Lake Constance Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

The Allure and Beauty of Southwest Germany’s Christmas Markets

Adventure, Christkindlmarket, Christmas, Holiday, Holiday dining, Holiday events, Holiday Travel, Uncategorized

Fresh air mixed with the aroma of mulled wine, roasted almonds and warm chestnuts are part of the appeal of Southwest Germany’s many Christmas Markets whether they’re big or small. Each has a special ambience and distinction, designed to capture your imagination. Medieval or modern, baroque or family fun? Southwest Germany’s Christmas markets cater to all.

Trinkhalle_CM (c) Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH, A. Stephany

Consider the following:

The Christmas markets around Lake Constance present a variety of traditions and delicacies. The short distances between towns make it possible to visit many different Christmas markets, each memorable and eminently Instagrammable. The plethora of market offerings are varied. In the Black Forest there are 180 Christmas markets with each town’s market having its own personality, events and handicrafts. Castles and their surroundings offer yet another type of experience, such as in Stuttgart, the state capital, with its beautiful and enormous Christmas market located on a castle square–it’s a magical time featuring choirs, a children’s Christmas fair, and elaborate, beautifully decorated stalls ablaze in lights and ornaments.

So whether you visit the markets on historic squares and in monasteries, or in castles and nestled in the woods, you will enjoy sipping mulled wine, nibbling tasty treats, and buying one-of-a-kind crafts perfect for gifts. For special tips and ideas, please visit our website and enjoy the Christmas markets in Southwest Germany.

Freudenstadt Christmas Market almost appears unreal as if the streets are paved with gold. © Jürgen Schmidt

Christmas Markets in the Black Forest Offer Are Diverse Regional, Local, Traditional, Progressive, Delicious, Artistic, & Musical

During Advent, the towns and villages of the Black Forest transform into a sparkling winter wonderland. Over 180 Christmas markets offer unique settings, handcrafted goods, and culinary delights. The Christmas market in Freudenstadt (December 4–14, 2025), home to Germany’s largest market square, is particularly atmospheric, featuring handcrafted products and a curling rink. In the historic half-timbered town of Haslach, the new “Culinary Winter Market” (December 19, 2025 – January 6, 2026) invites visitors daily to enjoy regional specialties and music, accompanied by a nativity scene exhibition.

Art lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Karlsruhe: At the “Christmas Fair for Applied Arts and Crafts” (December 11–14, 2025), 40 exhibitors present high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces from across Europe. In Rottweil, the oldest city in Baden-Württemberg, the Christmas market (December 4–14, 2025) enchants visitors with its medieval setting, children’s workshop, and choral singing.

Against impressive architecture, the Christmas market takes place on Cathedral Square in St. Blasien (on three weekends in December 2025) – framed by the largest dome north of the Alps. Lörrach invites visitors to its Old Market Square from December 4–14, 2025, with arts and crafts, music, and delicious aromas. In Bad Säckingen, the market on Münsterplatz (December 4–7, 2025) offers regional products and a musical program amidst a historic backdrop.

A truly special experience awaits at the “Christmas Triad” in Pforzheim (November 21, 2025 – January 6, 2026): Christmas market, winter wonderland, and medieval market merge into a dazzling, glittering experience complete with an ice rink, Ferris wheel, and street performers.

Christmas Markets in the Black Forest

The half-timbered houses in the Black Forest town of Nagold are lit up especially this year for visitors. A giant ferris wheel also will be another first in the beautiful town. © Lightworkartpro, Manuel Kamuf.

Schloss Ludwigsburg just outside of Stuttgart that is still completely finished in the style in which it was built. A beautiful Baroque palace in the town of Ludwigsburg. c. SSG and Thomas Buehler

Castle Courtyards Aglow: Christmas with the SSG

The Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg (SSG), or State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg, sets the stage for a truly magical winter and Christmas season across its many historic sites. As the gardens and grounds enter their quieter phase, the frost-kissed landscapes, bare trees and soft winter light lend the sites a serene, festive ambience.

For example, Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart welcomes visitors for winter tours on weekends and holidays, offering both the architecture and surrounding views in a calm winter splendour. In the run-up to Christmas, many of the monuments managed by the SSG host atmospheric markets and seasonal events. The historic courtyards, cloisters and castle grounds are transformed into illuminated, festive spaces offering artisanal crafts, music and traditional treats. One highlight is the festive “Winterzauber” (winter magic) program at Residenzschloss Mergentheim, where from early November an open-air rink and themed events enliven the Schloss hof.

