Four people stroll through the city in summer and have a lively conversation.

Highlights in the Cities 9 Classics in the Cities of Southwest Germany

7.6.2024

City Trip Bucket List Must-See Sights

It's hard to believe these classics. These are the highlights that you simply must see and do in the cities of Baden-Württemberg. Here are some highlights that might not be on everyone's radar.

#1 HeidelbergThe Epitome of German Romanticism

Heidelberg Castle and the city go together like holidays and sunshine. It towers majestically over the Neckar valley and still beguiles guests from near and far. The historic mountain railway takes you effortlessly to the top and rewards you with much more than just a fantastic view. Worth seeing are the impressive Great Barrel and the German Pharmacy Museum. The freely accessible palace garden offers a green oasis of peace and a view over the old town and the Neckar. Every detail of the castle tells of its rich history and architecture. One place - several highlights. Our tip: The views from the Castle Terrace (in the castle area, payable) and the Scheffel Terrace (free garden area) are breathtaking heidelberg-marketing.de/en/poi/heidelberg-castle

Heidelberg Castle glows yellow-orange in the evening sun, nestled in a lush green forest.

Kissed by the sun.

A breathtaking view of Heidelberg Castle in the light of the setting sun, surrounded by greenery.

#2 Heilbronn Hidden Gem

A small castle in Heilbronn? Hard to believe, but true. The Trappenseeschlösschen is well hidden in the heart of the city. Home to the House of Literature, this picturesque castle is not only a stage for literary events, but also a place of peace and inspiration on the shores of Lake Trappensee. A tip for those who want to cool off: Trappensee is fed by the Köpferbach stream. There is a lovely walk along the creek to the Köpferbrunnen fountain, which provides a welcome coolness on hot summer days. Once you've finished exploring, there's a beer garden right by the lake.

heilbronn.de/leben/heilbronn-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/trappenseeschloss.html

View over a fence to a small lake and the castle. The sky is bright blue.

The Trappenseeschlösschen

A small lake with a charming little castle in the centre - beer garden & restaurant by the lake. The nearby Köpfertal nature reserve is perfect for a walk.

#3 Ulm Highest Church Tower in the World

Who hasn't seen it, the tallest church tower in the world? You've probably heard of it, but you've got to see it. At exactly 161.53 metres, the tower of Ulm Minster has made its location world-famous. Those who brave the climb are rewarded with unrivalled views of the city and surrounding countryside. But the Cathedral is more than just its tower: the Gothic architecture, the detailed decoration and the impressive stained-glass windows speak volumes about the cultural and historical significance of this place. A visit here is a journey back in time and unmissable on any city trip to Ulm. tourismus.ulm.de/en/

Ulm Minster stands out imposingly from the cityscape. In the distant background you can see mountains with snow-covered peaks.

Not to be overlooked.

Ulm Minster is an imposing Gothic church that dominates the city skyline with its tall, intricately decorated tower, the tallest church tower in the world.

#4 Baden-Baden Fantastic View

Baden-Baden is also aiming high. Above the city, Merkur Mountain offers a unique view of the UNESCO World Heritage city. The MerkurBergbahn, one of Germany's oldest and steepest funiculars, takes visitors to the highest point in the city in just a few minutes. From here you can soak up the last rays of the day and gaze out over the Black Forest and the Rhine to the Vosges. Our tip: soak up the views with a refreshing glass of local Riesling on the terrace of the Merkurstüble. Happy sundowner! If you want to enjoy even more romantic sunsets, you'll find them here.

baden-baden.com/en/attractions/merkur-mountain-5a6c61d549

View over Baden-Baden from the local mountain Merkur at sunset.

Rewarding view

Above the city, Merkur Mountain offers a unique panoramic view of the UNESCO World Heritage city.

