Drone shot of Hohenzollern Castle with its towers. You can see the castle courtyard and the trees in front of it. A copper beech stands out. A village can be recognised in the distance.

© Black Forest Production GmbH

Historic Places to Visit in Baden-Württemberg

Almost Too Beautiful to Be True

Baden-Württemberg's Palaces, Castles & Monasteries

Fairy-Tale Palaces, Knights’ Castles and Majestic Tales
The world-famous ruins of Heidelberg. The breathtaking view from the fairy-tale Hohenzollern Castle of the Prussian royal family. There are plenty of historical sights to discover in Baden-Württemberg! Medieval fortresses, baroque palaces, and splendid gardens reveal how princesses or dukes once lived. If you're lucky, you might meet a descendant of a former emperor or exiled king, who might share intriguing stories about their illustrious ancestors. History doesn’t get more authentic than this.

By the Way:

Perhaps the most beautiful library in the world is also an architectural masterpiece. The Baroque library hall at Wiblingen Monastery near Ulm is filled with historic books, sculptures and playful Rococo decoration. A must-see.

Cultural Treasures in Baden-Württemberg

Echoes of the Past
1

Majestic Palaces

Baden-Württemberg is home to world-famous palaces and castles. Let lesser-known historic sites such as Schwetzingen and Meersburg cast their spell on you too.
2

Remnants of the Middle Ages

Medieval castles bear witness to the turbulent world of the Middle Ages. They stand defiantly on lofty hills. If only these walls could talk! Instead, they remain silent, leaving you to imagine what life might once have been like.
3

Monastic Heritage

Baden-Württemberg is home to numerous beautifully preserved monasteries. The most famous is Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No other Cistercian abbey is so well preserved.

Explore Baden-Württemberg’s Historic Sights

Places That Make History, Architecture and Culture Unforgettable
  • Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Sigmaringen Castle
    Standing high on a cliff above the Danube, Schloss Sigmaringen was built as a fortress. Over the centuries, it has been transformed into a royal residential palace, complete with fairytale towers and...
    Swabian Alb
  • Go to article
    CultureMonasteries & churches
    Kloster Maulbronn
    Maulbronn Monastery is considered to be the most completely preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex north of the Alps. Maulbronn Monastery owes its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to th...
    Kraichgau-Stromberg
  • Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Hohenzollern Castle
    It is the landmark of the Zollernalb region, a symbol of home for all locals and a tourist magnet for visitors from all over the world: Hohenzollern Castle, located in the heart of Baden-Württemberg,...
    Swabian Alb
  • Go to article
    CultureMonasteries & churches
    Kloster Wiblingen
    The Benedictine Monastery of Wiblingen is about 5 kilometres from the centre of Ulm.
    Swabian Alb
  • Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Mannheim Baroque Palace
    Fancy feeling like an Elector for once? In Mannheim, that dream becomes reality.
    Electoral Palatinate
  • Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Palace
    Schwetzingen Castle dates back to the 14th century, when the von Schomberg family provided the then moated castle to Count Palatine Ruprecht. In the following centuries, the area around the castle was...
    Schwetzingen
  • Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Meersburg New Palace
    Besides baroque garden architecture offers the park at the New Palace Meersburg a fantastic view of the lake.
    Lake Constance
  • Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Heidelberg Castle
    Heidelberg Castle is world famous and the epitome of the German Romantic era.
    Electoral Palatinate
8 / 8
Go to article
CulturePalaces & castles
Sigmaringen Castle
Standing high on a cliff above the Danube, Schloss Sigmaringen was built as a fortress. Over the centuries, it has been transformed into a royal residential palace, complete with fairytale towers and...
Swabian Alb
Go to article
CultureMonasteries & churches
Kloster Maulbronn
Maulbronn Monastery is considered to be the most completely preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex north of the Alps. Maulbronn Monastery owes its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to th...
Kraichgau-Stromberg
Go to article
CulturePalaces & castles
Hohenzollern Castle
It is the landmark of the Zollernalb region, a symbol of home for all locals and a tourist magnet for visitors from all over the world: Hohenzollern Castle, located in the heart of Baden-Württemberg,...
Swabian Alb
Go to article
CultureMonasteries & churches
Kloster Wiblingen
The Benedictine Monastery of Wiblingen is about 5 kilometres from the centre of Ulm.
Swabian Alb
Go to article
CulturePalaces & castles
Mannheim Baroque Palace
Fancy feeling like an Elector for once? In Mannheim, that dream becomes reality.
Electoral Palatinate
Go to article
CulturePalaces & castles
Palace
Schwetzingen Castle dates back to the 14th century, when the von Schomberg family provided the then moated castle to Count Palatine Ruprecht. In the following centuries, the area around the castle was...
Schwetzingen
Go to article
CulturePalaces & castles
Meersburg New Palace
Besides baroque garden architecture offers the park at the New Palace Meersburg a fantastic view of the lake.
Lake Constance
Go to article
CulturePalaces & castles
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is world famous and the epitome of the German Romantic era.
Electoral Palatinate

