Things to do & places to visit in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

The third-largest of Germany’s 16 provinces both in terms of size and population, Baden-Wurttemberg in the country’s southwest borders both France and Switzerland and is home to the Black Forest, Heidelberg, Mannheim and Stuttgart. In many areas, residents speak Swabian (Schwäbisch) or Badisch, dialects so strong that speakers of standard German can find them difficult to understand. With over 40 million annual overnight stays, Baden-Wurttemberg is second only to Bavaria in terms of visitors.

Baden-Wurttemberg #3 destination in Germany 2023. The average rating score is 4.36 based on 175.2k traveler reviews, of 3.915 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Berlin, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 5:05.

Baden-Wurttemberg Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

63°F - 44°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze

Feels like

38%

Chance of rain

140.0 millimeters

Amount

11.2 mph

Wind speed

75%

Humidity

15.2

Daylight length

5:44 AM

Sunrise

8:55 PM

Sunset

41%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (31)

Top destinations in Baden-Wurttemberg 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mercedes-Benz Museum (8.283 reviews)
- Excellent museum in an inspiring building
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The Museum celebrates the automobile invented by Carl Benz in 1886: it relates its history and tells its stories, bringing both alive by placing them in the context of technology, day-to-day life, social history and popular culture. More than 160 vehicles of all types are the main protagonists. They range from some of the oldest automobiles ever built to legendary racing cars and futuristic research vehicles. Together with other exhibits, they form the centrepiece of the permanent exhibition covering a total of 16,500 square metres in twelve rooms. This unparalleled world can be discovered on two tours that follow a 'Legend' and 'Collection' narrative. See more..
4.5 Europa-Park (14.2k reviews)
- Love Germany's biggest entertainment park
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

In the heart of Europe, between the Black Forest and the Vosges, lies one of the world's most beautiful theme parks - Europa-Park. More than 5,5 million people from all over the world visit the park each season to enjoy the excitement offered by more than one hundred attractions and shows. The innovative European theme concept; one of the largest hotel resorts in Europe; the various decorations for each season; and the large number of diverse and colorful events make Europa-Park a one-of-a-kind getaway destination all year long. See more..
4.5 Schloss Heidelberg (7.557 reviews)
- Heidelberg’s must see
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Each year, Heidelberg Palace attracts around one Million visitors from all over the world. Since the 19th century, These impressive ruins have been synonymous with Romanticism. The Heidelberg Tun, the statues on the facade and the gardens of the palace are Highlights of any visit. See more..
4.5 Porsche Museum (4.687 reviews)
- Book a factory tour if you can
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

Visited in mid-February 2023 while in Stuttgart. Amazing experience! Took a 911/718 factory tour and visited the museum afterwards. It was fantastic seeing 911s/718s in production (cameras/phones not allowed). The tour guide was great. Very knowledgeable! Impressive building and well laid out museum. I was there for at least three hours. Using the audio guide enriches the museum experience. So much to learn about the history of Porsche. For car (performance) enthusiasts, it is really easy to spend a full day at the Porsche museum. Factory tours are booked online but are paid for on-site. See more..
4.5 Altstadt (Old Town) (3.209 reviews)
- Charming old University town
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Old Town of Heidelberg starts from Sofienstrasse and brings you to the castle. In the middle there is the University Area (the oldest university in Germany), the main shopping street (Hauptstrasse) and it includes to famous Karl-Theodor-Bridge / the Old bridge. See more..
4.5 Freiburg Cathedral (2.564 reviews)
- Stunning cathedral!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Huge Gothic cathedral that dominates the city of Freiburg. The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and has a fantastic 116-meter tall tower, often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The tower is the only Gothic church tower in Germany that was fully completed in the Middle Ages (1330), and has lasted intact until the present. Amazingly, the tower survived the WWII bombing of 1944. The church has incredible stained glass windows with interesting inclusions like socks, scissors, pretzels, etc. to relate to people's professions. Inside, there are massive old wooden donation boxes, reinforced with iron bands, with huge locks. There also also four sets of organ pipes including some that are absolutely massive. See more..
4.5 Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten (2.298 reviews)
- Fun for the entire family
Wednesday: 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos • Gardens

