A castle stands on a rock surrounded by autumnal trees. A wooden bridge leads to the castle, which has several small towers and is made of stone.

For Fall and Other Seasons5 Glamorous Locations and 5 Insider Spots in Southwest Germany

20.3.202510 min. read timeby Bernd Sautter | Author, Moderator & Blogger

Discover 10 of the most beautiful photo spots in Baden-Württemberg for breathtaking shots, from glamorous locations to secret insider tips.

Where did you take this photo? In Baden-Württemberg, of course! It's actually not that difficult to find photo spots that offer epic perspectives. You can even choose the locations. Depending on what suits your style of photography: Do you like mythical landscapes? Do you like fairytale settings that have never been seen in a picture book? Do you like raw contrasts and spontaneous street photography? Or do you like historical backdrops for you and your friends to pose in front of? There is no shortage of these and other attractions in Baden-Württemberg. It all depends on your eye and your feeling. One thing we can tell you: even if you've already heard of the locations, we still have some valuable insider tips for you. Find out where you have a good chance of discovering your own perspective and fresh details. Of course, hotspots without big names can also deliver impressive images. That's why we've divided our hit list into glamorous and insider. But beware: even in the glamorous locations, you'll find subjects that are off the beaten path. On the other hand, you can also find insider locations that are so perfect that even those who have never been there will be amazed. The most important thing, however, is to take your time. It is always important to adjust your photographic eye to your individual idea of the perfect shot. We all know the usual mainstream. What's exciting is how you shape the scene. Here comes your personal location scout for Southwest Germany. Let's get started.

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Classic

Glamor hotspot: Meersburg New Palace

Elevated

Enjoying the landscape and glamor views at the Texas Pass in the Kaiserstuhl Region

Romantic

Glamor hotspot: Lichtenstein Castle

Romantic

The glamorous sea of flowers on the flower island of Mainau

Majestic

The great German glamor shot - Hohenzollern Castle

The Classic Glamor HotspotMeersburg New Palace

The air is clear in the morning. The sun has evaporated the morning mist. Lake Constance lies in front of you. Behind it, the landscape of eastern Switzerland comes into view. At the top, the mighty Säntis forms the finale. All that's missing is a worthy foreground. Voilà! Meersburg New Palace. The early bird gets the best shot. The sun is already shining on the terrace garden, but the number of visitors is still manageable. On a normal day, only a few people visit the palace in the morning. Don't miss the cute little teahouse hanging over the rock below the terrace. Bonus spot: The interior. Don't mind the 3 euros you pay for a photo license. It's almost a perk these days. Impressive backdrops like the historic staircase are rarely photographed. But it's hard to imagine a more beautiful stage. If that's not worth a wow, what is?

Splendor and Panorama at Lake Constance

View of a yellow castle. It is situated on a hill where vines grow. A small harbor and water can be seen in the foreground.

Perfect for early birds!

Historical splendor and breathtaking panoramas meet at Meersburg New Castle.

Glamour Views for Great Landscape EnjoymentThe Texas Pass in the Kaiserstuhl Region

Actually, the Kaiserstuhl is not as high as it might appear on photos. But the pictures taken at the Texas Pass look as if they add a few meters of altitude. This impression comes from the terraced vineyard landscape, which is unique to the Kaiserstuhl Region. When the sun is shining, which it usually is, it creates a colourful mosaic of every shade of green and yellow in fall. It's best to take your time and walk a few meters into nature until you like the perspective. The pass road winds its way down to Oberbergen, which you are welcome to include in the picture. Like a common thread that holds the picture together. Another advantage: the valley opens up to the west. On a beautiful fall day, the evening light adds a special touch. If you usually need a little time in the morning, the early evening on Texas Pass is just right for you.

The Texas Pass in the Kaiserstuhl Region

View of the vineyards from the vantage point on the Texas Pass near Vogtsburg im Kaiserstuhl, with the Totenkopf, the highest point in the Kaiserstuhl, in the background

Perfect for evening shots!

The terraced vineyard landscapes of the Texas Pass in the Kaiserstuhl Region provide a colorful mosaic of greens and yellows.

