6 Indoor Attractions in Baden-Württemberg

Nobody likes it, but sometimes there is no escaping miserable weather. Grey skies, cold rain and strong winds make the outdoors feel distinctly uninviting, while roads and paths turn muddy and messy. Baden-Württemberg may be known for its diverse landscapes and outdoor attractions, but on days like these, we would rather stay somewhere warm and dry. The good news is that there is plenty to do, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Enjoy tropical vibes beneath palm trees, journey back through history, blast off into outer space or escape into virtual reality. There is something for everyone. With so much variety on offer, it does not matter whether it rains, storms or snows. Here are some of our favourite indoor attractions for beating the bad-weather blues.

Cold and miserable outside? Rulantica has the answer. This indoor water world in Rust promises endless aquatic fun, whatever the weather. Rulantica is a fictional island in the Norwegian Sea, packed with attractions and guaranteed pleasant bathing weather. Its blend of Scandinavian style, Nordic landscapes and imaginative design creates an enchanting setting. Mystical scenery promises an unforgettable adventure, while nine themed areas and their fantasy creatures conjure up a magical atmosphere. In Vinterhal, brave visitors can take on the drop slide and plunge 1.5 metres into the water below. Not for the faint-hearted! With so much action, grey skies are soon forgotten. For a more relaxing experience, there are indoor and outdoor pools with two swim-up bars. We highly recommend trying one of the bubble loungers in the water, heated to a pleasant 30°C. The exclusive Hyggedal relaxation and sauna area has everything you could wish for when it is time to unwind.

Just outside Stuttgart, you will find Sensapolis, a unique indoor theme park and a place full of magic and adventure for the whole family. Our highlight is the magnificent fairytale castle, where young visitors become princes and princesses. There are splendid rooms and dark secret passages to explore. Talking plants tell amusing fairy tales, and a magic carpet appears to carry us through the air. A slide takes us down into the castle’s creepy basement, where little monsters and spine-chilling experiments await.

But there is much more to discover. A huge spaceship takes us through swarms of asteroids, while the electric go-kart track sees us speeding towards the finish line across three levels. At the knowledge centre, we conduct experiments on topics ranging from research and nature to the environment and science. We barely notice the time passing – and before we know it, evening has arrived. One thing soon becomes clear: a single day is far too short to explore everything Sensapolis has to offer. We will certainly be back – after all, there is always another rainy day around the corner.

The Zeppelin Museum brings innovations in technology and art to life. It inspires visitors to dare to attempt the seemingly impossible – because pioneers play an active role in shaping the future. More than 1,500 exhibits and original photographs, films and audio recordings await discovery. One of our highlights is the story of the Zeppelin, presented in the museum’s 3D cinema. How did Count Zeppelin have his airships built? And who were the intrepid pioneers of airship travel?

A blue gangway leads into a faithful partial reconstruction of the LZ 129 Hindenburg. The largest surviving piece of wreckage bears witness to the Hindenburg disaster and the end of the airship era. Do not miss the chance to try the Zeppelin NT flight simulator. Where else can you navigate and park a Zeppelin? The Zeppelin Museum also has an extensive art collection featuring works by major figures of Classical Modernism.

Anyone longing for a summer holiday during the cold winter months will find just what they are looking for in the Black Forest. Badeparadies Schwarzwald, a water park on Lake Titisee, is where holiday dreams really do come true. Even in winter, water lovers can enjoy summer temperatures and more than 300 palm trees. Nothing stands in the way of tropical relaxation. Leave everyday life behind and escape on a mini-break.

Badeparadies Schwarzwald brings together the Palais Vital spa and sauna area, the Palm Oasis relaxation area and the Galaxy Schwarzwald water park. Palais Vital is a paradise for sauna enthusiasts. Its 6,000-square-metre wellness area features 12 themed saunas and six vitality pools. The relaxation oasis offers magnificent panoramic views of the Black Forest in winter.

At Palm Oasis, more than 180 real palm trees and water heated to 33°C await. Five mineral pools and an exotic pool bar serving fruity cocktails complete the Caribbean feel. Galaxy Schwarzwald offers action and fun for water lovers of all ages. More than 25 water attractions invite visitors to splash around and swim, including 23 indoor slides, a wave pool and diving platforms. Badeparadies Schwarzwald also treats its guests to culinary delights. We claim a lounger in the Blue Lagoon and enjoy a soothing break in paradise.

Experimenta in Heilbronn is a fascinating world of knowledge and discovery for visitors of all ages. Covering an impressive 25,000 square metres, it is Germany’s largest and most innovative science centre. Four discovery worlds featuring a total of 275 interactive exhibits invite visitors to explore and get involved. The experimenta Science Dome offers a unique combination of planetarium and theatre. Located beneath its 360-degree dome, the rotating auditorium is a technical highlight. Here, you can travel virtually to unknown destinations such as outer space or experience first-hand just how exciting science can be during live science shows. In the laboratories, you can find your own answers to a host of scientific questions, while the Maker Space gives you the opportunity to bring your own projects to life.

At the Steiff Museum in Giengen an der Brenz, we embark on an adventure filled with soft toys, wide-eyed wonder and fascinating stories. Here, we discover how Steiff’s famous Button in Ear – the small metal button attached to each toy’s ear – became recognised around the world. We journey through a lovingly designed world of teddy bears and Steiff animals that makes even adults’ eyes light up. Plush and imagination come together to create unforgettable memories – and put a smile on everyone’s face. The Steiff Museum is a real highlight for families, where visitors of all ages can go on a treasure hunt together. The adjoining shop offers the perfect souvenir to bring a little happiness home.