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Germany
Southwest Germany Explorer: Castles, Spas and Black Forest Treasures
≈ 15
Days
700
Km
14
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Marvel at Heidelberg Castle, one of Germany's most romantic ruins perched high above the red-roofed old town. This magnificent Renaissance fortress, partially destroyed by French troops in the 17th century, offers breathtaking views over the Neckar Valley and houses the world's largest wine barrel. The atmospheric ruins create an unforgettable silhouette against the sky that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
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Explore the Kurpfälzisches Museum on the pedestrianized main street, where fascinating exhibits reveal the Celtic and Roman civilizations that inhabited this region long before the castle was built. The museum houses remarkable archaeological treasures and artwork spanning millennia of human settlement in the Neckar Valley. This cultural institution provides essential context for understanding Heidelberg's deep historical roots.
3
Wander through Heidelberg's enchanting old town, a maze of cobblestone streets, baroque churches and historic university buildings that make it one of Germany's most picturesque cities. The famous Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) offers postcard-perfect views of the castle reflected in the river below. Stay overnight to experience the magical atmosphere after the day-trippers have departed and the city reveals its true romantic character.
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Join a guided castle tour to discover the fascinating stories behind these evocative ruins and explore hidden chambers
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
15min
2
Day
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1
Lose yourself in the magnificent gardens of Schloss Schwetzingen, a stunning summer palace with acres of meticulously landscaped grounds that rank among Germany's finest baroque gardens. The salmon-pink palace provides an elegant backdrop to formal parterres, romantic temples and winding woodland paths designed to delight at every turn. This princely retreat was created for the Electors Palatine as an escape from court life in Heidelberg.
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Discover the garden's extraordinary follies, including a mosque, Roman temple and bath house that reflect 18th-century fascination with exotic cultures. The circular parterre and grand water features demonstrate the height of baroque garden design and horticultural artistry. If visiting in May, the town's famous white asparagus festival celebrates this prized local delicacy with culinary events throughout the region.
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Enjoy lunch at one of the charming restaurants along the road leading to the palace gardens
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
3
Day
2 photos
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1
Stand in awe before the Speyer Cathedral (Speyer Dom), a monumental Romanesque masterpiece that served as the principal church of the Holy Roman Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world, houses the crypts of eight German emperors and kings beneath its soaring vaulted ceilings. The cathedral's twin towers and red sandstone facade have dominated the Rhine plain for nearly a thousand years.
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Descend into the imperial crypt to pay respects at the final resting place of medieval rulers who once shaped the destiny of Europe. The atmospheric underground chambers feature simple yet powerful stone sarcophagi that connect visitors directly to the empire's medieval glory. An excellent audio guide available in multiple languages brings the cathedral's fascinating history vividly to life.
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Visit the museum across the cathedral square to deepen your understanding of Speyer's pivotal role in European history. The collection traces the city's development from Roman times through its prominence in the Holy Roman Empire. In summer, the lively Brezelfest fills the streets with carnival rides and traditional festival tents, while December brings a charming small-scale Christmas market.
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Stroll along the historic Maximilianstrasse, Germany's oldest and longest pedestrian street
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Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
1h
4
Day
4 photos
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1
Explore the mysterious Burg Berwartstein, a fascinating castle perched dramatically atop one of the rocky sandstone hills that characterize this border region. Once seized by notorious robber barons during the Middle Ages, this fortress is steeped in amazing myths and legends that the guided tours bring thrillingly to life. The hand-carved, candlelit tunnels beneath the castle create an atmospheric adventure unlike any other.
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Discover the castle's remarkable architecture, including a small chapel adorned with medieval paintings that survived centuries of conflict and neglect. The robber baron history adds a thrilling dimension to the visit, with tales of ambushes, ransoms and dramatic escapes echoing through the stone corridors. This hidden gem remains surprisingly undiscovered by mass tourism, offering an authentic castle experience.
