SouthWest Germany can look back on a long and eventful history which has contributed a great deal to the region’s cultural diversity. Mighty castles, magnificent palaces, grand churches and abbeys, medieval towns, UNESCO World heritage sites, architectural and cultural masterpieces, fascinating, at times surprising museums and breathtaking natural spectacles – the list of attractions in SouthWest Germany just keeps on going.

What makes SouthWest Germany special is the region’s mix of glorious countryside, dotted with some of Europe’s most vibrant and romantic cities and towns. Visitors remark on the warm welcome, as well as the buzz that comes from students at some of Germany’s finest – and oldest – universities. And, whatever season you visit, there is a real sense of place, thanks to black-and-white timber houses, cobbled streets and cheerful markets that look like illustrations in a fairy tale.

From jazz festivals and classical concerts to film festivals, exhibitions and theatre performances, you will find art and culture of the highest standard throughout this region. In the summer guests are enchanted by the famous open-air plays performed against atmospheric backdrops, on romantic natural stages and in magnificent castle courtyards. You will find museums that are already fascinating by their architecture and that exhibit an almost unlimited range of subjects, such as the State Gallery in Stuttgart, the ZKM Center of Art and Media Technology in Karlsruhe or the Burda Museum in Baden-Baden. History can be experienced firsthand in the numerous open-air museums such as the Vogtsbauernhöfe in the Black Forest with impressive 16th – 19th century farmhouses.

The automobile and SouthWest Germany go hand in hand. Two of the most famous names in the auto industry were born here: Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Not to be missed are the two spectacular automobile museums in Stuttgart with their outstanding architecture: the Mercedes-Benz Museum, which rolls back the years through automotive history across nine different floors and the Porsche Museum that presents the legendary icons of the sports manufacturer like the Porsche 911 and 917 at close quarters.

Visitors who are interested in history will find a variety of historical sites and monuments. As for castles and palaces, some of the most beautiful places are Heidelberg Castle, Hohenzollern Castle and the baroque palaces in Ludwigsburg and Schwetzingen.

SouthWest Germany’s calendar is filled with festivals, though the most famous must be the Christmas Markets during Advent. In the four weeks leading up to Christmas, under a frosting of snow, the landscape looks like a Christmas card come to life: pine trees and Christmas decorations, carols and Bratwurst (hot sausages), Glühwein (mulled wine) and sugary treats. Known locally as the Cannstatter Wasen, the Stuttgart Beer Festival is much more authentic than the Munich event. In late September/mid-October, the lord mayor “taps the barrel”, to kick off the 200-year-old Cannstatter Wasen (fair). Expect tradition all the way, from oompah bands to folk costumes, sauerkraut to crispy pork knuckles … and Stein after Stein of the specially-brewed Festbier (festival beer). The tents seat 5,000; alongside is a massive fairground, with Ferris wheels and rides.´

Spas, Wellness and Health resorts
In Europe, SouthWest Germany is known for its high quality spas and health resorts. As early as the 19th century, royalty and nobility flocked to the region to “take the waters”. Now there are some 60 health resorts and spas – and they are open to all.

In the past, European spas were used for medically-oriented health cures rather than pampering. Today, most spas and health resorts offer “Wellness” programs: everything from special cosmetic treatments and aromatherapy to relaxing massages and a variety of saunas. More unusual choices include: Ayurveda techniques, hydrotherapy, Qi Gong and thalasso treatments, algae and mud packs.

The medical side of spa treatments is still very important. On a special health and spa holiday in SouthWest Germany, programs are designed to, for example, regain fitness after an operation or lose weight carefully. The leading spa resorts and spa destinations in the region are rated by the rigorous Wellness Stars initiative.

But, perhaps the most important element in all of SouthWest Germany’s spas is the highly-trained, qualified staff.

GREAT SPA EXPERIENCES

• Baden-Baden
  One of Europe’s most glamorous resort destinations also boasts the world’s most glamorous public spa: the Friedrichsbad, with its so-called Roman-Irish baths in an ornate 19th-century building. More modern is the Caracalla Therme (thermal mineral baths), with its indoor/outdoor pool.
• Badenweiler
  The Romans loved the warm mineral springs, but today’s visitors to the Cassiopeia Therme spa choose from Turkish baths, massages and more. An attractive town, with elegant park and 1,700 hours of sunshine a year!
• Überlingen
  As well as traditional hot spring water, this modern spa on Lake Constance has the latest treatments: waterfalls with underwater music, herbal saunas, wellness programs as well as a beautiful view of the lake.

