Famous for the Black Forest cake, Baden-Württemberg is a delight for travellers, offering fairy tale villages, medieval castles, lush vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Add the stunning vistas of Lake Constance, Celtic history in Nagold, and luxurious accommodations—and a trip through Germany’s sunniest region becomes irresistible.

Whether by train or car, seven of Germany’s 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are here, including Baden-Baden, the renowned spa town at the edge of the Black Forest.

Soaking in Baden-Baden’s Grandeur

Start your journey in Baden-Baden, a well-connected hub with direct trains from Frankfurt Airport. The Romans discovered the hot thermal springs here more than 2,000 years ago. Rich, fashionable aristocrats made Baden-Baden a social hotspot in the 19th century, popularizing water cures and posh hotel stays.

Today, you can soak in modern and heritage baths, stroll in elegant parks and try your luck at the Belle Epoque casino that stirs James Bond vibes. Then overnight in luxury at the five-star superior Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa. The historic town with a car-free centre makes it ideal for exploring on foot, before picking up a rental car for your fantastic road trip.

Time Travel in Nagold and Beyond

From Baden-Baden, the Black Forest high road curves through the Black Forest. It brings you to Freudenstadt. Here you can choose the eastern direction to the storybook town of Nagold. A day-tripper’s dream, prepare to time travel through narrow alleyways, see timber-framed buildings and charming shops. With a well-preserved Celtic burial mound dating back to 6 BCE, it becomes evident how ancient Nagold is. Every two years, costumed participants re-enact Celtic life in the Keltenfest, a lively Celtic festival.

Overlooking Nagold, the ruins of medieval Hohennagold castle offer panoramic views after a rewarding hike or scenic drive.

As you continue south, your next stop will be Alpirsbach with its charming monastery that was built by Benedictine monks in the 11th century. Prepare to rest in luxury at Hotel Bareiss in Baiersbronn. In 2024, MICHELIN Guide awarded three key distinctions, which is the highest hotel honour, to this regional mainstay.

Castles and Lake Constance Splendour

Rested and refreshed, you’ll continue south directly to the island-dotted Lake Constance (Bodensee). Germany’s largest lake could pass for an inland sea. Bordering Germany, Switzerland and Austria, cyclists enjoy pedalling along the lake’s shoreline on the Lake Constance bicycle path. The route unfurls past medieval towns where half-timbered houses lean into cobbled squares and vineyard-clad hills rise gently from the water’s edge. Take a boat trip to the UNESCO-listed Reichenau Island, famed for its medieval churches, or visit Mainau Island, a garden paradise with parks and a Baroque castle. For an unforgettable aerial perspective, book a Zeppelin ride from Friedrichshafen. Don’t miss Salem Monastery and Palace, an architectural masterpiece blending Gothic and Rococo grandeur.

Stay at the five-star superior Hotel Riva on the lakeshore in Konstanz with its preserved medieval district of Niederburg. Celebrate your adventures with one of the region’s craft beers or a glass of refreshing Müller-Thurgau wine alongside a plate of Dinnete (German pizza) topped with regional cheese, potatoes and bacon. Müller-Thurgau is so popular, this white-grape varietal has its own special Müller-Thurgau Smuggling Anniversary, going back 100 years. Find out about a quirky wine-smuggling trip across Lake Constance and enjoy the tastings and traditions.