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Take the guided tour to hear the fascinating legends and explore the candle-lit underground passages
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h15
5
Day
8 photos
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1
Immerse yourself in the legendary spa culture of Baden-Baden, a thermal retreat that has drawn visitors seeking rejuvenation for over two thousand years. The Romans first built public baths here to harness the natural warm springs, and in the 18th century the town became a glamorous haven for French nobles fleeing the revolution. The elegant promenades, grand hotels and manicured gardens retain an atmosphere of refined sophistication.
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Experience the therapeutic waters at Caracalla Therme, a modern wellness complex where warm mineral pools, saunas and relaxation areas continue the ancient bathing tradition in contemporary comfort. The family-friendly facility welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy the healing properties of Baden-Baden's famous thermal springs. For a more traditional experience, Friedrichsbad offers elaborate bathing rituals in opulent 19th-century surroundings.
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Explore the extensive castle ruins perched on the forested hillside above the town, offering panoramic views over the spa quarter and surrounding Black Forest peaks. The famous casino, one of the most beautiful in Europe, has attracted high society since the 1800s with its lavish interiors. Art galleries, boutiques and the elegant Trinkhalle colonnade complete Baden-Baden's appeal as one of Germany's most romantic destinations.
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Take an autumn or spring walk through the Lichtentaler Allee, a magnificent park along the Oos River
Next stop
Distance:
60 km
Travel time:
1h10
6
Day
2 photos
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1
Drive the legendary Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße) from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, one of Germany's most scenic mountain routes. This spectacular drive takes you along the peaks of the Black Forest, with incredible views plunging down into forested valleys at every bend. Numerous viewpoints and trailheads invite you to stop, breathe the pine-scented air and absorb the magnificent panoramas.
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Pause at the Mummelsee, a mystical glacial lake surrounded by dark fir forests and wrapped in local legends about water spirits and lake nymphs. The viewing platform at Hornisgrinde, the highest peak in the Northern Black Forest, rewards visitors with 360-degree views stretching to the Vosges Mountains in France. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty branch off from the road through pristine forest landscapes.
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Arrive in Freudenstadt, home to Germany's largest market square, a vast open space surrounded by arcaded houses that give the town a distinctly Mediterranean feel. This planned Renaissance town was founded in 1599 and rebuilt after World War II damage with remarkable attention to its historic character. The unique L-shaped Protestant church and covered shopping arcades make it a pleasant base for Black Forest exploration.
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Stop for short hikes along the route to experience the Black Forest's pristine nature up close
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
45min
7
Day
Discover
1
Step back in time at the Black Forest Open-Air Museum (Vogtsbauernhof), an extraordinary village of meticulously rescued historic farm buildings spanning 400 years of rural life. Each farmhouse, barn and mill has been carefully dismantled, transported and reconstructed on this picturesque hillside site, complete with authentic furnishings and equipment. This living museum offers an unparalleled window into the traditional way of life in the Black Forest region.
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Watch craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills in the working wooden toyshop, where hand-carved Black Forest toys are made using centuries-old techniques. If you're lucky, the wood-fired bread ovens will be in operation, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked loaves. Farm animals roam the grounds, adding to the authentic atmosphere of a working agricultural community from centuries past.
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Follow the excellent audio tour through the farmhouses to understand how families lived, worked and survived the harsh mountain winters. Interactive exhibits bring agricultural techniques and domestic life vividly to life, engaging visitors of all ages. The traditional Black Forest houses with their distinctive low-sweeping roofs represent architectural solutions to the region's heavy snowfall.
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Purchase authentic Black Forest handicrafts and traditional products directly from the museum workshops
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
50min
8
Day
4 photos
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1
Discover Freiburg, the sunniest city in Germany, where a youthful university atmosphere fills the charming medieval streets. The old town is criss-crossed by Bächle, small water channels running through the cobblestone streets and pavements that have cooled the city for centuries. Local legend warns that if you accidentally step in one, you're destined to marry a Freiburger!