The Kurfürstlicher Christmas Market at Schloss Schwetzingen about 20 minutes from Heidelberg runs from November 27 to December 21, 2025, offering a festive atmosphere with handcrafted goods, delicious treats, and family-friendly activities.

Visitors can explore beautifully illuminated tents, enjoy mulled wine, and discover unique gifts. Highlights include a nostalgic carousel, a Christmas market featuring local and international specialties, and cultural events such as Advent concerts and theater performances. The historic castle and gardens also offer special tours and winter experiences. The combination of seasonal architecture, historic gardens and festive programming makes the SSG-managed sites wonderful destinations for winter visits — whether for a quiet stroll, family outing or evening market experience.

State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg

Ships docked in Constance Harbour are often decorated at the Christmas season.© Achim Mende

Lake Constance – Four Countries, One Magical Christmas Lake

During Advent, Lake Constance (Bodensee) transforms into one of Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations, where Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein share their traditions along one shimmering lake. This cross-border charm makes the region unique: visitors can experience four different cultures of festive joy within just a few days. In Konstanz, the largest town on the lake, the Christmas Market stretches from the medieval old town all the way to the harbour.

A true highlight is the “Weihnachtsschiff” (Christmas Ship), anchored by the waterfront and glittering with thousands of lights. Nearby, Überlingen enchants visitors with its atmospheric Christmas market, set among historic squares and festively decorated lanes. The lakeside promenade glows with lights, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a winter stroll. Meersburg, with its half-timbered houses and medieval castle, offers a truly magical Advent market on the castle square.

Between Christmas and New Year, the town also hosts special seasonal events and concerts, keeping the festive mood alive right into the New Year. Another highlight is the Christmas Garden on Mainau Island, where dazzling light installations transform the famous flower island into a sparkling winter wonderland for the whole family. Across the region, guests can enjoy unique Christmas markets, festive cruises on the lake, and culinary treats – from German Lebkuchen and Austrian pastries to Swiss chocolate specialities. Families, couples, and Christmas enthusiasts alike will discover the joy of exploring diverse traditions so close together. Lake Constance is more than a holiday – it is a magical journey across four countries united by one festive lake.

Lake Constance

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17 Spas in the Black Forest

Baden Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Beaches, Climactic Health Resorts, Gastronomy, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, International, Nature, Thermal springs, Traditional

Southwest Germany, also known as the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, is home to thermal springs and spas, places of healing and relaxation, some of which are famous and others you may not recognize. No less than 17 of the total of 34 spas in the “Bäderland” Baden-Württemberg are located in the Black Forest.

Baden-Baden_Friedrichsbad. Copyright RavenChen

In addition to hotels with wellness offerings, there are thermal baths and thermal springs, certified climatic health resorts, 3-day wellness hikes through the region, forest bathing, and natural relaxation in fragrant fir forests. On the German shore of Lake Constance, two spa towns include Radolfzell which is synonymous with nature, and wellbeing and the town of Überlingen which has a long history as a health spa town, where guests have been ‘taking the cure’ for more than 100 years. Charming towns, such as medieval Meersburg and puzzle-rich Ravensburg, add to the spa experiences on Lake Constance with busy old towns with cobble-stone streets lined with shops, unusual museums, wineries and restaurants, castles and terraces.

Lakeside Towns with Healing Qualities

Photographer: Achim Mende
Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH

Überlingen has a long history as a health spa town, where guests have been ‘taking the cure’ for more than 100 years. The modern thermal baths are one of three of the Lake Constance region with saunas, pools of varying temperatures and lake access. What makes Überlingen extra special are the garden parks for long walks and dramatic scenes along ivy towers, plunging cliffs and memories of ancient struggles along the defense wall. The waterfront promenade is a sunset destination where the wine flows. Over some 2.5 miles, the Überlingen garden culture path connects the most attractive parks and gardens. Überlingen

