Everything you Need to KnowFAQs about Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is located in south-west Germany and, covering an area of 35,751 square kilometres, is Germany’s third-largest federal state.

Just under 11.2 million people live in Baden-Württemberg (as of the end of 2024).

The official language of Baden-Württemberg is German. Commonly spoken dialects include Swabian, Alemannic and Franconian.

Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg and is renowned for its automotive heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Heidelberg is also a notable destination, with its old town and world-famous castle. Freiburg combines a charming old town, the lively atmosphere of a university city, and close proximity to the natural beauty of the Black Forest. In Baden-Baden, luxury and culture blend in a unique way. Konstanz impresses not only with its location on the beautiful Lake Constance, but also with its wonderful historic old town.

More information about Baden-Württemberg’s cities: https://www.visit-bw.com/en/citites/cities-in-southwest-germany

Baden-Württemberg has a total of twelve public holidays:

1 January: New Year’s Day

6 January: Epiphany

1 May: Labour Day

3 October: German Unity Day

1 November: All Saints’ Day

25 and 26 December: Christmas

The other five public holidays are determined by the date of Easter:

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Ascension Day

Whit Monday

Corpus Christi

School holidays are often not on fixed dates, but take place within specific periods of the year:

Carnival holidays: One week in February or early March

Easter holidays: Two weeks at the end of March or in April

Whit Monday holidays: Two weeks in May or June

Summer holidays: Six weeks from late July to early September

Autumn holidays: One week in late October

Christmas holidays: Approximately two weeks from just before Christmas until 6 January

Baden-Württemberg is renowned for its diverse festivals and vibrant traditions.

The Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart is the world's second-largest folk festival after the Munich Oktoberfest. Since 1818, visitors have come here to enjoy rides, food stalls, and large festival tents.

An important tradition is the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet. With hand-carved masks, elaborate costumes and festive parades, it is celebrated especially in the Black Forest and around Lake Constance. Every town has its own customs.

Wine festivals also have a long tradition, as Baden-Württemberg is a major wine-growing region. Here, regional wines are paired with culinary specialities and convivial get-togethers.

Religious customs include the Corpus Christi procession. Worshippers walk through the streets, stopping at four decorated stations and often decorating the paths with flowers. The large flower carpet in Hüfingen is particularly well-known.

Either red or black woollen pompoms, known as Bollen, are attached to the hat, and the colours have different meanings: red is worn by women between confirmation and marriage, black after marriage. Bollenhuts may only be worn by local residents and are usually passed down from generation to generation.

Baden-Württemberg is located in the Central European Time zone (CET). This means the region is one hour ahead of UTC in winter and two hours ahead in summer. During daylight saving time, Central European Summer Time (CEST) applies. The change from standard time to daylight saving time takes place on the last Sunday in March, when clocks are set forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. The change back from daylight saving time to standard time occurs on the last Sunday in October, when clocks are set back from 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The climate in Baden-Württemberg is temperate and varied, shaped by Atlantic influences in the west and more continental conditions in the east. Average temperatures peak at around 19 °C (66 °F) in July and reach their lowest point at around 1.4 °C (35 °F) in January. The Upper Rhine Rift is the warmest region in Baden-Württemberg, while the Black Forest Highlands and the Swabian Alb are the coldest areas. Spring arrives relatively early, but is characterised by frequent changes in weather. Summers can be hot in the lowland regions, while the uplands and low mountain ranges are cooler. Autumn is generally mild and sunny, though often foggy. In winter, snow is to be expected, particularly in the Black Forest.

The euro (€) is used as the official currency in Baden-Württemberg.

Although cashless payment is becoming increasingly common in Baden-Württemberg, it is still advisable to carry some cash. In some shops, card payment is only possible above a minimum purchase amount. Especially at weekly and Christmas markets, village and wine festivals, as well as at kiosks and small stalls, cash payment is often the only option.

To enter Germany or Baden-Württemberg, a valid national identity card or passport is required.

Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa to enter Germany or a residence permit for their stay. In addition, citizens of the Schengen‑associated states Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are exempt from visa requirements. To check visa requirements for entry from other countries, you can use the Federal Foreign Office’s Visa Navigator.


ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in autumn 2026. The ETIAS travel authorisation will become an entry requirement for visa‑exempt nationals travelling to one of these 30 European countries. It is valid for up to three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

The most important customs regulations are summarised on www.zoll.de. This includes, for example, information on which souvenirs can be brought into Germany without concern, the duty‑free allowances for certain goods, and which items should not be imported at all.

Using the customs duty calculator, travellers can easily find out which goods are permitted when entering Germany and what charges apply if the duty‑free allowances are exceeded.

No special travel vaccinations are required for a trip to Baden-Württemberg. Travellers are advised to ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date in accordance with the general immunisation schedule. These include tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), polio and measles. As Baden-Württemberg is classified as a tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE/FSME) risk area, vaccination against TBE/FSME may be advisable, especially for those spending time outdoors or in natural environments.

Pharmacy services in Baden-Württemberg are excellent. You can quickly find your nearest pharmacies using the pharmacy locator provided by the Baden-Württemberg State Chamber of Pharmacists.


Pharmacies are generally open from Monday to Saturday. Outside these opening hours, emergency pharmacy services are provided: www.aponet.de/notdienstsuche

The Shop Opening Hours Act (Ladenöffnungsgesetz) regulates the opening hours of retail stores in Baden-Württemberg. In general, shops are allowed to open from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, all shops are closed, with only a few legally defined exceptions.

Museums and other leisure facilities are not subject to the Shop Opening Hours Act and set their opening hours independently. Many of them are open from Tuesday to Sunday and are closed on Mondays.

There are very few leisure activities in Baden-Württemberg that require mandatory advance or online booking. In many cases, tickets are only available on site. However, booking tickets online in advance can be useful in certain situations, for example to avoid long queues at ticket counters, or where visitor numbers and daily capacities are limited. In some cases, online booking may also offer price advantages.


Leisure activities for which advance online booking is advisable:

Europa-Park and Rulantica

Tripsdrill Adventure Park

Hohenzollern Castle

Badeparadies Schwarzwald

Lake Constance boat trips

Hirschgrund Zipline (mandatory!)

experimenta Heilbronn

The power outlets and plugs used in Germany are Type C and Type F. Type C is commonly used in Europe, South America and Asia, while Type F is used in almost all European countries. Type C plugs fit into Type F sockets and vice versa. In addition, Type E plugs are compatible with both Type C and Type F sockets. For plugs of other types, a travel adapter is required.

The mains voltage in Germany is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. If the standard voltage in your home country is between 220 V and 240 V (as in most European countries, Australia, the UK, and many countries in South America and Asia), you can use your devices in Germany without any issues. If the standard voltage in your home country is between 100 V and 127 V (for example in the USA, Canada and some countries in South America), a voltage converter may be required to prevent damage to electronic devices, unless they are explicitly labelled as compatible with 100–240 V.

Tap water in Baden-Württemberg is of high quality and safe to drink. Around 75 percent of the drinking water comes from groundwater and spring water. Drinking water in Baden-Württemberg is strictly monitored. The quality requirements for drinking water are regulated by the German Drinking Water Ordinance (Trinkwasserverordnung).

There are a number of rules and regulations governing the use of drones in Baden-Württemberg. The basic requirements are aviation liability insurance, operator registration and an EU certificate of competence appropriate to the operational category. The minimum age for flying drones is generally 16 years.

For drones in the open category (UAS classification C0 to C4), no aviation authority approval is required provided all requirements are met. The basic requirements for operation in the open category are:

Visual line of sight (VLOS) must be maintained at all times

Maximum flight altitude: 120 metres above ground

Maximum take‑off mass: 25 kg

No flights over assemblies of people

Regardless of the operating category, drone pilots must check the geographical areas in which the drone is intended to be flown.Locations can be checked using the Federal Ministry of Transport’s map tool. Special approvals or authorisations are required, among other things, for:

Airfields and airports

Industrial facilities, power plants, prisons, etc.

