Summer in Southern Germany: 10 experiences in Baden-Württemberg for your summer holiday in Germany is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs in cooperation with Tourism Baden-Württemberg.
An unforgettable summer in Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany
Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany is both an obvious, overlooked and surprising summer destination. From idyllic lakes and charming half-timbered towns to vineyards and impressive castles – Baden-Württemberg has it all.
Whether you dream of active experiences in nature, relaxing days by beautiful lakes or gastronomic experiences, there is a full plate.
Here you will find a guide to the perfect summer in Baden-Württemberg in Southern Germany and the most beautiful places that you should not miss.
Summer in Southern Germany: Let your child loose at Europa-Park
In Germany's largest amusement park, both children and adults can train their laughter muscles and satisfy their thirst for adventure in the more than 100 attractions and shows. The large park extends over an area of almost 1 km2, and unforgettable experiences and adventures await both young and old.
I Europa-Park Resort You can both throw yourself into breakneck rides and cool down in their enormous water park Rulantica, explore a completely different world with Virtual Reality-experiences or sit back and be entertained by one of the many shows.
There is also a large selection of restaurants where you can satisfy your hunger. The selection ranges from Italian to Mexican. There is also a large selection of buffets and bars, so there is something for all ages and taste buds. If you want to make the dining experience a little extra, you can treat yourself to a special dining experience in fine dining the restaurant Eatrenaline, there is an experience for all the senses.
The park is divided into different European themed areas, where you can experience everything from French charm and Italian romance to Nordic Viking atmosphere. For adrenaline seekers, Europa-Park offers some of Europe's wildest roller coasters such as the record-breaking Silver Star, while those who want a more relaxed experience can explore the enchanting world of Arthur - The Ride or the fantastic world of Madame Freudenreich.
Europa-Park is also much more than just rides. Here you can experience spectacular shows with acrobatics, magic and musicals, take a journey through digital worlds with the park's innovative virtual reality rides, or let loose in the huge water world Rulantica, where wild water slides, pools and relaxing lagoons await.
In short, there is something for both adrenaline-seeking action fans and the little ones in the family. You can stay overnight in Europa-Park at one of the 4-star adventure hotels, and you are guaranteed an adventurous experience – whether you want to sleep amidst olive trees with a Mediterranean atmosphere, or by the water in an English lighthouse.
For those who love the “Wild West”, Silver Lake is the perfect choice for overnight stays. Here you stay in tipi tents, cabins or even covered wagons. You can also sleep in your own camper. So don’t worry; you don’t have to experience all the rides and activities in one day – that would be impossible in this huge amusement park.
Outletcity Metzingen – shop till you drop
If you don't think a vacation is complete without your suitcase packed with both memories and purchases, then you should stop by. Metzingen Outlet City, where a sea of branded goods awaits at outlet prices.
Outletcity Metzingen is Europe's largest outlet city – according to the report 'Outlet centers in Europe from 2025'. It is a dream destination for those who love luxury brands at outlet prices. The outlet city is only 30 minutes from Stuttgart, and here you will find no less than 170 brands and some of the world's most exclusive brands such as Gucci and Prada, and they have the largest Hugo Boss outlet in the world.
The outlet city is of course outdoors, which is perfect if you want to both enjoy the summer sun and bring home a lot of great purchases in your suitcase from your summer in southern Germany.
In addition to the impressive range of brands, Outletcity Metzingen has a modern and award-winning architecture that creates a luxurious shopping experience in beautiful surroundings. To make your shopping even easier, you can use the Outletcity app, which acts as a digital shopping assistant and provides access to exclusive benefits through the Outletcity Club.
If you need a break, you can enjoy a bite to eat or a cup of coffee in the sun at one of the cafes, or relax in one of the many restaurants and lounge areas. There is also a play area for the youngest in the family who would rather play than shop. And if you want the ultimate shopping getaway, you can stay overnight at the stylish Moxy hotel, located in the heart of the outlet city.
