A woman with long hair and a sun hat sits on a canoe and holds a paddle in her hand. The lush green shore vegetation can be seen to the right and left. The water glistens in the sunshine.

Top Waterfront Excursions in Baden-Württemberg

Discover Special Places by the Water—Far From the Hustle and Bustle
29.6.20265 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif
Lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are a defining feature of Baden-Württemberg. Discover special destinations along the water—from tranquil shores to breathtaking natural landscapes.

Water-Based Activities in Baden-Württemberg

Follow the Water. Leave Everyday Life Behind
Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and gorges shape the landscape in the south—from the vast Lake Constance to the young Danube. Here, your path follows the water: along tranquil shores, through wild gorges, or toward waterfalls that carve their way through the rocks. Sometimes mirror-smooth and calm, sometimes powerful and vibrant—each place tells its own story.Whether you’re hiking through shady forests to the next waterfall, stretching your feet out in the grass along a riverbank, or letting your gaze wander across a lake: the waterfront destinations in Baden-Württemberg combine nature, open spaces, and small discoveries into moments that clear your mind.In addition to the major classics like Lake Constance, the smaller lakes in particular reveal their very own character—sometimes calm and clear like Schluchsee, sometimes mysterious like Mummelsee, or nestled in the Black Forest hills like Titisee. Breitenauer See also fits into this lineup—surrounded by vineyards and characterized by its own unique, tranquil atmosphere.Amid these peaceful retreats, a completely different experience awaits:
where the water comes to life and flows powerfully through narrow gorges.



Top Waterfalls in the South:

Amid the rocks and forests, waterfalls and gorges reveal their full dynamism—sometimes wild, sometimes serene, and always impressive.
2

Todtnau Waterfall in the Southern Black Forest

  • a drop of about 97 meters
  • with a suspension bridge (“Blackforestline”) spanning the gorge
  • 1

    Triberg Waterfalls in the Black Forest

  • Up to 163 m drop across several cascades
  • Germany's highest waterfalls outside the Alps
  • Well-developed, illuminated even in the evening
  • 3

    Urach Waterfall in the Swabian Alb

  • Approx. 37 meters high
  • impressive after rain or snowmelt
  • 4

    All Saints' Waterfalls in the Northern Black Forest

  • about 66 meters, several steps
  • combined with the monastery ruins above
  • 5

    Ravennaschlucht & Ravenna Falls in the Black Forest

  • The two largest are the Great Ravenna Falls, at 16 m, and the Little Ravenna Falls, at 6 m
  • a narrow, rugged gorge with several waterfalls
  • 6

    Zweribach Waterfalls in the Upper Black Forest

  • 3 steps with a total drop of about 40 m
  • a quiet hidden gem in the heart of the Zweribach Nature Reserve and a rustic protected forest
  • 7

    Geroldsau Waterfall near Baden-Baden

  • a drop of about 6 to 9 m
  • nestled amid dense forests and moss-covered landscapes
  • 8

    Burgbach Waterfall in the Black Forest

  • a drop of about 6 to 9 m
  • nestled amid dense forests and moss-covered landscapes
  • Water Activities in Baden-Württemberg

    Between Freedom, Flow, and Adventure
    If you want to do more than just see the water—if you want to feel it—the best way to discover Baden-Württemberg is through active exploration. Paddling, in particular, offers a unique experience: With every stroke, you glide silently across the surface as the landscape and your pace suddenly change. On the Jagst, the Kocher, or the lower Danube, your movement quickly becomes a rhythm—calm, steady, almost meditative.But the water’s versatility extends far beyond that: On Lake Constance, the wind and vast expanse create a sense of freedom, while smaller lakes invite you to take relaxing trips. Whether by canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or boat—many of these destinations open up perspectives that remain hidden from the shore.This is how a spot by the water becomes an experience that carries you—and leaves a lasting impression.
    Four people paddle across Lake Constance in a canoe.
    A Little Adventure on the Water
    Glide silently through the water, with the vast expanse before your eyes and time flowing at your own pace.

    Your Goal: Water Experiences

    Our Match: Waters in Southwest Germany

    Lakes, rivers, natural features - find your personal excursion destination by the water.

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    Show 190 Experiences
    1. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Fischtreppe
      In summer 2019, a new fish ladder was built underneath Freiburg's Schwabentorbrücke bridge. The giant ramp should help fish to cross the Dreisam into the Dreisamtal valley more easily from now on.
      Black Forest
    2. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Kirnbergsee
      A gem for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts - warmest bathing lake in the southern Black Forest
      Black Forest
    3. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      The Danube Source
      The world-famous Blue Danube rises near Donaueschingen in the Black Forest, in Southwest Germany, beginning its 1,771-mile/2,850-km journey to the Black Sea.
      Black Forest
    4. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Filsursprung
      The Filsursprung in the Hasental valley is an idyllically situated karst spring - the source of the Fils river and a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers and families with barbecue facilities...
      Wiesensteig
    5. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Rickenbach - Wasserfall Strahlbrusch
      The Strahlbrusch waterfall is located in the romantic wilds of the Murgtal, an eroded valley bursting with primal natural beauty south of Rickenbach in the Hotzenwald.
      Black Forest
    6. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Water tap by the tennis court
      The water play area is situated in a small park next to the “Im Gurgel” tennis court on Schönenberger Straße. Its shady location makes it a lovely place to linger, even on hot days.
      Black Forest
    7. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Mühlbach spring
      The Mühlbach spring in Eybach near Geislingen is a picturesque karst spring - once vital for humans and animals, today an idyllic place to rest and cool your feet while hiking.
      Geislingen an der Steige-Eybach
    8. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      The source of the Brenz River in Königsbronn
      In Königsbronn, the Brenz River emerges into the light after a long journey through the karst mountains. The Brenztopf is one of the most beautiful and significant karst springs in the Swabian Alb.
      Königsbronn
    9. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      "Mettma" Reservoir
      The Mettma Reservoir is in an idyllic location east of Brenden by the Black Forest Association’s “Mittelweg” trail. Surrounded by dense, deciduous forest, the lake almost appears like a Canadian seas...
      Black Forest

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    Swimming Fun in Baden-Württemberg

    For Water Rats and Bathing Beauties
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    Tips for Bad Weather in Baden-Württemberg

    Bad Weather, Bright Moments
    SÜDENTips for bad weather