A drone shot of a town featuring a town park and two churches.

Small Towns, Culinary Delights & Nature in Baden-Württemberg

From Historic Old-Town Charm to Orchard Meadows: Four Destinations to Fall in Love With
by Du, Ich & die Welt
Nagold, Rottenburg am Neckar, Mössingen and Ehingen: discover Baden-Württemberg’s many different facets through history, food and nature.

Baden-Württemberg’s Most Diverse Small Towns

From Half-Timbered Charm, Brewing Traditions and Blossoming Landscapes
Baden-Württemberg is incredibly diverse and promises unforgettable experiences. Explore the castle ruins in Nagold and discover Rottenburg am Neckar’s Roman past. Stroll through Mössingen’s orchard meadows and experience Ehingen’s distinctive beer culture. We show you some of Baden-Württemberg’s most beautiful spots and share tips for planning your own trip.

Nagold: Old Town, Castle Ruins and Community Theatre

Where Half-Timbered Charm Meets the Magic of Theatre
As soon as you arrive in the small-town gem of Nagold, its old town enchants with numerous half-timbered houses, small independent shops and charming cafés.The Hohennagold Castle Ruins offer superb views across the town and far into the surrounding countryside. You can also explore the ruins and their historic walls on your own.One of Nagold’s cultural highlights is Bürgertheater Nagold, a community theatre whose productions involve many local residents. Every two years, it also stages an original production. We went to see ‘Nagold 1848’ and were impressed by the elaborate staging, costumes and set design.
An amateur theatre performance
Open-air theatre
At Bürgertheater Nagold, stories from the past are brought back to life.

Rottenburg am Neckar: Discover Roman History

A Journey Back in Time Through a Historic Small Town
Stroll through the small-town gem of Rottenburg and immerse yourself in thousands of years of history, from Roman relics and medieval buildings to the many historic cellars beneath the old town.A must for history enthusiasts is Sumelocenna, Rottenburg's Roman town museum where you can explore further remains from the Roman era. Another highlight is the Kalkweiler Tor, the only surviving town gate with a gate tower.Tip: Ideally located near Rottenburg’s old town, Hotel Anker Garni is one of the region’s oldest hotels and a charming place to stay. To round off the day, we recommend a visit to Café Zum Stift for a Früchtetrauf Spritz – it is heavenly.
A town on the banks of a river, with a bridge in the foreground
A place full of stories
The banks of the Neckar River are the perfect place to take a short break.

Mössingen: Part of Europe’s Largest Orchard Landscapes

Fragrant Blossom and Regional Delights
Around Mössingen, extensive traditional orchards with thousands of fruit trees form part of one of Europe’s largest contiguous orchard landscapes.The best ways to explore the orchards:
  • The Mössinger Streuobstwegle – This premium walking trail takes you through meadows and fields and past fruit trees.
  • Orchard bathing – Take time to slow down and experience your surroundings with all your senses.
  • The Streuobst-Infozentrum – The perfect place to learn more about traditional orchards. Afterwards, you can relax at Café Pausa, which employs people with disabilities, and browse its adjoining shop selling regional produce.
  • Tip: Enjoy warm Swabian hospitality in a prime location at Fischer’s Hotel Garni in Mössingen.
    Three people are walking through the orchard meadow.
    A paradise for the senses
    Mössingen’s traditional orchards invite you to leave everyday life behind and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

    Ehingen: Beer Culture, SpazBierweg & Traditional Breweries

    On the Trail of Ehingen’s Beer Culture
    There is good reason why Ehingen calls itself a beer culture town. With five long-established, family-run breweries and a rich brewing history, the town is a paradise for anyone who appreciates traditional craftsmanship.Combining culture and nature, the SpazBierweg trail won us over with its varied route and brings the town’s beer culture to life.Tip: Beer culture also plays an important part in Ehingen’s cuisine. Enjoy regional Swabian specialities at Landgasthof und Hotel Zur Rose, then visit Berg Brauerei right next door.
    An information board for a walking route in a field
    A circular trail for all the senses
    The roughly 14-kilometre SpazBierweg takes you through Ehingen and past several breweries and inns before heading into the countryside and down to the Danube.
    Portrait photo of the travel bloggers You, Me & the World
    Du, Ich & die Welt

    Britta & Sascha Termeer have turned their passion into a profession. On their travel blog You, Me & the World, they show how diverse every trip can be. They love road trips, city breaks, nature activities and wellness. For them, it is clear that exciting places are often right on their doorstep.