Our Tip: Cultural Gems at a Bargain Price

Castle Lover? Visit 26 Historic Monuments with the Schlosscard for Just €39
Get Your Schlosscard

Baden-Württemberg’s Palaces, Castles & Monasteries

From Hidden Gems to World-Famous Cultural Sites

Get ready for a journey through time. Explore Baden-Württemberg’s fascinating palaces, castles and monasteries. Which historic site will become your favourite?

Filter results

Show 199 Experiences
  1. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Meßkirch Castle Culture and Museum Centre
    Messkirch Castle is considered to be the earliest four-winged complex north of the Alps. The centrepiece is the Renaissance banqueting hall with its original coffered ceiling.
    Meßkirch
  2. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Staufeneck Castle
    Staufeneck Castle towers high above Salach - once a Staufer hilltop castle, today an elegant hotel and gourmet address with an impressive keep and sweeping views of the Filstal valley.
    Salach
  3. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Urach Residential Palace
    The Residential Palace is one of the few in Baden-Württemberg that have existed since the late Middle Ages. Count Eberhard Bart, the first Duke of Württemberg, was born here and lived here with his It...
    Swabian Alb
  4. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Wasserschlössle (water castle)
    Fairytale views from the Freiburger Wasserschlössle
    Black Forest
  5. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Sigmaringen Castle
    Standing high on a cliff above the Danube, Schloss Sigmaringen was built as a fortress. Over the centuries, it has been transformed into a royal residential palace, complete with fairytale towers and...
    Swabian Alb
  6. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Reußenstein castle ruins
    Spectacular castle ruins on a rocky outcrop above the Neidlingen valley. Medieval complex from the 13th/14th century, breathtaking views and one of the most beautiful excursion destinations in the Swa...
    Wiesensteig
  7. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Wiesensteig Residential Palace
    Former residence of the Counts of Helfenstein—Wiesensteig Palace combines Renaissance architecture, a rich history, and cultural life in the heart of the Filstal Valley.
    Wiesensteig
  8. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Fachsenfeld Castle
    The history of Fachsenfeld Castle dates back to the 16th century. In 1540, Georg Siegmund von Woellwarth had a larger building erected, which was expanded into a castle by his son Hans Siegmund shortl...
    Swabian Alb
  9. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Honberg Castle Ruins
    The Honberg Castle Ruins: Tuttlingen’s green heart and landmark
    Swabian Alb

Cultural & Historic Days Out in Baden-Württemberg

More Inspiration for Memorable Journeys Through Time in Southwest Germany

Baden-Württemberg is home to cultural and historic sites of extraordinary beauty. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural diversity.

  • Parks and Gardens in Southwest Germany

    Oases of Tranquillity
    CultureParks & gardens

  • Popular Places to Visit in Baden-Württemberg

    Great Days Out!

  • Castles & Gardens in Southwest Germany

    Far too Fabulous to Be True
3 / 3

Parks and Gardens in Southwest Germany

Oases of Tranquillity
CultureParks & gardens

Popular Places to Visit in Baden-Württemberg

Great Days Out!

Castles & Gardens in Southwest Germany

Far too Fabulous to Be True