A Trip to Baden-Württemberg

The Magical Nature and Heritage of Germany’s Southwest Region

Located east of the Rhine, and bordering both France and Switzerland, is Baden-Württemberg, famous for its renowned Black Forest, enchanted woodlands, lush landscapes, and traditional, sustainable villages. With so much to see and do in this region, I headed out to experience a few of its locations firsthand, such as Baden-Baden, Titisee, Ravenna Gorge, and Freiberg, and came back with many reasons — from unmatched nature to rich heritage — to definitely visit Baden-Württemberg.

Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden was known by this name in 1931, before the city officially became just Baden in July 2021. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important spa cities in Europe, renowned for its thermal spas and mineral water treatment centers. In addition, Baden-Baden has the largest percentage of forests in Germany (said to be around 61%).

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By Samar Chabbani

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Top 3 Reasons to Visit Baden-Baden:

1- Spas and Wellness Resorts

In Baden-Baden is where you’ll find some of the world's most famous spa resorts such as the sprawling Caracalla, loved for its wonderful atmosphere, sense of luxury, and many spaces dedicated to comfort and relaxation. Indeed, if you’re looking for extensive spa services designed to help revitalize the entire body, Caracalla is a good choice. Many of Baden-Baden’s spas also offer health and beauty treatments using the region’s thermal water, which is extremely rich in minerals. One such treatment center is the trinkhalle (pump house) in the Kurhaus spa complex. This structure is said to have an integrated architectural style, with hallways measuring some 90 meters in height, and decorated with frescoes and benches for rest and meditation.

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2- Gardens

While taking a walk in the historic Lichtentaler Allee park and other charming gardens in Baden-Baden, you’ll come across must-visit sites in the city such as its museums and hotels, and you’ll get a chance to discover firsthand the magnificence of its palaces, villas, lakes, flowers, and swans.

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3- Arts and Culture

In the region’s many art galleries is where visitors can enjoy a world of fine art. At Frieder Burda Museum, for instance, is where you’ll find masterpieces by Picasso, Gerhard Richter, and Neo Rauch. Baden-Baden is also home to the unique Fabergé Museum, where over 700 of Peter Carl Fabergé’s masterpieces can be found.

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The Black Forest

Home to verdant landscapes is the world-renowned Black Forest, a true paradise for those who love the great outdoors. From sunny peaks to vast hills, sparkling lakes to deep valleys, this forest is a natural sanctuary for all nature enthusiasts, and is an ideal location for those looking to have a relaxing holiday or for people who want to leave the city behind and get lost in an almost romantic setting.

Things to See and Do in the Black Forest
Titisee
Titisee is a lake located in the southern part of the Black Forest, in a district known as Hochschwarzwald (meaning “High Black Forest” in English). The lake’s crystal-clear water and surrounding nature make it an ideal location for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, and diving, and for those looking for less water-oriented fun, the town on the shores of the lake is definitely worth a visit.

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Feldberg

On clear sunny days, Feldberg — the highest mountain in the Black Forest — provides views of stunning scenery along the road towards the Swiss Alps, and a trip to the top of the mountain is a worthy experience, filled with breathtaking vistas of the nature below and around.

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Cuckoo Clock

The world-famous Cuckoo Clock was first made in Baden-Baden in the 18th century. In addition to the classic, wooden design of this iconic timepiece, local craftsmen sell other models with more modern designs that have become particularly popular over the years.

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Black Forest Dessert

No trip to this region would be complete without a slice of its namesake cake. Known around the world as Forêt Noire (“Black Forest” in French), this baked dessert is famous in Germany and is often made of multiple layers of moist chocolate sponge cake and whipped cream, topped with cherries and chocolate shavings.

Traditional Black Forest Attire
Every town in the Black Forest has its own traditional attire, which today are usually worn almost exclusively during festivities and special occasions. The Schwarzwald Couture Dirndl brand is the most renowned manufacturer of traditional wear in the region.

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Freiburg

Freiburg is a key city in the southernmost part of Germany, and the fourth largest city in Baden-Württemberg. Located at the bottom of the Black Forest, Freiburg is home to precious historical monuments, and is also the city of cathedrals and churches, such as Münster Freiburg, Martinskirche, Universitätskirche, and Konviktskirche. You can’t visit Freiburg without stopping by Swabian Gate (Schwabentor) and Martin’s Gate (Martinstor), as each has a story related to the city’s history.

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Freiburg Münstermarkt

In addition, a large market known as Freiburg Münstermarkt is held every day of the week (except Sundays), and attracts loads of locals and tourists with its fruit displays, fresh vegetables, diverse foods, colorful flowers, and children's toys.