The town of Untersee is home to a stretch of largely unspoiled nature with sanctuaries of reedy marsh land, forest, natural lakes, and wildflower meadows. At the heart of this unique landscape lies the official health resort of Radolfzell. It has a charming old town on the lake with great outlet shopping, the longest shoreline, and outstanding transport connections. Radolfzell is synonymous with nature, wellbeing, and a healthy holiday experience. Here you will find the spa hotel of Bora HotSpa Resort among many other tranquil and healing facilities. Bora Hotspot Resort

Lake Constance

Black Forest Herbal Spa Just Like 200 Years Ago

The mountain village Bader Alm in Oppenau-Ibach near Freudenstadt, is a bit out of this world. A few more or less small rustic wooden huts are grouped around a historic farm. There is no WiFi, the rooms are furnished as they were about 200 years ago – with wooden beds, thick feathers and objects that at best, only the grandparents still know how to use. Outside there is a village square, a pond and a greenhouse. And in the middle of it, the bathing station with several wooden tubs. Here, as 200 years ago, you can bathe in a hot tub alone, in pairs or with up to five people in the open air. The bath tubs are filled with hot water and a secret recipe of herbs, flowers and essential oils. Guests are dressed in medieval linen bathing costumes.

Herbal Spa in the Black Forest

Baden-Baden Offers an Unparalleled Escape

Caracalla Spa in Baden-Baden, c. Jan Buergermeister/Caracalla Baeder-Betriebe GmbH

The best-known spa destination in SouthWest Germany is Baden-Baden, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021 and one of the eleven “Great Spa Towns of Europe.” It offers an unparalleled escape by combining the spa experience with museums, concerts, art exhibits, cultural events and shopping interspersed with visits to the spas and an unhurried pace of life. Until the 20th century, aristocrats and high society traveled to the “summer capital of Europe.”

The world heritage can be experienced in the spa town, for example, on one of the five “World Heritage Walks,” during a carriage ride along Lichtentaler Allee or during a wellness break in the Friedrichsbad. At the time, the Friedrichsbad was considered the most important thermal spa in Europe. Today, the Caracalla Spa with its Roman mosaics is ultra-modern with a freshly renovated indoor pool and new steam bath.

Baden-Baden

Black Forest Spa Quartet: Four is More

Spa in — Palais Vital in Bad Wildbad in the northern Black Forest c. Patrick Kunkel

Palais-thermal-bath-Bad-Wildbad_1_cTMBW_Dupper

In the densely wooded northern Black Forest, four towns form a “Black Forest spa quartet.” The spas of Bad Wildbad, Bad Teinach-Zavelstein, Bad Liebenzell and the health resort of Bad Herrenalb are so conveniently located that their thermal baths can be easily reached from one location: The “Palais Thermal” in Bad Wildbad brings a piece of the Arabian-Moorish Orient to the Black Forest.

Palais-thermal-bath-Bad-Wildbad_2_cTMBW_Dupper

The “Vital Therme” in Bad Wildbad offers regionally specific wellness facilities. The “Paracelsus Therme” in Bad Liebenzell has a generous sweating area with the “Sauna Pinea” and, thanks to the panorama sauna, wonderful infusions in the style of the region. In keeping with this, the “Siebentäler Therme” in Bad Herrenalb has a rustic herbal steam bath with its “Black Forest Sauna,” which is reminiscent of a rural “Badehäusl”: the floor is covered with fir branches, and fir cones in the “Tschurtschenkorb” on the ceiling exude a piney Black Forest scent.

Black Forest Escapes

Charming Towns Add to Spa Experience on Lake Constance

Meersburg, Germany — The town of Meersburg on the shores of Lake Constance, c. A.Mende

Charming towns, such as medieval Meersburg or puzzle-rich Ravensburg, also add to the experience of visitors to the spa towns on Lake Constance. Meersburg is a picturesque small town directly at the lake shore. With a historic center, small cafes and amazing views of the lake a visit is truly unique. There are many historic buildings to discover such as the Old Castle, which towers over the lake, and the New Castle, which impresses with its amazing staircase, statues, ornate ceiling paintings and a beautiful terrace overlooking Lake Constance with views of the Alps.

If you play puzzles, you surely recognize the name Ravensburg. This “City of Towers and Gates” is a 30-minute drive from Bodensee and the modern home of Ravensburger publishing company. Trading has always been its tradition. Germany’s first paper was manufactured here in 1336, and centuries ago, clever merchants sold textiles and linen throughout Europe and invested great wealth into beautifying their town. This same medieval district is the region’s favorite shopping destination. You can climb the watch tower for views of rolling farmlands, the lake and the Alps.

