made a name for itself as a 'mecca of Guggenmusik'. The International Guggenmusik Festival, taking place for the 29th time, is always a real hit with the crowds and is a highlight of the carnival season.

You can easily combine a visit to the festival with a city tour, as Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Ulm and Heilbronn are all nearby.