Baden-Württemberg

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Baden-Württemberg

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Baden-Württemberg: the bucolic beauty awaits

Also known as Sobriquet Ländle, the small land of Baden-Württemberg is one of the 16 federal states of Federal Republic of Germany. With its sparkling beauty of technology and advancement and the rich cultural heritage passed on from years, the state is located in the southwest Germany. The magnificent Hohenzollern and Heidelberg Castle stand high with beauty and leave all enchanted. The adventurous Black Forest attracts tourist from all over the world and provides with life-altering experiences of camping, hiking and star gazing at night.

Germany has almost 41 UNESCO World heritage sites, with the primary site, the Maulbronn Monastery in Baden-Württemberg. Today, Baden Württemberg’s treasure consists of 5 UNESCO sites. The rare and raw countryside beauty of the state encourages travels and enthusiasts to visit and experience tradition and culture at its best. The state includes cities like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, and Stuttgart and many more.

Location:

Baden-Württemberg is a state located in the southwest Germany, east of the Upper Rhine. When it comes to size and population, it is the third largest state of Germany. It consists of Stuttgart which is the largest city and also the capital of the State. The city is home to two leading car companies of the world – Mercedes-Benz and the Porsche.

History:

In 1952, the States of Wurttemberg- Baden, Baden and Wurttemberg-Hohenzollern merged to form a single State in the Southwest Germany. It is the only Federal State made as a result of the referendum.

In 100 AD, the Baden-Württemberg was invaded by Romans, who created lines on the northern borders. Later, in 300 AD, the Alamanni forced Romans to leave Baden-Württemberg and retreat behind the Rhine and Danube Rivers. In 496 AD, Alamanni themselves fell victim to a Frankish intrusion by Clovis I.

After the World War 3, the Allied forces created three federal states- the States of Wurttemberg- Baden, Baden, and Wurttemberg-Hohenzollern. France occupied Baden while the United States occupied Baden-Wurttemberg. However, a merger of the three states was done in 1949; wherein each state became a founding member of the Federal Republic of Germany. By the end of 1951, the people themselves voted for a joint merger via referendum. The new state of Baden-Württemberg was formed on 25 April 1952.

Climate:

The State of Baden-Wurttemberg majorly experiences two climates- the warm, humid continental climate and the oceanic climate.  The cities of Ulm, Reutlingen, Esslingen Am Neckar, Tubingen, Villingen-Schwenningen, etc. experience warm, humid climate. This climate is warm, generally mild and temperate. All these cities have a significant amount of rainfall, even when the day is dry. Other cities like Stuttgart, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg imBreisgau, Heidelberg, etc.experience the oceanic climate. The people are accustomed to thunderstorms in summers and snow in winters. Here summer stretches from May to September with July and August being the hottest months. Whereas, winter lasts from December to March.

The State:

With a population of about 10 million people, Baden-Württemberg is the third largest state in Germany. It has an area of 35,751 square kilometers with its various landscapes. The state is covered with the Black Forest and the Rhine Plain in the West and Swabian Alb Hills in the East. The Lake Constance and the ridge of the Alps cover the South and the North by Hohenlohe Plain and the uplands of Kraichgau region.

It is one the most immigrant-rich states of Germany. Almost 11% non-German population is living in that state. Even though the state is advanced in science, education, industry, skill, and society; the state has a rural touch which maintains its rich heritage and attracts tourists. The countryside look with a variety of mesmerizing landscapes casts a spell on the people. It also makes Baden-Württemberg one the most successful States in Germany.

The State includes cities- Freiburg, Heilbronn, Baden-Baden, Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Pforzheim, Stuttgart and Ulm. Each city has sites and attractions of their own.

Stuttgart is the capital of the state. It is also famous for giving birth to the two world leading car companies- Mercedes-Benz and the Porsche. It also holds many famous cultural institutions like the world-famous ballet, the Württemberg State Museum or the State Gallery. These museums contain remarkable architecture and astonishing collections.  Even for relaxing, Stuttgart is the right place. The rich mineral springs, natural spas and culture, the city will take you on a spirited ride like never before.