The Bodensee Card ^PLU^S makes a visit to the museums or guided city tours very easy and gives guests access to over 160 attractions in the four country region of Lake Constance. After a visit to the German small towns, you can book a boat trip across the lake to visit one of the lakeside towns in Switzerland such as Stein am Rhein or Romanshorn or Austria such as Bregenz or Hard.

Lake Constance

Southwest Germany in Its Element

Adventure, Baden Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Boating, Freiburg, Tübingen

In 2024, Southwest Germany celebrates its water-rich areas as perfect vacation getaways.

Elixir of life, force of nature and finite resource: water is a precious commodity that we pay special attention to in Southwest Germany. On your journey through the water worlds in Southwest Germany, you may encounter traditional crafts and maintained customs, learn about sustainable initiatives and natural areas worth protecting, cycle to refreshing places of enjoyment and meet personalities who have dedicated their lives to water.

Tens of millions of years ago, ice and water formed the natural landscapes in Southwest Germany. The results today are lovely valleys in which babbling streams, deep gorges with thundering waterfalls, extensive caves and underwater canals through which water flows into the springs and rivers. The often protected, unspoiled landscapes can be explored on adventurous hikes or bike tours or even rafts.

Water has always exerted a magical impact on people and provides material for legends, myths and rituals. Cleaning, decorating and blessing wells and springs is still widespread today in many communities in Baden-Württemberg. But there are many other customs, traditions and festivals in Southwest Germany related to water.

Following are just a few of the water-related and fun places you can experience in Southwest Germany and where the most surprising water stories have their sources.

A big anniversary will be celebrated on Lake Constance in 2024: 1,300 years ago, the wandering bishop Pirmin founded a monastery on the island of Reichenau, which became an important source of inspiration for art, culture and politics in the early Middle Ages. “We form a bond” is the motto of the anniversary year with a series of festivities, exhibitions, spiritual offerings and civic projects. The highlight is the large state exhibition “World Heritage of the Middle Ages: 1300 years of the monastery island of Reichenau”. It will take place from April 20th to October 20th, 2024 in the Archaeological State Museum in Konstanz and on the Reichenau itself.

Outstanding works of art such as the magnificent and rarely shown manuscripts of Reichenau illumination illustrate the Abbey’s glorious history. At the “original location” on the island, a new, modern leadership system will connect the three medieval church buildings with the completely renovated cathedral treasury and the new monastery gardens. Reichenau

The wild water of the Ravenna Gorge roars down and has been digging a narrow valley for thousands of years. It can be explored via wooden walkways and rock galleries on the “Heimatpfad Hochschwarzwald,” or “Native Path of the Black Forest Highlands.” With small cascades of water, the large Ravenna Falls and the impressive Ravenna Viaduct make the tour an experience. The nearby “sister gorges” of Wutach and Gauchachschlucht are among the oldest nature reserves in Baden-Württemberg. hochschwarzwald.de

Black Forest Rafting: Rafting is a centuries-old tradition and has been part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” since December 2022. Up until the 19^th century, thousands of fir trees were transported over streams and rivers from the Black Forest and they reached Holland via the Rhine. In the Kinzig and Nagold valleys, the tradition is maintained and can be experienced in museums, on themed hiking trails, and at festivals.

The international rafting festival at the Monhardter “Wasserstube,” or river, in Altensteig provides an insight into historic forestry jobs and crafts, including the turning of the logs. Members of the Oberes Nagoldtal rafters’ guild demonstrate their skills as they travel through the watery “streets” of the Wasserstube. schwarzwald-kinzigtal.info; Altensteig.de

Nightlife in Baden-Baden’s World Heritage Caracalla Spa Baden-Baden is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Great Spa Towns of Europe” and is famous for its thermal springs. Several thousand gallons of thermal water have been gushing out of the springs every day for over 2,000 years. The Romans knew about the healing power of the thermal springs and built the first thermal baths. In the historic Friedrichsbad, you can immerse yourself in the past: the extensive bath was opened in 1877 based on the model of the Roman thermal baths, the ruins of which lie directly below. The modern counterpart is the Caracalla thermal baths with its extensive bathing and sauna area. Every first Friday of the month, the spa invites visitors to celebrate and relax in the evening with special performances, unique sauna infusions, live music by the water pool and spectacular dance shows. baden-baden.com; carasana.com

On a Coffee Trip in Stuttgart: Passengers and connoisseurs can have a really good time on the MS Wilhelma: With coffee and cake or lentils with spaetzle and a glass of wine, the view from the sun deck of the vineyards, meadows and forests on the bank combines a feast for the eyes and the palate to create the ultimate culinary experience.