The Romantic Glamour HotspotLichtenstein Fairytale Castle

Romanticism par excellence. Lichtenstein is not as medieval as it looks. The fairytale castle that towers over the Albtrauf, a limestone ridge, was not built until the 19th century. Count Wilhelm of Württemberg had it built on the rock where a castle had burned down five decades earlier. The count was a connoisseur and admirer of medieval art. Accordingly, he designed his new building in the style of a bygone era. This is an asset for photography. The small castle with its elegant tower could not be more beautifully drawn in any fairytale book. If you walk along the edge of the cliff with your camera, you will discover countless wonderful perspectives of the castle. Bring good shoes. If you have any stamina left: The walk to the Nebelhöhle Cave is well worth it. You can even visit it without a guide. Good shoes will pay off in the cave. Where it is damp, you should be sure-footed.

The castle that could not be painted more beautifully.

Great Attention to Detail

The castle overlooking the Albtrauf is the perfect backdrop for fairytale shots and countless perspectives.

The Glamorous Sea of ColorMainau Island

Mainau Island is the magical hotspot for high-end flower photography. So many unique motifs. Such beautiful light atmosphere. Anyone who concentrates on botanical photography will want to spend their entire vacation on the island. Density of motifs: a new photo idea every half meter of the park. Add to that the unique atmosphere of Lake Constance. Depending on the position of the sun, the colors shine anyway. But even when the morning mist lies over the flower island and the petals are covered in dew, unique pictures can be taken. Contrary to some prejudices, Mainau Island is a hotspot for photo gourmets. Finally, a place where a macro lens really pays off and where your panoramic lense will also come into play. No one should leave the island without taking a selfie in front of the palace and garden. And the pictures that capture the entire flower island would make great wallpapers.

The location that easily fills your entire data storage.

View of a castle complex in a tropical flowering and green garden

Botanical Diversity

The unique floral motifs and gorgeous lighting are ideal for macro and panoramic shots.

The Great German Glamour ShotHohenzollern Castle

This castle is too beautiful to be true. High above the wide landscape. Majestically perched on a mountain. Hohenzollern Castle is undoubtedly a must-see in Baden-Württemberg - and rightly so. But there are also photographic considerations. Photographing the castle courtyard and its many details from close up is one thing. But where do you take the pictures that make the castle look so impressive from a distance? Be sure to wear suitable shoes and allow a few minutes for the walk. At the first bend in the castle driveway, a panoramic path branches off to the right. This gravel path will take you in the direction of the Zeller Horn Viewpoint. The view of Hohenzollern Castle opens up again and again. Keep going: the view becomes more majestic with every step. Insider's tip: Mount Irrenberg, south of Bisingen, also offers a great view of the castle. Just the perfect one-day photo hike.

Middle Ages par excellence

Drone shot of Hohenzollern Castle with its towers. You can see the castle courtyard and the trees in front of it. A copper beech stands out. A village can be recognised in the distance.

Royal House

The impressive castle offers majestic views and historical details in abundance.

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Perspective

The panorama locations of the insiders: Stuttgart

Individual

Street photography for insiders and advanced photographers: Mannheim

Unexpected

Inside Nature, the Ultimate Wildlife Experience: Black Forest National Park

Idyllic

Insiders claim that it is the secret capital of half-timbered houses: Schwäbisch Hall

Wild

The largest canyon in Germany. Nevertheless an insider spot: Wutach Gorge

The Insiders‘ Panorama LocationsStuttgart

The higher the better? Not in Stuttgart. Of course, the television tower is worth every minute spent on the platform 150 meters above the ground. But the photo community knows other impressive hotspots with great views of the state capital. If the sun is on your mind, take a morning stroll to the burial chapel on the Württemberg Hill. Romantic bonus: It is considered a monument to eternal love. King Wilhelm the First built it for his wife Katharina, who died young. When the sun is at its zenith, the architecturally charming Killesberg Tower is a good choice. Mount Birkenkopf in the west of Stuttgart is recommended in the evening with its high proportion of red tones. The locals call it Monte Scherbelino because the mountain was piled up from the ruins of the Second World War. From 511 meters above sea level, you can look down on the city in the basin. Evening, dusk, night - take a snack with you. It’s the perfect place for a picnic.

All perspectives of Stuttgart

View of the vineyards around the Württemberg burial chapel in the Stuttgart wine region. Wine villages lie in the background. The sky is blue with light clouds.