Federal highways, federal waterways and railway facilities

Nature reserves and national parks

Properties of constitutional bodies, federal or state authorities, diplomatic and consular missions, etc.

Residential properties

Restricted zones

Hospitals

Further information on the use of drones and model aircraft: https://rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de/themen/verkehr/luft/seiten/drohnen

Hotels and other accommodation providers in Germany are rated using a star classification system.
There are five star categories in total. Basic accommodation with limited comfort is awarded one star, while five‑star properties represent luxury hotels and high‑end accommodation. Establishments that exceed the usual standards of their category are awarded the designation ‘Superior’

The websites of the various tourist regions offer a wide range of accommodation options.


Campsites and farm stays are also popular in Baden-Württemberg. ‘Hideaways’ are exceptional accommodation options that stand apart from traditional hotels and holiday flats.

Wild camping is generally prohibited in Baden-Württemberg unless explicit permission has been granted by the landowner or the competent authority (Federal Nature Conservation Act (§ 59(1) BNatSchG) and the state forest and nature conservation laws of the federal states). Anyone who contravenes this faces heavy fines.

A legal and nature‑friendly alternative to wild camping are designated trekking camps. These camps are accessible only on foot. A maximum of three tents may be pitched per camp. Each camp is equipped with a fireplace and a simple toilet shelter; Water and food must be brought along, and all waste must be taken away. The cost is 15 euros per tent per night.

Trekking camps are available in the following regions:

Black Forest: www.trekking-schwarzwald.de

Upper Danube: www.trekking-obere-donau.de

Swabian-Franconian Forest: www.naturpark-sfw.de/erleben/trekking-camps

Odenwald Forest: www.trekking-odenwald.de

As a general rule, motorhomes should be parked overnight at campsites or designated parking areas.
Road signs 365‑67 and 365‑68, as well as the supplementary sign 1010‑67 (motorhome symbol), indicate that motorhomes are permitted to park in these locations. You can find nearby campsites here: www.camping-bw.de/campingplatzsuche

When considering whether overnight stays in a motorhome are permitted, German law distinguishes between parking overnight and camping. Sleeping once to ‘restore fitness to drive’ (for a period of 10 hours) is generally permitted. Anything beyond that is considered camping. Fines for unauthorised camping can range from €10 to €2,500. Drivers should not make themselves at home or set up camping furniture. Generally, vehicles may be parked wherever parking is not prohibited by the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) or by traffic signs.

Plane

Baden-Württemberg has three major international airports. Stuttgart Airport is the largest in Baden-Württemberg, with many direct flights arriving from countries all over the world. The main railway station can be reached in 27 minutes via a direct connection on S-Bahn lines S2 and S3. From there, there are connections to other cities in Baden-Württemberg. There are also Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport and Lake Constance Airport Friedrichshafen. These offer flights to cities within Europe. Within.

Other international airports that can be reached quickly from Baden-Württemberg:
Frankfurt Airport (200 km from Stuttgart)
Munich Airport (240 km from Stuttgart)
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (260 km from Stuttgart)
Zurich Airport (220 km from Stuttgart)

Train

The Intercity-Express (ICE) operated by Deutsche Bahn is ideal for travelling by train. The ICE connects many major cities in Germany and neighbouring countries. There are connections to Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

For travel within Baden-Württemberg, DB Regio and Averio, a subsidiary of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), offer many connections.

Further information on bookings, prices and connections within and outside Germany: www.bahn.de

Car
Baden-Württemberg has an excellent road network. Drivers must have a valid driving licence, the vehicle registration documents and proof of valid insurance. Seatbelts must be worn at all times in all seats, both front and rear. The use of mobile phones is only permitted with a hands-free kit. The minimum age for driving a vehicle is 18. Overtaking on the right is prohibited. Car hire is available in major cities at various locations such as airports, railway stations and hotels.

