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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    1. 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
    2. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Christental flood retention basin
      The Christental flood retention basin near Lauterstein offers an approximately 800 m long circular path along the water - a quiet place for walking and experiencing nature, not for swimming or boating...
      Lauterstein
    3. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Lengenweiler Lake
      Small, idyllic natural bathing lake in Wilhelmsdorf-Esenhausen
      Wilhelmsdorf-EsenhausenCLOSED
    4. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Bathing Lake Ilmensee
      Wonderful natural swimming lake with all kinds of leisure facilities like mini golf and boat hire. A play area with water and sand games, huts, jetties and a robber forest.
      Illmensee
    5. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Dreisam
      The Dreisam is much more than just the river that feeds the Bächle - it is pure nature right in the city and in the immediate vicinity. Its clear water and lush green meadows are both a recreational a...
      Black Forest
    6. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Jedensbach Water Treading Area
      The Kneipp facility in the Jedensbach district invites visitors to enjoy a soothing refreshment in its cool waters. The water treading area offers relaxation amidst nature and is an ideal destination...
      Black Forest
    7. 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
    8. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Blautopf
      The particularly beautiful karst spring, nestled in the valley basin of Blaubeuren, is an admirable natural phenomenon that shows itself in beautiful blue and green hues.
      Swabian Alb
    9. Go to article
      NatureWaters
      Todtnau Waterfall
      In the middle of the Todtnau tourist region, between the holiday resorts of Todtnauberg and Aftersteg, the Todtnau Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Germany, plunges down 97 m into the valle...
      Black Forest

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    Swimming Fun in Baden-Württemberg

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