There is a large parking area, which also has charging stations, where you can park your car while you explore the more than 170 brands with exclusive brands. Outletcity Metzingen also offers a shuttle bus service, so if you don't have your car with you, you can take the shuttle bus directly from Stuttgart to the outlet center in Baden-Württemberg.
Cool off by the Neckar River on your summer vacation in Germany
If you are a real water dog or just want to cool down in the summer heat, then it is an obvious choice to take to the Neckar River, which is a tributary of the Rhine.
Here you can, among other things, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, stand-up paddleboard – or SUP board – or go on a nice boat trip.
If you would like to see the historic villages and castles of southern Germany, then you should take the route from Heidelberg to Heilbronn, where the river runs through a narrow valley and from where you have the most beautiful view of mountain peaks with old castles and fortresses.
If you are looking for a gastronomic experience on the water, in Heilbronn you can try the so-called BBQ Donut, which is an inflatable donut-shaped boat where you can both eat barbecue and enjoy wine tasting.
It is an obvious activity in Baden-Württemberg.
Water fun at the Black Forest's beautiful Lake Titisee
If you are looking for a cozy place for your summer vacation in Germany, where nature, relaxation and adventure go hand in hand, then the lake is Titisee the obvious choice.
A summer in southern Germany offers beautiful lakes, lush forests and plenty of sunny experiences, and Titisee is no exception. This beautiful lake is surrounded by the beautiful forests of the Black Forest, and is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the summer sun.
In the summer, the lake is perfect for water fun like swimming, SUP boarding or a relaxing boat trip. If you prefer solid ground under your feet, there are plenty of pleasant hiking trails along the lakeshore where you can explore nature.
Titisee also offers charming cafés and restaurants overlooking the lake – the perfect place to enjoy a cold refreshment or a slice of the classic Black Forest cherry cake in the sun.
And if you also want to satisfy your shopping hunger, you will find small shops with local specialties, the perfect souvenir and a little self-indulgence.
Get your heart pumping on the Württemberg Valley Cycle Route
In Denmark we are known for our good cycle paths and love for the two-wheeled means of transport, but fortunately in southern Germany you can also satisfy your cycling craving. In Baden-Württemberg a wealth of beautiful cycling routes, which takes you through magnificent nature and charming towns.
One route that is particularly recommended is the new Württemberg Valley Cycle Path. It winds through breathtaking scenery, where rushing rivers, babbling brooks, rolling hills and majestic cliffs create a unique cycling experience.
The route stretches over 273 kilometers from Crailsheim to Schwäbisch Gmünd and crosses 12 valleys in a total of six stages, making it perfect for an active summer holiday in Germany.
Along the six stages of this long-distance route, you will find plenty of cozy accommodation options in the small towns that are dotted like pearls on a string.
You can choose to cycle the entire route or take a single leg if you prefer a shorter trip. The flexibility makes it easy to adapt the experience to your pace and your sense of adventure.
Free cultural and art experiences under the open sky
It's not just hikers and cyclists who can enjoy the fresh air in Baden-Württemberg. Art and culture enthusiasts can also have their senses pampered under the open sky. The area is packed with creative experiences where nature and art merge.
Whether you're into colorful street art, sculptures at the edge of the forest, or art that pops up in the most unexpected places, the region offers art experiences that awaken the senses.
In the cities of Mannheim and Heidelberg, the streets are transformed into a living work of art every summer when both national and international street artists create impressive murals that bring both color and life to the cityscape.
If you're more into moving art, hop on your bike and take a ride along the 77-kilometer sculpture cycle path through the Odenwald and Bauland. Here you'll encounter 25 modern sculptures created by talented artists from Baden-Württemberg.
The open-air gallery Sculptoura is also worth a visit. Here, 60 sculptures in wood, metal and stone adorn the route between Waldenbuch and Weil der Stadt.
And if you dream of an entire city where art is part of everyday life, then you should go to Ötlingen, an art village where facades, courtyards and small alleys hide around 100 unique works of art - perfect for a cultural summer in southern Germany.