The speed limit for cars is 100 km/h outside built-up areas and 50 km/h within them. There is generally no speed limit on motorways; instead, a recommended speed of 130 km/h is advised. It is important to note that exceeding the recommended speed may result in joint liability in the event of an accident.

In Germany, traffic drives on the right.

There are around 18,000 charging points for electric cars in Baden-Württemberg. They are often found at petrol stations, on-street car parks or at supermarkets. An overview of all charging points is available from the ADAC or via the EnBW mobility+ app.

E-bikes can usually be charged at central locations, such as train stations or public facilities. There are also many charging stations along well-known long-distance cycle routes and tourist routes. Charging stations can be easily found via Google Maps or the bike-energy app.

There is currently no toll charge for passenger cars in Germany; they can travel on German motorways free of charge. Lorries weighing 3.5 tonnes or more are subject to tolls.

There are several low-emission zones in Baden-Württemberg. Only vehicles with a green emissions sticker are permitted to drive in these zones; vehicles with a yellow or red sticker, or no emissions sticker at all, are banned from entering. This also applies to foreign vehicles.
More information on the low-emission zones: Low-emission zones in Baden-Württemberg

In Stuttgart, there is also a ban on diesel vehicles. Diesel vehicles meeting the Euro 4 emissions standard are banned from the entire city area. Diesel vehicles meeting the Euro 5 emissions standard are no longer permitted to drive into Stuttgart city centre, or into the districts of Bad Cannstatt, Zuffenhausen and Feuerbach.

For motorcycles, there are occasional temporary route closures; these often take the form of weekend or public holiday driving bans or time-limited closures, for example from 10 pm to 6 am. The route closures are signposted. An overview of various route closures can be found here: Route closures for motorcycles

Carrying bicycles on Deutsche Bahn long-distance services
Carrying a bicycle on long-distance services costs between €7.99 and €14.99 and requires a reservation. Places are often fully booked, particularly in summer and during peak travel periods, so it is advisable to book well in advance.

Bicycle transport on regional services
In general, bicycles can be carried free of charge and without a separate bicycle ticket. Exceptions apply on weekdays between 6am and 9am and on certain routes. In these cases, a paid bicycle ticket is required, which entitles the holder to carry a bicycle. An overview is available here: www.bwegt.de/reiseinformationen/fahrrad-und-bahn#c20374

Bicycle transport in the various transport networks
The rules for carrying bicycles on public transport vary across the different transport networks. For this reason, cyclists should check directly with the transport networks regarding restrictions and bans on carrying bicycles.

The Baden-Württemberg Ticket is a day ticket for all local and regional transport in Baden-Württemberg. It allows for an unlimited number of journeys and is valid from midnight until 3 am the following day. The ticket costs €27 for one person. For €9 per person, up to four additional people can travel on the ticket (ticket for one person: €27, ticket for two people: €36, …, ticket for five people: €63). The ticket can be purchased online and at ticket machines.


For a longer stay, there is the Deutschlandticket for €63 per person. However, this is a subscription which can be cancelled at any time up to the 10th of each month. If the ticket is not cancelled in time, it is automatically renewed for another month. The Deutschlandticket can be used on all local and regional transport, as well as on public transport. The ticket can be purchased online or in person at DB Travel Centres.

Baden-Württemberg is renowned for its diverse and traditional cuisine.

Swabian cuisine
A typical dish is Schwäbische Maultaschen, stuffed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, which are either served in broth or pan-fried. The monks, who are thought to have invented the Maultaschen, also called them ‘Herrgottsbscheißerle’. Equally popular are Spätzle, handmade pasta made from flour and eggs, which are served as a side dish with roast meat and gravy, as Kässpätzle, or in the classic style with lentils and Saitenwürstle.

