Two men and two women clink glasses of wine in a city. The sun is setting behind them.

9 Summer Highlights in Baden-Württemberg's CitiesWhere Cities Celebrate Summer

16.7.20266 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif

In the mood for a summer in the city? Then discover 9 special places in the cities in Southwest Germany, where water, culture, and a zest for life make for unforgettable vacation moments.

Summer by the Water: The Best City ExperiencesA vacation vibe between the riverbank and the old town

Pack your swimwear and discover Cities of Southwest Germany at their most summery. Whether it’s relaxing by Freiburg’s Bächle, festival atmosphere along the Danube in Ulm, the thrill of surfing in Pforzheim, or after-work vibes at Mannheim’s Neckarstrand: between riverbanks, city beaches, and urban hotspots, plenty of waterfront experiences await.From sporty and active to relaxed and enjoyable, these nine tips combine summer, city life, and that vacation feeling in a special way. Perfect for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or your next spontaneous break in Baden-Württemberg.

"Das Fest" in KarlsruheParty in the Park

Simple Minds, Razorlight, Neneh Cherry…. The list of famous names that have already performed at ‘DAS FEST’ in Karlsruhe is endless. The family-friendly festival takes place in the Günther-Klotz Park by the Alb River near the city, combining culture in the nature with a convenient location with short distances. When the Mexican wave spreads over the so-called ‘Mount Klotz’ opposite the main stage, sparkling in the light of glow sticks and phone torches, you can feel the goosebumps stirring. The programme also includes the Classical Music Breakfast on Sunday and the Karlsruhe Duck Race for rubber ducks along the Alb River.

Get your tickets for “Das Fest” now

A large crowd at a festival is flashing cell phone cameras.

A Sea of Lights: Festival Moments

‚DAS FEST‘ in Karlsruhe is the largest family festival in southern Germany.

The Bächle in FreiburgDip Your Toes in the Water and Chill

Freiburg im Breisgau is known for its mild climate, good wines, green projects and, of course, its pretty old town and its minster. The famous medieval ‘Bächle’ streams provide refreshment for locals and visitors alike. Children float their little ‘Bächle’ boats in the clear waters of the cobbled canals, and adults rest their feet while enjoying a glass of wine or a beer after work. For example, at the Freiburg Wine Festival in July or during a bookable ‘Freiburg Bächle Picnic’.

Discover the legendary Bächle

A group of people are sitting by a stream.

Cold Feet

On hot days, the ‘Bächle’ streams provide refreshment for locals and visitors.

Neckarstrand Beach in MannheimRelaxing with Refreshments

Mannheim is greener than almost any other city in Germany: around two-thirds of the city is made up of natural spaces. Two rivers, the Rhine and the Neckar River, meander through the city. There are many relaxing spots along their banks. One of these is the Neckarstrand Beach, which is the perfect place to relax in loungers and hammocks with a view of the water on sunny days and balmy summer evening. Refreshment comes in the form of a cold drink from the beach bar.

Click here for a short getaway on the Neckar

View of a green riverbank at sunset. People are sitting in the greenery. Ships can be seen on the left. Many trees on the right. On the horizon you can see the skyline of a city.

Golden Hours on the Neckar

At Neckarstrand Beach in Mannheim you can relax in deckchairs and hammocks.

By and on the Neckar in HeilbronnCulinary Delights at the River

Especially in summer, when the Neckar River is the centre of leisure activities, Heilbronn offers water fun for everyone. You can get active and head onto the water with a canoe, SUP or pedalo, or take a more relaxed approach and enjoy the variety of the ‘Neckarmeile’, the largest gastronomic mile in southern Germany. You can combine water fun and food with a trip on the ‘BBQ Donut’. These round boats offer a variety of culinary arrangements, from a barbecue set to wine tasting. The Neckar River shines bright at the Heilbronner Lichterfest (Heilbronn Festival of Lights) in June: culture, music and culinary delights are accompanied by atmospheric illuminations.

Discover the Neckar River near Heilbronn

A group of people are sitting in a doughnut-shaped boat and are sailing across a river.

Culinary Delights on Course

A trip in the ‘BBQ Donut’ combines water fun with culinary arrangements.

Live Music at the Spa in Baden-BadenA Different Kind of Relaxation

Baden-Baden is one of the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ and is world-famous for its thermal springs. For over 2,000 years, several 1,000 litres of water have been gushing out of them every day. You can immerse yourself in the past in the historic Friedrichsbad Spa, which was opened in 1877, modelled on the Roman thermal baths, the ruins of which are still directly underneath it. The Caracalla Spa with its extensive bathing and sauna complex provides a modern counterpart. Every first Friday of the month, there are special sauna infusions with live music by the pool.

Discover the Caracalla Thermal Baths in Baden-Baden

Illuminated swimming pool in a thermal spa with a large domed roof.

Sound Waves in Thermal Water

The modern Caracalla Spa in Baden-Baden has live music by the pool once a month.

Summer at the River in HeidelbergLa Dolce Vita at the Neckar River

Discover Heidelberg at the Neckar River

People relax on a sandy beach in the old town of Heidelberg.

Heidelberg's sunniest side

The "summer at the river" event in August promises dolce vita in Heidelberg.

Blackforestwave in PforzheimSurfing in the City

Surfing in the city? Not a problem in Pforzheim! After seven years and many hours of volunteer work, the ‘Blackforestwave’ opened in 2021, and brings that ‘hanging loose’ feeling to the Black Forest. But the waves in the Metzelgraben, a canal of the Nagold River, are not just reserved for the pros. Beginners and anyone who just fancies giving it a go can also try out surfing on the beginner-friendly wave. The open surf events in April and September are an excellent opportunity.

Go Surfing in Pforzheim

City Surfing

The 'Blackforestwave' offers real surfing for pros and beginners in Pforzheim.

International Danube Festival in UlmCultural Party on the Banks of the Danube

The International Danube Festival is 10 days of fun and entertainment on both sides of the river. International artists and visitors come together along the Danube to celebrate and enjoy intercultural activities. The programme is colourful, ranging from music and dance performances to authentic arts and crafts. And it goes without saying that the culinary delights also add to the cosmopolitan feeling.

Will you be attending the next Danube Festival?

View of a skyline at dusk. You can see a large cathedral tower. The lights are reflected in a river. The sky is midnight blue.

When the Danube Becomes a Stage

The International Danube Festival is a showcase for intercultural encounters.

Fridas Pier in StuttgartUnderwater Clubbing

The Wilhelm Knipscheer, a converted river cargo ship, is now permanently moored at the Fridas Pier Cultural Centre in the heart of Stuttgart’s industrial area. The heart of the venue beats on the lower deck of the cargo ship. At the weekends, leading international DJs, collectives, and sound artists serve up a fabulous club experience below the water surface. On the upper deck and the pier, lounge furniture, bars, food stands, and several floors create a unique open-air atmosphere.

Discover the Fridas Pier event venue