Visit sunny Freiburg im Breisgau on your summer holiday in Germany
Freiburg is known as Germany's sunniest city, and is therefore the perfect destination for a sunny summer in southern Germany. But it's not just the many hours of sunshine or the historic buildings that make the city a must on your summer holiday in southern Germany.
As a university city, Freiburg has a lively and cozy atmosphere, and is also the capital of the Black Forest, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the area's magnificent nature.
In the charming old town, you can clearly feel the whisper of history as you stroll through cobblestone streets and admire the impressive city gates, Martinstor and Schwabentor.
On hot summer days, you can cool off by the famous medieval Bächle – small, clear streams that wind through the city streets. They are frequently used by locals and tourists alike to dip their feet in or sail small Bächle boats, which are especially popular with children.
Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer with your feet in the fresh water after a day of sightseeing.
Freiburg is definitely worth a visit.
Explore the Black Forest and experience magnificent nature
You almost can't avoid it. Schwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg if you are planning a summer holiday in southern Germany. Especially not if you are a fan of hiking and nature. In summer, the hilly area of southern Germany transforms into a paradise for nature lovers with its fairytale forests, idyllic lakes and charming half-timbered houses.
You will find countless hiking routes for all levels, where you will pass through green valleys and deep forests, and after a long day of hiking you can take a dip in one of the many lakes.
It is also in the Black Forest that you will find Germany's highest waterfall, Triberg, and the other impressive waterfall, Allerheiligen-Wasserfälle.
When hunger strikes, there's nothing better than ending the day with a piece of classic Black Forest Kirschtorte – a delicious combination of chocolate, cherries and whipped cream that tastes even better after an active day in nature.
You can have an adventurous experience by visiting the small village of Schonach, where the world's largest cuckoo clock adorns a gable. Here, time ticks a little slower, and you can really feel the charm of the Black Forest's traditional craftsmanship.
If you need more action, the area also offers rappelling, kayaking and other water adventures that get the adrenaline pumping.
Go on a summer vacation with castle hunting in southern Germany
If you've ever wondered where the inspiration for the many castles in the Brothers Grimm's German folk tales comes from, just take a drive through Southern Germany.
The magical castles lie like pearls on a string in the beautiful landscape, so if you dream of throwing your hair out of the tower like Rapunzel or living in a castle like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White – by the way, they are all from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales – then you should go in search of fairytale castles in Baden-Württemberg.
There are many different castles, so it's hard to choose. But a few worth mentioning are Heidelberg Castle, Burg Hohenzollern, Sigmaringen Castle, Weikersheim Palace and of course Ludwigsburg Palace.
Southern Germany is filled with palaces, castles and monasteries that will impress all uncrowned princes and princesses, and castle hunting is definitely a summer experience that is fun for both young and old.
Relaxation and self-indulgence this summer in southern Germany
Vacation equals relaxation and pampering, and is there any better place to really kick back than in Baden-Baden, which is one of Europe's best spa towns? It's even on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its history as a spa town.
The town's name reveals it all: you can swim through it here.
The city is known for its natural springs, which have flowed through the area for more than 2.000 years, and which you can immerse your body in and completely relax.
The historic Friedrichsbad Spa and Caracalla Spa are two of the most famous spas in the city and are definitely worth a visit. Both are perfect for a relaxing day on your summer holiday to Germany.
Have a great and sunny summer holiday in Baden-Württemberg and in Germany!
10 wonderful experiences for your summer in Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany
- Europa-Park
- Metzingen Outlet City
- Water fun on the Neckar
- Castle Hunt
- Hiking in the Black Forest
- Freiburg
- Spas in Baden-Baden
- Outdoor art galleries
- Lake Titisee
- The cycle route Württemberger Tälerradweg
Did you know: Here are the 7 cities in Europe with the most hours of sunshine
7: Nice in France – 342 hours/month
6: Valencia in Spain – 343 hours/month
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