Black Forest cuisine and Baden cuisine
Schupfnudeln, which are traditionally prepared with cabbage and bacon or, in a sweet version, with cinnamon and sugar, originate from the Black Forest. The Black Forest gateau is known worldwide.
A typical dish from Baden is the ‘Badische Dreierlei’, consisting of sausage salad, ‘Brägele’ (fried potatoes) and ‘Bibbeliskäs’, a creamy quark with fresh herbs.

In Germany, a tip of between 5% and 10% of the total bill is considered appropriate.

The Youth Protection Act regulates the purchase and consumption of alcohol by minors. Young people under the age of 16 are not permitted to buy alcohol. Alcohol may be consumed in public from the age of 14, provided the young people are accompanied by a legal guardian, e.g. a parent. Young people aged 16 and over are permitted to drink and buy beer, wine and sparkling wine in public. However, if they are visibly intoxicated, drinking and purchasing are not permitted. Young people aged between 16 and 18 are not permitted to purchase or consume drinks or food containing high-proof alcohol. Therefore, spirits with an alcohol content of over 18 per cent and mixed drinks which, although they have the same alcohol content as beer or wine, contain a spirit, are prohibited for young people.



When driving under the influence of alcohol, the following blood alcohol limits must be observed:
0.0 per mille: People under the age of 21 and those on a probationary driving licence are subject to a total ban on alcohol and must have a blood alcohol level of 0.0 per mille if stopped for a breath test.
Up to 0.5 per mille: For people who do not belong to one of the above-mentioned groups, a blood alcohol level of up to 0.5 per mille is permitted.
Up to 1.09 per mille: Driving with a blood alcohol level of up to 1.09 per mille without any other offences is considered a minor offence.
Absolute unfitness to drive: From a blood alcohol level of 1.1 per mille, the driver is liable to prosecution.

The website www.visit-bw.com has been created in accordance with the provisions of Section 10(1) of the State Disability Equality Act (L-BGG) and, with a few exceptions, is accessible to all. Content is provided in plain language and in German Sign Language. The embedded videos are atmospheric clips and therefore do not require speech, which is why no subtitles are used. Transcripts or descriptions are usually provided below the video. The additional integration of the EyeAble assistive software supports the website’s accessibility with numerous functions, such as reading the page aloud.
Details of non-accessible content are listed at www.visit-bw.com/de/barrierefreierklaerung.

An overview of wheelchair-accessible accommodation in Baden-Württemberg is available at www.urlaub-barrierefrei.info/rollstuhlgerechte-unterkunft/baden-württemberg

Baden-Württemberg offers a wide range of accessible day-trip destinations. Culture lovers can, for example, visit Ludwigsburg Palace or the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart. For a bit of pampering, try the Solemar in Bad Dürrheim or the Sonnenhof-Therme in Bad Saulgau. The whole family can have fun at the Traumland theme park in the Swabian Alb or on the treetop walk in Bad Wildbad.


Of course, these are just a few examples, as the range of accessible destinations is much wider. At www.visit-bw.com/de/barrierefreies-reisen, everyone can find the perfect destination

There are accessible hiking trails in Baden-Württemberg. These include, for example, the accessible hike to the Brend near Furtwangen, the accessible hike between Falkau and Altglashütten near the Feldberg, and the accessible trail around the Herrenbach reservoir near Adelberg.

Further accessible hikes can be found at: www.visit-bw.com/en/barrier-free-travel

Yes, Baden-Württemberg offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, accommodation and restaurants. Under the ‘Familiensüden’ quality seal, families can find verified options that are specifically tailored to the needs of young and old alike.

Familiensüden accommodation ranges from cosy farmhouses to well-equipped family hotels.

Familiensüden destinations ensure that every generation gets their money’s worth – whether it’s fun at a water park, adventures in caves and tunnels, exciting museums with hands-on activities, or nature trails.

Familiensüden restaurants offer family-friendly facilities including high chairs, nappy-changing facilities and play areas, as well as a healthy selection of popular children’s meals, so that young and old can enjoy themselves together.