The ship is part of the Neckar-Käpt’n fleet, which is based in Bad Cannstatt, and which is a part of the city of Stuttgart. In addition to special tours with readings or wine tastings, the boat completes scheduled trips. One special route is the “Schillerfahrt” from Stuttgart to Marbach, where Schiller was born. neckar-kaeptn.de

Water and Drinks: Gin Tasting with Punting Ride in Tübingen: A river, a punt, four gins, a few tonics and a fine brandy sommelier: these are the basic ingredients for an unforgettable pleasure trip off the beaten track. The special event starts on the garden terrace of the Hotel Domizil in Tübingen. Here, with a view of the Neckar, various variations of regional gin are tasted under the expert guidance of fine brandy sommelier Angela V. Weis. Before going out on the water, everyone can prepare a gin and tonic with botanicals to their liking and receive a Poké Bowl to Go. Then, the leisurely twilight tour begins in a punt around the Neckar Island. tuebingen-info.de

Baden State Brewery Rothaus: Culinary delights can be experienced all year round in Germany’s highest brewery: Located at 3,280 feet above sea-level between fir and pine trees, the Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus (Baden State Brewery Rothaus) offers its guests pure refreshment. Seven of their own springs supply them with pure, clear brewing water. On the “Zäpfle Weg (Zaepfle Path),” you can find out everything you need to know about the brewery at nine stations. The path leads past the popular “Zäpflebrunnen (Zaepfle Fountain)” to the spring area and ends at the “Quellgeist,” the wooden patron saint of the springs. rothaus.de

Street Streams – the Freiburger Bächle: They are centuries old and crystal clear, are considered to be unique and offer space for games. We’re talking about the Freiburger Bächle, a wide network of man-made, paved streams from the River Dreisam that have run through Freiburg since the 12th century. In the Middle Ages, the paved channels were used to supply industrial and fire-fighting water.

Today, they are the venue for the unique Bächle boat race and a glimmer of hope for long-term singles: As the saying goes, anyone who accidentally steps into one of the Bächle must marry a Freiburger. The “Bächle cleaners” ensure that your feet stay clean and the streams always flow. visit.freiburg.de/attractions/freiburger-baechle

In Baden-Württemberg, or Southwest Germany, it is never far to the next water experience.

Whether it’s a river cave expedition in the Swabian Alb, canyoning in the Black Forest or SUP yoga on Lake Constance: Southwest Germany has it all. You can find refreshment as well as extra kick to your holiday in Southwest Germany.

Post by Victoria Larson and Natalie Dietl, Southwest Germany Tourism.

SouthWest Germany’s Christmas Markets

Regional & Ethnic

The Christmas markets in SouthWest Germany are particularly charming as they are often nestled in small towns with cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings, palace courtyards while former cloisters also provide romantic backdrops. Each Christmas market is different than the next with gifts and goods varying from town to town and neighborhood to neighborhood. On Lake Constance, the many Christmas markets lure visitors lakeside and to tour the islands between the snowy mountain peaks of Switzerland and Germany’s baroque castles.

The lake that carries the sugary scents of waffles and cinnamon is the same on which ferries sail back and forth connecting visitors to different Christmas markets around the Bodensee. Schupfnudeln (finger-shaped potato dumplings), Dinnele (thin-crust flatbreads with different savory toppings) and Winzerglühwein (hot mulled wine) make the perfect outing also delicious. From Baden-Baden to the Black Forest Highlands, Christmas markets offer unending satisfaction – browse, buy and marvel!

Lakeside and Island Christmas Markets Offer Special Experiences Around the BodenSee

In the town of Constance, the Christmas ship with its 360° panoramic bar, a two-story Christmas tavern, the breathtaking lake and alpine panorama characterize the Constance Christmas Market. Take a stroll along the Advent village of 170 stalls set up between the medieval city center to the harbor.