Great Outdoors
Welcome to SouthWest Germany! Summers are hot and fall is delightful – the perfect incentive for getting out and doing something active. And the scenery cannot be beaten. In summer, the meadows, valleys and low, heavily forested mountains are lush, green and warm; in fall/autumn, the blue skies and crisp evenings are perfect for that overnight stay in a country inn, with a roaring log fire. And, of course, fall is grape-harvesting time.

SouthWest Germany has long been a destination for active vacationers from all over Europe. In summer, visitors love to hike, cycle and go mountain biking in the Black Forest or the Swabian Mountains, or to sail and windsurf on Lake Constance. And thanks to the success of players such as Germany’s Bernhard Langer, former World No 1, golf has boomed in recent years. The rolling landscape is ideal for challenging courses, with glorious scenery and first-class hotels.

The Black Forest
Famous for its cuckoo clocks and cake/gateau, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is also an outdoor playground. This low range of mountains includes valleys with bubbling streams, open moorland, thickly wooded hillsides and lakes. The highest point is the Feldberg (4,898 ft/1,493 m); hikers can take a cable car to the top for invigorating walks and fabulous views.

Lake Constance
Framed by the Alps and surrounded by orchards and vineyards, this is Germany’s Riviera: sunny, pretty, laid back. A must for visitors for centuries, Lake Constance (Bodensee) is dotted with islands, such as Reichenau, with its monastery, and Mainau, world-famous for its gardens. Around the lake are attractive charming baroque towns, such as Meersburg.

MICE in SouthWest Germany
The varied choice of MICE venues (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) in SouthWest Germany reflects the diverse appeal of the region as a whole. Each venue has its own particular focus but all can claim several features in common: modern facilities, superb transport links, comprehensive services and a welcoming atmosphere.

Aside from the wide range of modern facilities and services for events of all description, SouthWest Germany boasts high-quality catering arrangements, first-class hotels and exceptional opportunities for recreational itineraries. All in all, it is perfect for the MICE sector.

The region has established itself as a major convention and conference centre in Europe, with more than 80 venues offering an individually tailored service.

Conference, event and exhibition venues

Stuttgart – New Trade Fair Centre. One of Germany’s most modern exhibition halls and convention centres, next to Stuttgart International Airport. (105,200 square metres of exhibition space) www.messe-stuttgart.de , info@messe-stuttgart.de

Mannheim – the Congress Centre Rosengarten, one of Europe’s most talked about conference destinations.

www.mcon-mannheim.de , info@mcon-mannheim.de

Freiburg – Congress Centre Concert Hall (Konzerthaus), flooded with sunlight, hosts a variety of events.

www.konzerthaus.freiburg.de , konzerthaus@fwtm.freiburg.de

Europa-Park – Germany’s largest theme park, is the perfect place for a more unconventional meeting, conference or event. www.confertainment.de , confertainment@europapark.de

For more venues and information, please visit: www.bw-fairs.de , info@bw-fairs.de

SouthWest Germany (Baden-Württemberg) is special:
grand cities and fairytale castles, picture postcard villages and traditional festivals, great museums and jolly Christmas markets. Wherever and whenever you choose to go, you are always close to a major attraction, so distances are short … and your clients are happy!

The Black Forest: vineyards, valleys, peaceful woods
Magical visit to the Kaiserstuhl vineyards and Breisach am Rhein, with wine tasting and a snack in the vineyards. Carry on to Freiburg, then through the beautiful Black Forest to Titisee and Schluchsee (lakes). Cross into France (Alsace) for a city tour in Colmar. Package includes 2 nights’ accommodation incl. breakfast, 2 evening meals, 1 wine tasting, trip in a comfortable 3-star bus. Available year-round.

Rates on request. www.eberhardt-reisen.de , info@eberhardt-reisen.de

SouthWest Germany’s fascinating cities
Every city in SouthWest Germany has something special to offer, from Stuttgartt, Baden-Baden, and Heidelberg to Karlsruhe, Tübingen, and Freiburg. Some have great shopping or buzz with student life. Others are great bases for art and culture. Available year-round.

Rates on request. www.spillmann.de , inbound@spillmann.de

Mainau Island
Everyone loves this “flower island”, with one of the world’s great sub-tropical gardens: tulips in spring, roses in summer, dahlias in fall. Mainau is today the largest tourist attraction on Lake Constance.