The diverse culture and art can be found in Baden-Baden. Extensively known for Germany’s largest concert hall and opera hall called the Festspielhaus, top notch events occur throughout the year at this hall. The city also consists of the Faberge Museum; it is the first and only museum of its kind in the world. It boasts of over 700 exhibits by Carl Faberge. The city has other extravaganzas like the Museum Frieder Burda or the Staatliche Kunsthalle showcasing contemporary art.

Traveling in the State

Packed your bags and ready to travel around? You can always choose the extensive railway network to travel around the State. Baden-Württemberg has a wide connective web of railways even serving in some remote areas. Also, you can travel by bus. Buses are frequent and easily available in the cities whereas there are only 2-4 bus connections a day in rural areas.

One can also purchase the Baden-Württemberg ticket which allows you to travel within Baden-Württemberg and also through the neighboring cities of Basel, Lindau, etc. It can also be used in a local train, buses and city transport.

Using your car can also be easy but if you are traveling in winter, remember to take snow chains. Driving too fast near the Black Forest or in the ridges of Alps can be dangerous, so drive slow.

Major Attractions

  • The Black Forest- Everyone enjoys a little time in the wilderness where one gets to introspect and rejuvenate themselves. The untouched raw countryside with natural spas and ecstatic vibes tempts one and all. This is the place where hiking was invented.
  • Lake Constance – The most popular feast from Lake Constance is the ‘’ Without it, a trip to this place would be incomplete. A lovely time to visit such place would be autumn when its many orchards are full and brimming with beautiful fruits to feast on. Also, relaxing with spas and gazing on the beauty of the lake is a treat for the eyes.
  • Europa Park- It is Germany’s biggest theme park. It is also the busiest park in Europe. To break the monotony and spring some fun into their lives, people visit this park as a unique holiday destination.
  • Baden State Brewery Rothaus – It is a brewery located in the State that allows one to have a look behind the scenes. A 90-minute tour that starts with a multimedia show and then visit to the brewery, the filling station, and the storage. When the tour ends, the visitors are helped with ‘Tannenzapfle’, a Pilsner-style beer.
  • Mercedes-Benz Museum- The infrastructure of the fine Museum seems unearthly with its steel shine and awed like look. This masterpiece consists of an even more impressive and fascinating interior. This is heaven on Earth for all the automobile enthusiasts. The exhibit is divided between legend and collection. With music and film clips, around 160 vehicles are showcased.
  • Steiff Museum- No matter what age, a girl always love a cute brown teddy bear. The world’s most famous teddy bears making company is Steiff with the trademark of a particular button in their ears. At the museum, one can learn about teddy bears and Margarete Steiff. What’s interesting is that the infrastructure of the museum is made to look like the iconic button.
  • Outletcity Metzingen
  • Mainau Island- Spas and luxurious hotels are all around to enjoy and relax on the island. Go out on a tour in the wilderness and see the variety of birds and animal species around you.
  • Heidelberg Castle- It looks like directly out of a Disney book.
  • Hohenzollern Castle- The huge towers and magnificent architecture, the view of the castle and from the castle, both are fascinating.
  • Ludwigsburg Residential Palace- The architecture is one of the most impressive in Europe. It is a castle of royal pleasure and immense beauty. It consists of 452 rooms which belonged to dukes and kings. Visiting the halls of the palace feels like stepping into a Cinderella party directly into a Disney book.

 

Why visit?

Looking for a place for family vacations? Baden Württembergis the ultimate answer. With utmost exciting outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, camping, stargazing, sightseeing, horse riding and boat trips and other fun and educational visits to museums and theme parks, children never get bored.

Also, this is the perfect place for young couples. The black forest is said to be the most romantic place to visit. Go on a thrilling hike with your partner and enjoy the beauty of the landscapes around you. Enjoy the music and traditional food of the place. Relax and take spas with your beau too.

What else is around?

  • France
  • Switzerland
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
  • Hessen
  • Bavaria