I truly enjoyed the well cared for animals and the cages were clean, the animals looked healthy and in a stress free environment. The zoo had a meandering sense and was a relaxing and enjoyable outing. The botanical gardens were a highlight and the paths thru the park to see all the different animals and gardens very enjoyable. Very good time for all ages and places to stop and picnic or take a break to enjoy food or ice cream. Recommend getting a ticket on line the park has a certain amount they let in otherwise they ask you to come back after 3pm. Parking was 5 euros but the metro stop is right near the entrance and with all the construction in that area is a good option. See more..
4.5 Isle of Mainau (2.203 reviews)
- Beautiful gardens
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Islands

The almost-tropical island of Mainau features a magnificent garden at its center and an ancient castle, which was the former residence of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. See more..
4.5 Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge) (2.071 reviews)
- Picturesque Walking Bridge!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Bridges

This beautiful 18th-century bridge connects the two sides of the Neckar River. See more..
4.5 Ulmer Muenster (1.924 reviews)
- Big, bold and beautiful
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

The cathedral juts out of a WW2 US Army Air Force blasted desolate surrounding, almost like an oasis in the desert. As soon as I walked inside the massive space, you can feel the cold and very musty smell, telling you all you need to know about the age and grand structure you find yourself in. From the reconstructed lead light windows to the hand chiselled pink and beige stone floors, this is something to behold in a somewhat sleepy and forgotten city, that is Ulm. Certainly worth a visit for this grand daddy, that still ranks as the tallest religious building in the world. See more..
4.5 Philosopher’s Walk (1.781 reviews)
- The best view of Heidelberg and a nice walk
Hiking Trails

This famous path along the Neckar River has been frequented by numerous famous philosophers throughout history. See more..
4.5 Palace Square (1.660 reviews)
- beautiful and central square in the heart of Stuttgart city center
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The square, in the middle of Stuttgart's center, divides Stuttgart's pedestrian zone with all its shops, restaurants and cafés. In addition to leisurely walks and shopping, a place for a short break. Beautifully laid out with the green areas, fountains, music pavilion ... the new castle and the old castle ... special events such as open-air concerts or live broadcasts take place again and again. Not to be overlooked or avoided, is in the pedestrian zone with many sights around it, or nearby - and definetly worth to visit See more..
4.5 Münsterplatz (1.542 reviews)
- Beautiful Old Town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This town square, built next to and named after Freiburg's famous cathedral, is still a major center of the city's social activity. See more..
4.5 Lichtentaler Allee (1.440 reviews)
- Strolling Lichtentaler Alee
Parks

This beautiful park is home to the town's famous casino. See more..
4.5 Zeppelin Museum (1.236 reviews)
- A must visit!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

In Zeppelin Museum guests can discover around 1500 exhibits on 4000m² exhibition space. The museum houses the world's largest collection on the history and technology of aviation, a walkable model of the LZ 129 Hindenburg and an art collection that comprises the greatest masters from Southern Germany from the Middle Ages to the present. See more..
4.5 Burg Hohenzollern (1.222 reviews)
- Beautiful but expensive. Note the existence of the Zeller Horn viewpoint.
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Prussian Kings, German Emperors and Princes of Hohenzollern. The impressive castle construction was rebuilt in the 19th century and is still privately owned by the family. Its extraordinary location already prompted Emperor William II to proclaim "The panorama from the Hohenzollern Castle is truly worth a journey". See more..
4.5 Auto & Technik Museum (Automobile and Technology Museum) (1.068 reviews)
- Best Museum in Germany - Airplanes, Cars, Motorcycles and WWII Equipmet
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

We happened upon this fantastic museum, and it was amazing. Airplanes, automobiles, motorcycles, and WWII equipment I could have stayed here all day, but we were on a tight schedule. You can enter the Concord as well as other aircraft mounted on the roof, so I can now say I've gone in both a Concord and a Tupolev TU-144. The design is excellent, and the collection is extensive. If you're looking for North American equipment, you won't find much. See more..
4.5 Luisenpark (1.045 reviews)
- Great Time
Parks

