Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden. Photo: Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH
TIME TRAVEL IN SOUTHWEST GERMANY The Black Forest, Lake Constance with the famous Mainau Island, and the Swabian Alb all contribute to making SouthWest Germany a paradise for nature lovers. Above all that, the region, with its rich prehistoric findings, counts as one of the birthplaces of humanity and captivates visitors with more than 2,000 years of building history, bathing culture and culinary delight. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN
Rich green forests, ravines and waterfalls – the Black Forest combines outstanding nature with long-standing traditions and worldrenowned specialties. About 100 kilometres to the east, on the Swabian Alb, the so-called ‘Blautopf’, a deep spring lake glistens between the trees. Legend says it is possible to walk on water on the Alb, because over time the water has washed subterranean streams and caves into the stone.
40,000 YEARS OF HUMAN CULTURE This takes us directly onto the oldest history of Baden-Württemberg. 40,000 years ago, the first humans lived in the six World Heritage caves in the Lone- and Achtal valley. Here, archaeologists found the oldest evidence of figurative art, among them the ‘Venus vom Hohle 62
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Issue 92
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Fels‘, which can be seen at the Prehistoric Museum Blaubeuren. The Baden State Museum starts its journey into history as far back as 650,000 years ago. Upon request, visitors can even touch some objects under supervision.
EXPERIENCE 1,000 YEARS OF BUILDING HISTORY Barely any other land is as rich in castles as SouthWest Germany. “Fans of medieval fortresses and Baroque residences will enjoy the cycling route along the ‘Burgenstraße’, between Mannheim and Kirchberg,” says Anna Wagner from the State Tourist Board SouthWest Germany. With the Schlosscard, people who want to visit more than one historic castle can get access
to 26 monuments of the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg, among them Heidelberg Castle, the Mannheim Baroque Palace and the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace. SouthWest Germany was once the centre of the German Baroque; the Upper Swabian Baroque Road, for example, combines about 55 monuments.
BATHING LIKE THE OLD ROMANS On top of this, Baden-Württemberg is wellknown for its bathing culture. “Since Roman times, thermal springs, medical mud and gases with their healing properties have been used for various treatments,” says Wagner. Today the country has 56 therapeutic baths and spa towns, among them the 1877 erected Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden. “You lose track of time within ten minutes and track of the world within 20”, Mark Twain once wrote about the bath. Therefore, SouthWest Germany as a holiday destination really does have something to offer for everyone: history, art, nature and great bathing culture. www.tourism-bw.com