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Admire the magnificent Freiburg Minster, a gothic masterpiece built from striking red sandstone over three centuries during the Middle Ages. The cathedral's intricate spire, considered one of the finest in Christendom, rises 116 meters above the bustling market square below. The medieval stained glass windows and remarkable gargoyles showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of medieval artisans.
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Ascend the Schlossberg by funicular for panoramic city views, or take the cable car up to the 1,284-meter summit of Schauinsland for breathtaking vistas across the Black Forest, Rhine Valley and Alps. The observation tower at the top provides 360-degree views that on clear days extend to the Swiss Alps. Freiburg's position as gateway to the Black Forest makes it an ideal base for hiking and nature excursions.
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Browse the daily farmers' market around the Minster, one of Germany's finest for fresh local produce
Next stop
Distance:
30 km
Travel time:
40min
9
Day
3 photos
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1
Relax at Titisee, one of the Black Forest's most beloved lakes nestled in a picture-perfect mountain setting. This natural glacial lake offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, pedal boating or simply strolling along the scenic lakeside promenade. The surrounding forested hills and traditional Black Forest villages create postcard views in every direction.
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Browse the shops along the lakefront for authentic Black Forest souvenirs, including the region's famous cuckoo clocks crafted by local clockmakers using traditional techniques. The mechanical artistry of these hand-carved timepieces represents generations of Black Forest craftsmanship passed down through families. Look for shops offering demonstrations of how these intricate clocks are assembled.
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Take a boat ride across the glittering waters, either paddling yourself or aboard one of the tourist vessels that cruise the lake. The surrounding mountains are laced with hiking trails offering spectacular views down to the lake and across the Black Forest peaks. A visit to the Menzenschwand valley nearby reveals traditional villages and the famous Café zum Kuckuck.
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Rent a pedal boat or rowboat to explore the lake at your own pace and enjoy the mountain scenery
Next stop
Distance:
80 km
Travel time:
1h30
10
Day
3 photos
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1
Explore Konstanz on the shores of the Bodensee (Lake Constance), Germany's largest lake straddling the border with Switzerland and Austria. The lovely lakeside promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes offering views across the shimmering waters to the Swiss Alps. The famous rotating Imperia statue at the harbour entrance completes one revolution every three minutes, a modern landmark with medieval satirical roots.
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Visit the fascinating pile-dwelling open-air museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reconstructs Stone Age and Bronze Age settlements built on wooden stilts over the water. These remarkable reconstructions offer a glimpse into human life on Lake Constance over 4,000 years ago. Archaeological finds from the lake bed bring these ancient communities vividly to life through engaging exhibits.
3
Cross to Mainau Island, the famous 'Flower Island' where subtropical botanical gardens, a baroque palace and butterfly house create a Mediterranean paradise in the heart of Europe. The gardens burst with colour year-round, from spring tulips to summer roses and autumn dahlias. Nearby Meersburg Castle, Germany's oldest inhabited castle, perches dramatically above the lake with parts still occupied by the owning family.
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Take a boat cruise across the Bodensee to appreciate the stunning Alpine panorama from the water
Next stop
Distance:
120 km
Travel time:
1h40
11
Day
2 photos
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1
Behold Burg Hohenzollern, one of Germany's most spectacular castles and ancestral seat of the Prussian royal family who later became German Emperors. This fairy-tale fortress, rebuilt in its current neo-Gothic splendor in 1850, crowns a dramatic conical peak rising 855 meters above the Swabian countryside. The castle rivals Bavaria's famous Neuschwanstein in beauty and surpasses it in authentic royal connection.
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Tour the gloriously opulent interiors, where visitors don enormous felt slippers to protect the precious floors while children can dress in royal costumes for an immersive experience. The family still uses the castle for special events, so verify opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. The treasury displays Prussian crown jewels and personal effects of Frederick the Great.
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Hike to the neighboring Zeller Horn viewpoint for the iconic photograph of the castle floating above clouds that has made Burg Hohenzollern famous worldwide. The approach road itself offers increasingly dramatic views as the castle emerges from the forested hilltop. Hot air balloon rides over the castle at sunset provide an unforgettable perspective on this architectural marvel.