City Park See more..
4.5 German Pharmacy Museum (1.018 reviews)
- A short visit but really worth it!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This intriguing museum with its exceptional collection explores the history of pharmacy. It is located in the beautiful place of Heidelberg castle. See more..
4.5 Constance Harbour (960 reviews)
- Great Christmas Market
Piers & Boardwalks

visited in December... has an excellent Christmas Market... have to say you do get market'ed out in December in Germany, Austria etc... but this one is special.. huge and lots of character! See more..
4.5 Market Square (Marktplatz) (874 reviews)
- Lively TownCenter
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a lively town center with restaurants, shops, fountains and statues. It is a great place to stop and get your bearings when touring the town. It is basically in the middle of the old town. Heidelberg is a beautiful place to visit. The center has a bunch of tables to sit down at and eat. Be careful which table you sit at as that determines which restaurant you will dine at. Some of them are mediocre at best. See more..
4.5 Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg (853 reviews)
- Nice
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles • History Museums

Ludwigsburg Palace is one of the most expansive and impressive Baroque palaces in Germany. Duke Eberhard Ludwig of Wurttemberg had initially planned it as a hunting lodge in 1704. But his plans changed and a diverse complex was erected until 1733. The former hunting lodge became the principal residence. His successores, Duke Carl Eugen and the first King of Wurttemberg, Friedrich I, used it as a summer residence. They had numerous rooms in the interior remodeled. During a guided tour through the palace, visitors are able to discover the Baroque- , the Rokoko- and the Neoclassical style. In addition to the Palace Museum, visitors are also able to visit the apartment of Duke Carl Eugen, the Baroque Gallery, the Fashion Museum, the Ceramics Museum and the Theatre Museum. The palace is sourrounded by beautiful gardens, the so called "Blühendes Barock". Please notice: the Blühendes Barock is run by an own company and does not belong to the palace. See more..
4.5 Bachle (810 reviews)
- Water cooling in the streets
Bodies of Water

A collection of small picturesque streams that line many of the streets of Freiburg. See more..
4.5 Karlsruhe Palace (807 reviews)
- Beautiful castle
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ein sehr schönes Schloss mit sehrschönem Schlossplatz davor und Schlossgarten dahinter. Im Restaurantdahinter kann man sehr gut essen. Große Portionen und faire Preise. A very beautiful castle with a very beautiful castle square in front of it and the castle garden behind it. In the restaurant behind you can eat very well. Large portions and fair prices. See more..
4.5 Fishermen's Quarter (798 reviews)
- Old town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Woman is an absolutely beautiful old town with many remarkably preserved buildings from the 13th century. The river for all of us around the city with many small tributary’s through the center. A perfect day is wondering these wonderful cobblestone streets and going into all of the shops and restaurants See more..
4.5 Mannheimer Wasserturm (718 reviews)
- Very beautiful location
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Water always interests me and when the sun is shining the water looks like thick silver dripping down the steps into the region of the fountains. The pictures I took didn’t do it justice. Certainly worth a visit See more..
4.5 Burg Meersburg (710 reviews)
- A must see castle and tour!
Spent 1-2 hours Castles • History Museums

Nearly 1,500 years old, this medieval castle has been well-preserved and remains open to visitors. See more..
4.5 Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof (697 reviews)
- Explore the history of the Black Forrest area
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

In the Black Forest Open Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof the Black Forest culture and history come to life. Visitors will find out how people lived and worked in Black Forest farmhouses during the last 400 years. As well as six fully-furnished farmhouses from different parts of the Black Forest, the visitors will find a labourer's cottage and about 15 outbuildings, such as mills, sawmills, storehouses, a distillery and a chapel, fields, kitchen gardens and a herb garden. The museum presents the many different faces of life in the Black Forest: its architecture, traditions, customs and trades, and the way people lived and farmed throughout the ages. Daily Events: Daily craftsmen demonstrations: Museum visitors are invited to witness traditional crafts. Mill demonstration: Daily at 11.00 am, 12.30 am and 2.00 Pm. Museum workshop for families: Here, under expert guidance, the museum guests can make various different pieces and objects, from key hooks to lanterns and hardwood baskets. See more..
4.5 Vitra Design Museum (687 reviews)
- Excellent visit to the “surrealism in design” exhibit, children included
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

See more..
4.5 MerkurBergbahn (675 reviews)
- Mountain view
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of the top sights of Baden-Baden is the panorama view from the top of the mountain right outside the city. To get to the cable car it’s a 20 minutes walk uphill from city centre. Try to pass through Wasserkunst Paradies to see a number of nice water fountains on your way. You can walk to the top for free - or take the cable car for 6 euros See more..