#5 Karlsruhe Taste the Art of Brewing

The best place to meet for a cool pale ale is in the fan-shaped city of Karlsruhe. The world's most famous drink is definitely worth a look. A total of 8 breweries are waiting to take visitors into the world of hops and malt. Whether you want to meet for a beer after work, immerse yourself in beer stories or even get your beer diploma, an excursion into Karlsruhe's beer culture will quench your thirst. From traditional brews to innovative craft beers, there is something for everyone. Enchanting beer gardens and stylish breweries provide the perfect setting for a freshly tapped pint. Tip: Karlsruhe is celebrating its first Long Night of Breweries in 2024 - a new classic is sure to be born here. Cheers!

karlsruhe-erleben.de/en/essen-trinken

Two people clink glasses of beer. They are in a brewery and many copper-colored brewing kettles can be seen.

Underway at the brewery

If you want to experience one of the world's most famous drinks in Karlsruhe, then a visit to the Karlsruhe breweries is a must.

#6 Mannheim Spoilt for Choice

The city of squares offers a unique blend of culture and architecture. From the impressive Baroque palace that embodies historical splendour to the vibrant 'Little Istanbul' that opens up a world of flavours and colours. The creative pulse in Jungbusch, the industrial scale of Mannheim's port and the architectural innovation of the Multihalle in Herzogenriedpark are just some of the highlights. Mannheim has one interesting location after another, and it couldn't be more contrasting: the Chinese teahouse in Luisenpark. It is the largest of its kind in Europe and one of the few outside China. There are over 30 types of typical teas and Chinese dumplings to try.

mannheim.de/experience-discover/10-special-places

A teahouse and a temple in a Chinese garden. The sun is shining through the temple.

An oasis of calm

The tea house in Luisenpark is the largest of its kind in Europe and one of the few outside China.

#7 Freiburg With all Senses

The way to the heart is through the stomach. You can also fall in love with Freiburg on a walk around the cathedral, which is well worth seeing. Discover new things, start a dialogue. Watch the cathedral square turn into one big, unpacked shop and experience Freiburg with all your senses: The Minster Market makes this possible from Monday to Saturday during market hours. For orientation, there are so-called market walks with the names "Wooden Path", "Flower Route" or "Children's Walk". These are recommendations for walking around the market on your own. Not to be missed: “Eine lange Rote” (sausage in a roll) and a visit to Stefan's cheesecake are both essential must-dos.

market enjoyment/market walks

People stroll through the market on Münsterplatz past the stalls.

Delicious and local

Münster market on the Münsterplatz in Freiburg

#8 Stuttgart For Classics and Newbies

Anyone who loves classic and modern vehicles will find a paradise in Stuttgart. Automotive history comes to life in the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, complemented by this year's Solitude Revival, which celebrates the motorsport of yesteryear. The Mercedes-Benz Museum takes you on a journey through the brand's 130-year history, from the first cars to the latest innovations. Just a short drive away, the Porsche Museum shows the development of the brand's sports and racing cars, including the iconic 911 series. At the Solitude Revival the history of the old circuit comes to life as classic racing cars are restored to their former glory. This trio makes Stuttgart an unforgettable destination for technology and automobile enthusiasts.
stuttgart-tourist.de/en/a-mercedes-benz-museum
stuttgart-tourist.de/en/a-porsche-museum

The Porsche Museum

There is plenty for car enthusiasts to discover at the museum.

#9 Pforzheim Distant Worlds

No visit to Pforzheim is complete without a visit to the Gasometer. The gas holder, built in 1912, has been given a new lease of life with an extensive general refurbishment and turned into a museum. Today, the 40-metre-high industrial monument combines its fascinating technology with a spectacular 360° panorama, the world's largest, to transport you to distant worlds. Visitors are currently immersed in the vibrant world of Pergamon, one of the richest metropolises of antiquity in 129 AD, an intense and educational experience. This unique exhibition brings history to life and offers a unique insight into the past. Tip: for ancient stories, join the Dionysus - Intoxication, Theatre and Ecstasy themed tour.

gasometer-pforzheim.de/en

People stand on a viewing platform in the Gasometer Pforzheim to watch the 360-degree panorama of the ancient city of Pergamon.

Inside Gasometer Pforzheim

The 360° panorama "Pergamon" by Berlin artist Yadegar Asisi is the largest in the world and shows the ancient Greek city of Pergamon in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the year 129 AD.