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Visit during Advent for the famous Christmas market held within the castle walls
Next stop
Distance:
30 km
Travel time:
35min
12
Day
3 photos
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1
Fall in love with Tübingen, an enchanting university town that many consider Germany's most beautiful city. The charming old town features a magnificent castle, cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and a picturesque waterfront along the Neckar River. The centuries-old university gives the town a youthful, intellectual energy that fills the winding lanes and historic squares.
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Climb to Hohentübingen Castle, perched on a ridge overlooking the town, where university students attend classes in buildings that have educated scholars for over 500 years. The castle courtyard offers panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs and church spires of the old town below. The surrounding vineyards produce local wines that feature on menus throughout the town.
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Experience a traditional Stocherkahn boat ride, Tübingen's version of Venetian gondolas, where flat-bottomed punts glide along the Neckar past willow-draped banks. The annual Stocherkahnrennen boat race is a beloved local tradition featuring costumed students and much hilarity. The Holzmarkt square and surrounding streets come alive on summer evenings with locals enjoying the outdoor café culture.
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Explore the old town's atmospheric squares and imagine yourself in a Harry Potter film set
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
35min
13
Day
3 photos
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1
Wander through Esslingen's remarkably preserved medieval old town, home to some of Germany's finest half-timbered buildings clustered in atmospheric lanes. The town center features extraordinarily large and beautifully decorated timber-frame houses that survived centuries of war and development pressures. This architectural treasure trove just southeast of Stuttgart rewards visitors who venture beyond the capital.
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Admire the historic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and the twin-spired Stadtkirche that dominate the market square, both masterpieces of medieval civic architecture. The town's wine-growing tradition continues on the steep vineyard slopes that surround the old town, producing excellent local varieties. Canal waterways threading through the center add to Esslingen's picturesque charm.
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Visit during Christmas market season to experience one of Germany's most magical medieval markets. The market transforms the old town into a fairy-tale setting with Middle Ages-era children's rides, torch-lit streets and the unique spectacle of betting on mice running into numbered wooden houses. Flaming braziers and costumed performers create an authentically medieval atmosphere unlike any other Christmas market.
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Climb to the castle ruins above town for panoramic views over the half-timbered rooftops and vineyards
Next stop
Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
1h
14
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Schwäbisch Hall, a beautiful and charming town that was once a major center of salt production, the precious 'white gold' that created its wealth. The old town center winds through streets of magnificent half-timbered buildings to a gorgeous central market square dominated by the imposing St. Michael's Church. The covered wooden bridge spanning the Kocher River creates one of Germany's most photographed scenes.
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Visit the local museum to learn about the fascinating history of salt making that gave the town its name and fortune. Salt has been extracted here since Celtic times, and the industry shaped every aspect of local life, architecture and culture. The Hällisch-Fränkisches Museum brings this heritage to life through engaging exhibits about the salt workers and merchants who built the town.
3
Explore the Großcomburg monastery complex perched on a hill just above the town, where 16th-century defensive walls still stand protecting Romanesque chapel and cloister within. The monastery's peaceful courtyards and historic architecture offer a contemplative contrast to the bustling town below. Check the city's festival calendar, as Schwäbisch Hall hosts excellent cultural events throughout the year.
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Relax in the riverside park along the Kocher and admire views of the picturesque covered bridge
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, ideal touring, mild conditions, beautiful scenery.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, long daylight hours, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, autumn colors, Oktoberfest, harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful photography, wine season.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, winter sports, lowest prices, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions, cultural focus, festive season, snow activities.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Germany?
Rich history, cultural contributions, and efficient modern society from Bavaria to Berlin. Experience Oktoberfest, medieval towns, and world-class museums with excellent transportation infrastructure. The country offers diverse landscapes, outstanding cuisine, and important historical sites. Germany provides cultural depth, historical significance, and modern efficiency in heart of Europe.