Rates for guided tours on request. www.mainau.de , info@mainau.de

Barrier-free Travel / Accessibility
Although many towns, buildings and attractions are historic, great care is taken to make them as accessible as possible to those with special needs. That’s why SouthWest Germany offers a variety of accessible accommodations, attractions and sightseeing. These have all been checked out by seasoned travellers in wheelchairs.

Shopping
Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch and Hugo Boss are just some of the global brands that are based in SouthWest Germany.

The region offers extensive and exclusive shopping opportunities which are surprisingly different and refreshingly individual: aside from the options in the attractive city centres – with their traffic-free zones, shopping arcades, department stores and boutiques – SouthWest Germany has a varied range of restaurants and cafés as well as two leading destinations for outlet shopping, Outletcity Metzingen and Wertheim Village.

Even the most discerning, well-travelled shopper will find something to bring back home from SouthWest Germany. Regional specialities include traditional Black Forest clocks, gold and silver from Pforzheim, Steiff teddy bears from Giengen and Ritter Sport chocolate with its delicious flavours and distinctive square packaging.

Shopping villages
Groups love nothing better than a day’s shopping at a designer discount outlet.

Outletcity Metzingen
You couldn’t find a better place for outlet shopping than the home town and headquarters of fashion designer Hugo Boss. More than 60 designer shops, including many flagship stores, offer great savings. 35 km south of Stuttgart.

www.outletcity-metzingen.com
info@outletcity-metzingen.com

Wertheim Village Outlet
Great bargains are also on offer at some 110 stylish shops, from Aigner and Bally to Stefanel and Versace.80 km south-eastern of Frankfurt.

www.wertheimvillage.com
wertheim@ValueRetail.com

There is fun for all the family in SouthWest Germany.

Europa-Park Rust
Located in the southern Black Forest near Freiburg, Europa-Park is Germany’s most popular theme park, with 13 European themed areas and 10 outstanding roller coasters, including the thrilling Blue Fire mega-coaster. Four themed hotels.

www.europapark.de
info@europapark.de

Tripsdrill Amusement Park
The park is characterized by its lovely conception and humorous tradition. Surrounded by picturesque green fields the visitors are awaiting over 100 inventive attractions; above all the wooden coaster “Mammut”. In the northwest of Stuttgart.

www.tripsdrill.de
info@tripsdrill.de

Ravensburger Spieleland AG
This popular theme park on Lake Constance is fun for all the family. Meet Fix & Foxi, the world’s jolliest foxes; stand by for surprises, such as the singing lighthouses Käpt’n Blaubär’s Wonderland; get ready for thrills on the 400m-long wildwater Alpine rafting experience. Explore the amazing labyrinth, like a giant board game.

www.spieleland.de
spieleland@ravensburger.de

Steiff Teddy Bear Museum
Giengen an der Brenz is the home and birthplace of the world’s most famous teddy bear: the Steiff teddy bear. To mark the Margarete Steiff company’s 125th anniversary, the Steiff Museum opened in 2005. Children and adults love the wide range of 2,000 stuffed toys. New is the petting zoo for little ones.

www.steiff.com
museum@steiff.de

Great Culinary Destination
Good food is a vital part of the holiday experience and SouthWest Germany delivers – particularly when it comes to local dishes made with local produce, accompanied by local wines and beer. At the gourmet level, SouthWest Germany boasts a galaxy of Michelin stars – more than 50 in the past edition of the influential French dining guide.

Great food
Orchard fruits and cheeses, vegetables and meats. These are the ingredients for popular local dishes like Kässpätzle (like a cheesy pasta), Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli, filled with meat, onions and spinach) and the highlight of a culinary trip through SouthWest Germany: the Black Forest Cake – a delight made of a lot of chocolate, cream and special cherries.

Vegetarians welcome!
SouthWest Germany is the ideal destination for vegetarians. The traditional cuisine contains lots of delicious dishes without any meat based on local, high-quality vegetables. Nowadays, more and more menus offer vegetarian options. Look for the word “vegetarisch”.

Great wine
SouthWest Germany makes some of the world’s finest beers, wines and fruit brandies. It is the second-largest winegrowing area of Germany and is known for some of the world’s finest wines. Just follow one of the worldfamous wine routes: stop by a wine grower for a chat and a tasting; enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards. Aiming at connoisseurs? Book them into a wine seminar – with tastings, of course!