View of the city of Karlsruhe from the air.

Cities from Another PerspectiveViewpoints in Southwest Germany's Cities

5.5.202110 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif

Discover the most beautiful vantage points in Baden-Württemberg's cities - for unforgettable views and new perspectives on Southwest Germany..

Flying High in Baden-WürttembergThe Best Views of your Favorite Cities!

Sometimes, all it takes is a change of perspective to see the world—or at least the city—with new eyes. If you want to enjoy the sunset over historic rooftops, marvel at modern skylines, or simply escape the hustle and bustle for a moment, there are plenty of places to do so. There are incredible viewing spots waiting for you in Southwest Germany's Cities. We'll show you the best places to get a bird's-eye view, from dreamy terraces to iconic towers. Grab your camera and join us on a journey to nine of the most beautiful viewpoints in Southwest Germany!

Baden-Baden

Explore the ruins of the medieval Hohenbaden Old Castle by climbing the numerous stairs, paths and viewing platforms. At every turn, there are new perspectives of Baden-Baden and the surrounding Black Forest.

The ruins of a castle sit in the middle of a forest. The view from the castle stretches far into the lowlands.

The ruins of the old castle above Baden-Baden are a great viewpoint.

FreiburgFreiburg Moated Castle

The Freiburg Moated Castle looks like a fairy-tale castle, but is actually just a huge water tank with an impressive façade. Once you get to the top, you have wonderful views of the old town and the UB university library.

The Moated Castle is located in the Sternwald Forest above the Wiehre District of Freiburg.

HeidelbergChurch of the Holy Spirit

The largest and most important church in Heidelberg is the Heiliggeistkirche, the Church of the Holy Spirit. Standing on the market square, in the heart of the Old Town, its tower offers a terrific panorama. From the visitor platform, about 125 ft/38 m high, the view takes in the city's rooftops, the Rhine valley and the castle.

The view from the church tower overlooks the old town. A ruined castle sits above the town.

The Church of the Holy Spirit in the Old Town of Heidelberg has a visitor platform.

HeilbronnWine Panorama Trail

The Wine Panorama Trail at the Wartberg Hill winds through the heart of Heilbronn's vineyards. This large open-air museum is dedicated to the history of viticulture in Heilbronn. There are 24 stations with informational signs along the six-kilometer trail. The trail offers fantastic panoramic views of the city.

A family walks along a hiking trail through the vineyards and has a panoramic view of a city.

The Wine Panorama Trail at the Wartberg Hill offers a great view of Heilbronn.

KarlsruheTurmberg Hill

In Durlach, a suburb of Karlsruhe, the ruined tower at the top of the Turmberg, or Tower Hill, offers fine views over the city. If you do not want to hike up the mountain, take the historic funicular that opened back in 1888.

From the Turmberg Hill, visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of Karlsruhe.

MannheimTelecommunications Tower

At 715 ft/218 m high, the Telecommunications Tower is one of the tallest in Germany. The viewing platform is over halfway up; just above is the Skyline Restaurant. Taking an hour to rotate through 360 degrees, it offers breakfast, lunch, dinner – and great views over the region.

A river with an avenue along its bank at dusk and a television tower in the background.

The telecommunications tower in Mannheim offers the best view of the city.

PforzheimBüchenbronn Hill

An 85-foot (26-meter) metal tower stands on top of Büchenbronn Hill near Pforzheim. Those with a head for heights can enjoy great views of the city and the Technisches Rathaus, the town hall.

Three people stand on an observation tower overlooking a forest and a town.

The 26-meter-high Büchenbronn lookout near Pforzheim offers a fantastic view.

StuttgartBirkenkopf Hill

The highest point in the inner city of Stuttgart is the 1,675-ft/511-m Birkenkopf Hill. The local nickname, Monte Scherbelino, refers to the rubble dumped here after World War Two. Even today, the remains of destroyed buildings are visible on the summit, a popular hiking destination.

A view of a large city from a hill with a summit cross.

From the Birkenkopf Hill, guests have a great view over Stuttgart.

UlmFestungsweg Trail

The Fortification Route is a medieval trail that runs along Ulm’s old fortifications for some 7 miles/12 km. Stroll along; take in the vista of Ulm and New Ulm; read information boards that explain the history of these “twin cities” on the River Danube.

View of a town from a viewpoint through the forest

From the Wilhelmsburg Fortification, guests have a great view over Ulm.