    Your Travel Information

    At a Glance

    Places to Visit in Baden-Württemberg

    Find the Perfect Days Out for You
    • Go to article
      CitiesSmall town gems
      Nagold
      Town, country, river ... Nagold offers delightful variety Wonderful municipal charm with a historic backdrop, all surrounded by a diverse natural landscape, that's what you will find in Nagold. Attra...
      Black Forest
    • Go to article
      CitiesSmall town gems
      Rottenburg am Neckar
      Rottenburg, the picturesque cathedral town on the river Neckar, is located between the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest. The town's origins go back to the Romans. The Neckar Valley Cycle Route is the...
      Swabian Alb
    • Go to article
      CitiesSmall town gems
      Ehingen (Danube)
      The regional centre of Ehingen (Danube) occupies a picturesque location at the foot of the Swabian Alb, with a fantastic view over the Danube valley in Upper Swabia. The town has a resident population...
      Swabian Alb
    • Go to article
      CulturePalaces & castles
      Hohennagold Castle ruin
      The medieval castle ruins of Hohennagold are strikingly located and clearly visible from afar above the city. It is one of the largest and most beautiful castle ruins in the country and is the landmar...
      Black Forest
    • Go to article
      CultureMuseums & galleries
      SUMELOCENNA Roman City Museum
      Visitors to the museum can expect to see an original section of the ancient city of Sumelocenna.
      Swabian Alb
    • Go to article
      SÜDENDesirable Destination
      Swabian Alb
      Rugged yet romantic – the Swabian Alb captivates with rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, mystical caves, and fairy-tale castles. Here, untouched nature meets rich tradition, adventure meets tranqui...
      Swabian Alb
    • Go to article
      CitiesSmall town gems
      Hotel Anker Garni
      Zentrale Innenstadtlage, ruhig gelegenes Gästehaus, Frühstücksbuffet. Fahrrad- und Motorradfreundliches Haus, Bett & Bike, Familien-Zimmer, Zimmer z.T. mit Miniküche, FeWo für 2-5 Pers., Nichtrauc...
      Swabian Alb
    • Go to article
      TasteEnjoy beer
      Fischers Hotel Garni Brauhaus
      Möchten Sie ein wohnliches „Zuhause auf Zeit“ für erlebnisreiche Urlaubstage? Suchen Sie einen idealen Stützpunkt für traumhafte Wander-, Rad- oder Bike-Touren? Oder wollen Sie eine bequeme, erholsame...
      Mössingen
    8 / 8
    Go to article
    CitiesSmall town gems
    Nagold
    Town, country, river ... Nagold offers delightful variety Wonderful municipal charm with a historic backdrop, all surrounded by a diverse natural landscape, that's what you will find in Nagold. Attra...
    Black Forest
    Go to article
    CitiesSmall town gems
    Rottenburg am Neckar
    Rottenburg, the picturesque cathedral town on the river Neckar, is located between the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest. The town's origins go back to the Romans. The Neckar Valley Cycle Route is the...
    Swabian Alb
    Go to article
    CitiesSmall town gems
    Ehingen (Danube)
    The regional centre of Ehingen (Danube) occupies a picturesque location at the foot of the Swabian Alb, with a fantastic view over the Danube valley in Upper Swabia. The town has a resident population...
    Swabian Alb
    Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Hohennagold Castle ruin
    The medieval castle ruins of Hohennagold are strikingly located and clearly visible from afar above the city. It is one of the largest and most beautiful castle ruins in the country and is the landmar...
    Black Forest
    Go to article
    CultureMuseums & galleries
    SUMELOCENNA Roman City Museum
    Visitors to the museum can expect to see an original section of the ancient city of Sumelocenna.
    Swabian Alb
    Go to article
    SÜDENDesirable Destination
    Swabian Alb
    Rugged yet romantic – the Swabian Alb captivates with rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, mystical caves, and fairy-tale castles. Here, untouched nature meets rich tradition, adventure meets tranqui...
    Swabian Alb
    Go to article
    CitiesSmall town gems
    Hotel Anker Garni
    Zentrale Innenstadtlage, ruhig gelegenes Gästehaus, Frühstücksbuffet. Fahrrad- und Motorradfreundliches Haus, Bett & Bike, Familien-Zimmer, Zimmer z.T. mit Miniküche, FeWo für 2-5 Pers., Nichtrauc...
    Swabian Alb
    Go to article
    TasteEnjoy beer
    Fischers Hotel Garni Brauhaus
    Möchten Sie ein wohnliches „Zuhause auf Zeit“ für erlebnisreiche Urlaubstage? Suchen Sie einen idealen Stützpunkt für traumhafte Wander-, Rad- oder Bike-Touren? Oder wollen Sie eine bequeme, erholsame...
    Mössingen

    Discover More Small Towns in Baden-Württemberg

    These Stories Will Have You Longing to Explore Southwest Germany
    • Discover Weinheim and Endingen

      Historic Treasures and Charming Lanes
      CitiesSmall town gems
    • Discover Calw, Freudenstadt and Schramberg

      Half-Timbered Houses, Panoramic Views and Carnival
      CitiesSmall town gems
    • Discover Schwäbisch Hall and Ellwangen

      Historic Old Towns and Natural Beauty
      CitiesSmall town gems
    • Discover Bad Säckingen, Endingen and Waldkirch

      The Rhine, Vineyards and Treetops
      CitiesSmall town gems
    • 20 Small-Town Gems in Baden-Württemberg

      Small Towns You're Sure to Fall in Love With
    5 / 5

    Discover Weinheim and Endingen

    Historic Treasures and Charming Lanes
    CitiesSmall town gems

    Discover Calw, Freudenstadt and Schramberg

    Half-Timbered Houses, Panoramic Views and Carnival
    CitiesSmall town gems

    Discover Schwäbisch Hall and Ellwangen

    Historic Old Towns and Natural Beauty
    CitiesSmall town gems

    Discover Bad Säckingen, Endingen and Waldkirch

    The Rhine, Vineyards and Treetops
    CitiesSmall town gems

    20 Small-Town Gems in Baden-Württemberg

    Small Towns You're Sure to Fall in Love With