More information on the perfect holiday for the whole family: Familiensüden

The KONUS guest card is valid as a free ticket for public transportation during your stay.

Participating transport associations in the Black Forest accept the KONUS Guest Card as a 2nd class ticket. This also includes the trams in Karlsruhe and Freiburg. You will receive your KONUS card in exchange for your paid visitor's tax from participating hosts.

More information: www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/planen-buchen/konus-gaestekarte

The Hochschwarzwald Card offers an additional and mostly free service. You will receive your card free of charge from participating hosts.

Advantages of the Hochschwarzwald Card:

Free admission or a low additional charge to over 100 attractions: e.g. ski pass, adventure pool, amusement park, golf, boat trip and much more.

Your host will provide you with the Black Forest Card free of charge for stays of 2 nights or more.

More information: hochschwarzwald.de/en/red-card

With the Schwarzwald Card, which can be purchased, you can enjoy the entire Black Forest at a bargain price. Three days a year, card holders receive one-time free admission to over 200 attractions - including the Europa-Park, if desired.

More Information: SchwarzwaldCard

With the DreiWelten Card, you can enjoy numerous attractions in three regions - the Black Forest, the Rhine Falls and Lake Constance - free of charge during your vacation.

Advantages of the DreiWelten Card:

Free entry to over 130 attractions

Offers in Southern Germany and Switzerland

You will receive the DreiWelten Card as a gift at one of over 80 partner accommodations for a minimum stay of 2 nights.

For more information visit: www.dreiwelten.com/en

Enjoy free travel and free admission with the Schwarzwald Plus Guest Card - at the invitation of our participating hosts.

With the Black Forest Plus Guest Card, you can discover more than 80 genuine Black Forest experiences in the Black Forest National Park region free of charge: outdoor and nature experiences, mountain railways, culinary tours and themed hikes, castles, palaces, museums and cultural highlights, regional specialties from wine and ham to cherry cake.

More information: schwarzwaldplus.de

The ECHT BODENSEE CARD is the guest card for selected participating municipalities on the German shore of Lake Constance.

Your benefits at a glance:

Inclusive services, exclusive gifts and discounts at more than 195 leisure facilities & attractions in the four-country region of Lake Constance: e.g. Ravensburger Spieleland Theme Park or the Zeppelin Museum.

Free use of local public transportation (bodo) on all days of your stay.

Upon arrival, you will automatically receive the ECHT BODENSEE CARD for your stay from your host in the participating municipalities.

More information: www.echt-bodensee.de

The Bodensee Card PLUS is your all-inclusive adventure card that gives you free admission to over 160 of the best attractions in the four-country region - including scheduled boat rides on Lake Constance and the Rhine!

The Bodensee Card PLUS is valid for 3 or 7 days of your choice.

More information: www.bodensee.eu/en/bcp

The ALBCard is a free service provided by participating accommodations.

Your benefits at a glance:

Free admission to over 140 top attractions: e.g. Hohenzollern Castle, Lichtenstein Castle, thermal baths, Steiff Museum, e-bike rental and much more.

Free use of local public transportation every day of your stay.

More than 150 hosts in the Swabian Alb will give you the AlbCard for free from the first night of your stay. You will receive it automatically when you check in at the reception.

Children aged 6 and over receive their own AlbCard. Children under the age of 6 enjoy the benefits of the accompanying adult.

More information: www.swabianalb.info/albcard

The UlmCard is available online for 24 or 48 hours and can be purchased with or without public transport. The price varies between €23 and €40 depending on the duration and ticket type.
The benefits of the UlmCard:

free entry to numerous sights and attractions

guided city tours

One free drink at participating restaurants and bars

Further information: https://tourismus.ulm.de/en/planning/travel-planning/ulm-card/#/

You will automatically receive the Baden-Baden Guest Card when you check in at accommodation in Baden-Baden. It entitles you to numerous discounts and free offers during your stay in Baden-Baden.

Further information is available at: https://www.baden-baden.com/en/hotels-accommodations/guest-card