Fancy more than just shopping? Then grab your trainers and discover the lively cities in Baden-Württemberg! Mediterranean flair awaits you here, inviting you to chill out and enjoy. Hidden corners and cosy retreats turn every discovery tour into an adventure. Urban hiking trails lead you to the most exciting spots, while museums and sightseeing highlights provide variety. And of course there are plenty of hip shops, cosy cafés and trendy restaurants. A trip to our cities and charming small-town gems is more than just a city break - here you can escape the daily grind and simply switch off, whether for a day or several. Pack your bags and experience Baden-Württemberg at its best!
Shopping Tip on the Swabian Alb:
A true shopping paradise awaits you at Outletcity Metzingen. Every year, over four million fashion fans flock to more than 100 shops to get their hands on the hottest trends. Did you know that Hugo Boss started here in the 70s with a factory outlet? Today, you can also find top international brands such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and many more in the OCM. The product selection is simply unbeatable. Are you ready for the ultimate shopping experience in Metzingen? Grab your shopping bag and let's go!
Home on Your Plate
With an overwhelming 73 Michelin stars, Baden-Württemberg is one of Germany's top destination. However, the heart of this gourmet state beats down-to-earth in the best sense of the word. That doesn't exactly make the choice on holiday easy: discover our .
Cities in Southwest Germany
Attractions in Baden-Württemberg
Find out more about our cities and small-town gems here:
Top Excursion Tips Around the Cities of Southwest Germany
Looking for a break from everyday stress? Then explore our nine cities in the south! These cities are packed with cool sightseeing highlights and are perfect for spontaneous day trips to the region. The best excursion destinations are often just a stone's throw away and a detour is always worthwhile.
Get ready and discover unforgettable experiences! Here are our top excursion highlights around the cities in Baden-Württemberg.
The smallest world city
Baden-Baden lies at the foot of the Scharzwald. The spa town was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to wellness and the famous casino, Baden-Baden has much more to offer. Top day trips around the cultural metropolis of Baden-Baden provide plenty of variety on holiday.
3rd place of the top travel destinations worldwide at ‘Lonely Planet’
Freiburg im Breisgau is known for its mild and Mediterranean climate. The university city was ranked third in the top travel destinations worldwide by Lonely Planet in 2021. The streams in Freiburg in particular provide a holiday feeling at its best. The Kaiserstuhl Nature Park is also not far away. The green city is also located in the border triangle. This makes it the ideal starting point for day trips to neighbouring Alsace or Switzerland.
Heidelberg ist der Innbegriff deutscher Romantik. Hoch über der Stadt trohnt majestätisch das Heidelberger Schloss. Es wir zweimal im Jahr spektakulär beleuchtet. Die Alte Brücke verbindet die Altstadt mit dem gegenüberliegenden Neckarufer. Heidelberg ist aber auch idealer Standort für Tagesausflüge in die Umgebung. Einige Tipps haben wir zusammengestellt.
Heilbronn is Württemberg's oldest wine town. It is surrounded by vineyards and is predestined for a wine tour. Around 30 wineries are located in the city area. This makes it the centre of Germany's largest wine region. Heilbronn is also an ideal starting point for day trips to the Heilbronn region.
Karlsruhe is also known as the fan-shaped city. This is due to the radial streets that radiate out from the castle. Thanks to the high density of parks and green spaces and its proximity to the Black Forest, Karlsruhe is popular with young and old alike. The Baden serenity and southern lifestyle ensure a feel-good atmosphere right from the start. Karlsruhe is therefore the ideal base for excursions into the surrounding area.
Mannheim is laid out in squares starting from the baroque palace. This is unique in Germany. Green oases run through the entire city centre. The Luisenpark is probably the most famous with the largest original Chinese teahouse in Europe. In addition to an attractive shopping mile, Mannheim also offers a variety of day trip options for every taste.
Pforzheim lies at the foot of the northern Black Forest. It is often referred to as the city of gold. This is due to the established jewellery and watch industry. The jewellery metropolis is now one of the greenest cities in Germany. Its proximity to the Black Forest, Stuttgart and Karlsruhe makes it the ideal destination for a city break.
Stuttgart is the state capital of Baden-Württemberg. However, the Stuttgart region also offers many extraordinary excursion destinations and plenty of variety. Popular excursion destinations are very close by and are ideal for day trips.
The city of Ulm is located on the Baden-Württemberg side of the Danube. Its sister city Neu-Ulm already belongs to Bavaria. Ulm has the highest church tower in the world. And Ulm offers a varied cultural landscape. There is also a lot to discover around Ulm. Day trips to the Swabian Alb and along the Danube provide a variety of experiences.