Almost 100,000 twinkling lights reflect off the lake and the fragrant scents of hot mulled wine and gingerbread bring the holidays to life for the whole family. You can also enjoy the wintry landscape of the island of Mainau on a leisurely stroll through the sleeping gardens. After exploring the island, two warm places invite you to linger: the Butterfly House and the Palm House. In addition to the winter exhibition, come and explore the new boutique winter market in the Baroque castle courtyard. Many of the regional hotels around the lake offer Christmas specials.

>> Christmas on Lake Constance

Chocol’ART in Tuebingen in December Lures Chocolatiers and Chocolate Lovers around the World

Tübingen famous for its university, the River Neckar and its old town is particularly fun during the Advent season. Tübingen’s particular flair can be experienced in the small, owner-managed shops that offer exceptional goods and personal advice. From the 3rd to the 8th of December 2019, the city of Tübingen once again turns into a city filled with chocolate.

Karlsruhe Christmas Market. Photo © KME / ONUK.

Throughout the city’s main squares, vendors offer some of the most extraordinary chocolate experiences. Chocol’ART is one of Germany biggest chocolate festivals and offers a unique chocolate odyssey in a magnificent historic town. All different shapes, sizes, and flavors are on offer with handmade chocolate bars, chocolate figurines, chocolate cream, chocolate tools, chocolate drinks, chocolate beers, pralines, truffles, nougat, and even dragees. From sweet and bitter to mild and spicy, exotic and bio-chocolate to fair trade, vegan to sugar free chocolate are on the stands. The cheerful window shopping and the white chocolate tents in the city square and the magical lighting across the historical city square turn this experience into a fairy tale adventure.

>> Chocol’ART

Stuttgart’s Special City Illuminations Create a One of a Kind Holiday Experience

With some 290 stalls and a tradition of more than 300 years, Stuttgart’s Christmas market is one of the loveliest in Germany and one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Europe. It was first documented in 1692, though its roots go back much further. From November 27 to December 23, the stalls of the Christmas Market will stretch from the New Palace and the Königsbau across Schiller Square, the Old Palace and the Collegiate Church to the Marketplace.

Special to Stuttgart is the incredible light display highlighting Stuttgart’s top destinations. For example, a Porsche, a Mercedes or the TV tower bring the city center together with an atmospheric illumination that runs from the Schlossplatz, the heart of the city, down the 1.2 km long pedestrian shopping street. Only 20 minutes outside of Stuttgart is the exciting medieval Christmas market of Esslingen where felters, dyers, jugglers and musicians take visitors back in time. The elegant baroque Christmas market at Ludwigsburg is also close to Stuttgart and offers beautiful handicrafts and delicious foods next to the palace.

>> Stuttgart Christmas Market

Baden-Baden’s Elegant Christmas Market Delights Visitors with a Fairy Tale Allee through Jan 6

Baden-Baden. Photo© Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH

Surrounded by the mountains of the Black Forest, visitors to Baden-Baden’s traditional Christmas market will experience the feeling of strolling through a scene from a winter fairy tale. The enchanting atmosphere begins at the start of the world-famous Lichtentaler Allee: flickering candles and lights in front of the Kurhaus and festively decorated stands next to the exclusive boutiques in the Kurhaus Colonnade while in the air the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread follow you around as you amble past the wooden yuletide cabins.

Stuttgart Lighting Installation. Photo © Sevencity GmbH/ Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH.

Arts and crafts, Christmas jewelry at the over 100 stalls are on offer and a nativity scene also greets visitors. Younger visitors can look forward to tasty Christmas treats, a children’s bakery, a merry-go-round and a varied program of Christmas entertainment performed on the open-air stage. The Christmas market is open November 28 to January 6 so you can actually experience this festive display into the new year.

Baden-Baden Christmas Market

Christmas Markets of the Black Forest Highlands are Charming and Unique

Christmas markets in the Black Forest Highlands offer a special experience and the little towns are so close together that it is easy to visit two and maybe three in one late afternoon and early evening. These romantic towns, including St. Blasien, Breitnau, St. Maergen, Todtmoos and many more, are sprinkled throughout the Black Forest Highlands and around the city of Freiburg so you can stay in Freiburg which has its own special Christmas market and a variety of hotels or you can overnight in one of these charming towns. Just above the Lake Titisee in Hinterzarten for example is a very special four star boutique hotel, the Alemannenhof which provides wonderful views of the lake, beautiful rooms, and delicious meals.