Bruial Chapel on the Württemberg Hill

From its exposed location above the Neckar valley, you can look out over Stuttgart, the Daimler factory and towards Esslingen.

Street Photography for Insiders and Advanced PhotographersMannheim

Are you looking for a challenge - and don't want to take pictures where everyone else is pulling the trigger? Then immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Mannheim. Stroll through the streets. Enjoy the raw smile of the city of squares. Get lost in the patchwork of architecture. Immerse yourself in the trendy districts. For example, "Little Istanbul", as the locals call the corner to the west of the market square. Street musicians, wedding dresses, baklava - if you want, you can get it all in a single photo. A touch of Berlin, but with the charm of Southwest Germany. Take the Jungbusch District, for example, where the young scene is active 24 hours a day. Between the industrial romance and the harbour backdrop, you'll find plenty of cool motifs - as long as you can overcome the real challenge: don't let the bars and pubs distract you from taking photos. Or will you?

Take a walk on the wild side

Urban artwork

This impressive mural adds a special touch to the urban environment and reminds us that dreams can fly.

Inside Nature, the Ultimate Wildlife Experience Black Forest National Park

Endless forests, roaring waterfalls, bizarre rock formations - and many unexpected surprises. If you take your time and keep your eyes open in the Black Forest National Park, you will have a great chance to capture flora and fauna from unique perspectives. For more than a decade, the forest here has been growing as it pleases - without human intervention. This can be quite dangerous in storms and snow. Summer and early fall are the recommended seasons for photography and exploration. If you want to capture special scenes between May and October, you can stay in one of the eleven trekking camps. This means photography, adventure and nature all in one. The camps have just space for three tents, a fire pit and a toilet. Everything else you bring with you - and take with you. A unique experience. With or without camera. Don't forget to register in advance for the camps.

Photo safari, let's go!

An idyllic stream meanders bubbling through a bright pine forest

Natural Paradise

The Black Forest National Park is home to many picturesque places that offer peace and relaxation in the midddle of nature.

Insiders claim: The Secret Capital of Half-Timbered HousesSchwäbisch Hall

Some small town gems are bigger than you think. That's because there are countless alleys and nooks and crannies between the historic buildings. The fascinating thing is that you can discover exciting perspectives in all directions. Turn a corner and you will suddenly find yourself on the market square with its imposing staircase, which serves as an open-air stage in the summer. If you like, you can turn around for a 360-degree panorama and discover all the historical architectural styles, from Romanticism to Rococo. But please note the details. Schwäbisch Hall is like a little treasure chest. From details to long shots, the variety of motifs is enormous. There is also plenty of additional inspiration. You have the choice between three museums in a very small area: the modern Würth Gallery, the Knight Hospitaller's Church and the Hällisch-Franconian Museum. 'Hall', as the locals call their town, is a source of art. Just try it.

Inspiration and half-timbered houses

View of a small town with half-timbered houses. In the foreground is a body of water and a strip of greenery. The sky is blue.

Small Town Gem

Schwäbisch Hall is nicknamed 'the secret capital of half-timbered houses'.

The Largest Canyon in Germany. Nevertheless an Insider Spot.Wutach Gorge in the Black Forest

It is easy to imagine that the wild and romantic nature of the Wutach Gorge attracts many visitors and hiking groups. The good news for nature lovers is that the gorge and its side valleys are so wide that the few groups are hardly a problem. You really don't have to worry about anyone wandering into your photo uninvited. On the contrary, the Wutach Gorge and its side valleys remain an oasis of peace. The Wutach Stream babbles. The birds chirp. Sometimes the cuckoo calls - in this case the living bird and not the wooden one from the cuckoo clock. In the endless gorge you can walk alone. This is a paradise for those who love pure nature and know how to photograph the elements of water, rocks and flora. The result: no two photos are alike. Expeditions into the Wutach Gorge are unique experiences, as you can see from picture to picture.

A true gorge paradise

A person walks across a wooden footbridge in a ravine covered in greenery.

Hidden Waterfalls

The sound of the water and the chirping of the birds are your companions in the midst of unspoilt nature.

Bernd Sautter | Author, Moderator & Blogger

He knows the south like the back of his hand and loves the hidden experiences and researching the stories behind them. A self-confessed ‘slow traveller’ - by bike. Slow because his appetite is always travelling with him and he is constantly writing as an author, presenter and blogger.