The Christmas markets in the Black Forest towns are charming and the cheery atmosphere is highlighted with the scent of hot mulled wine, baked goods and beautiful huts decorated for the season. Handicrafts and gifts and local products are for sale and each town has its unique offerings. In the Ravenna Gorge, there is a very popular Christmas market that is nestled underneath the 120 foot high train overpass. Guests can also stay overnight at the Hofgut Sternen which offers glass blowing and Black Forest cake demonstrations and great gifts. The Christmas markets offer a real escape and capture visitors with their atmosphere, delicious food and holiday spirit.

>> Black Forest Christmas Markets

For interactive maps and more information on cultural events and destinations in SouthWest Germany and to start planning your trip, please go to SouthWest Germany

SouthWest Germany Showcases its Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Europe, Germany, Historic Architecture, History, Road Trips, Southwest Germany, Travel, UNESCO World Heritage Site

The State Tourist Board of Baden-Württemberg, also known as SouthWest Germany, is marking the 75th
anniversary of the UNESCO with a reminder about its extraordinary UNESCO world heritage sites. SouthWest Germany proudly maintains its six UNESCO world heritage sites, including the distinguished and perfectly preserved Cistercian monastery of Maulbronn which was the first in SouthWest Germany‘s UNESCO crown in 1993.

Today SouthWest Germany’s UNESCO range from the oldest cave art in the world to iconic twentieth
century architecture. SouthWest Germany, officially the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, is a beautiful part of Germany that offers green hills and valleys, caves of ancient art and forests, large and small rivers and lakes, as well as great cities,palaces, castles, medieval monasteries and delicious food and wine. What many people do not know is that SouthWest Germany is also home to no less than six of Germany’s 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We present these sites in the order of their own history from oldest to the most modern.

The state’s most recent UNESCO award was made in 2017 but interestingly, it went to one of the oldest
monuments: the caves and art of the ice age in the Swabian Alb, southwest of Stuttgart. When the first modern humans settled in Europe during the last Ice Age about 40,000 years ago, some of them settled in the numerous caves of the Swabian Alb that offered protection. In the caves, they left behind the oldest works of art in the world, whose significance for the understanding of human history and the development of the arts is unique worldwide. After decades of research, archaeologists presented around 50 small mammoth ivory sculptures and eight flutes from the six caves in the Ach and Lone valleys. These are the oldest musical instruments known worldwide. You can visit some of the caves and see the art in nearby museums.

In the south on Lake Constance is the collection of the Pfahlbauten or prehistoric lake dwellings from the Late Neolithic, the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. In 2011, 111 places with pile dwellings in six European countries became UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including nine on Lake Constance. There is a museum on the shores of Lake Constance as well as a village, or a network of thatched huts built on pilings (said to be for transportation or security) and the huts provide re-enactments of the lives of the pile dwellers, including a show of their tools, such as the oldest wheel and textiles in Europe, which date from around 3000 BC. The museum shows the results of the excavations from 3,000 to 900 BC. It was the preservation of archaeological finds in the mud that enabled this unique reconstruction for early life at the lake. They provide fantastic tours in English for all ages.

The legacy of the Roman Empire is one of the greatest empires that ever existed and is included in the UNESCO in Germany. Of course you have heard of Hadrian’s Wall in England, well the Limes Route is the Roman’s line of defense in Europe. (Limes means path or boundary in Latin) The Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes is part of the Roman border fortifications with castles, watchtowers, walls and palisades with which the former world power demarcated its empire from free Germania. There are also museum-like facilities such as protective structures covering roman ruins which are explained by plans, photographs and finds as well as archaeological parks located in the neighborhood of boundary wall structures with reconstructed or restored exhibitions. Most of the forts were founded at the beginning or middle of the 2nd century and existed until the end of the Roman occupation 260/270 A.D. It is actually a perfect site to visit while practicing social distancing as you can walk or bike the entire route – there is a walking trail and a cycling route – and most of it is located in two nature parks.