German Sights

Baden-Württemberg

The 'sunny state' in southwestern Germany

The German state of Baden-Württemberg is a relatively recent administrative area - in contrast to the historic existence of the state of Bavaria to the east.

A little over 60 years old, it was actually created after the Second World War by combining the regions of Baden in the southwest, Württemberg-Baden in the north and Württemberg-Hohenzollern in the southeast.

These had been creations of the occupying forces and the historically more accurate administrative areas which were combined would be better known as the Grand Duchy of Baden, the Kingdom of Württemberg and the Province of Hohenzollern (a small area which had belonged to Prussia).

View over Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg
View over Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg

The union was not universally popular, especially among the inhabitants of Baden near the French and Swiss borders. Campaigners fought for their old state until finally a referendum - which had been delayed for nearly 20 years and eventually ordered by the constitutional court - gave a massive majority to those in Baden who wanted to keep Baden-Württemberg as it is.

The state has grown dramatically since the end of the Second World War - the population has risen by 60% - and it is now the third largest German state in both population and size.

The state capital is Stuttgart, a bustling modern city, and the state is renowned for its automobile industry (Daimler, Porsche and Smart all have their HQs here) along with associated engineering companies and parts manufacturers. Software (SAP is the best example) and research companies also play a big role in the local business landscape.

Burg HohenzollernHohenzollern Castle

But tourism is still an important part of the lifestyle of many towns and villages, especially in the historic cities and further to the south in regions such as the Black Forest and the area around Lake Constance.

How to find information about Baden-Württemberg on German Sights

The towns and villages in Baden-Württemberg covered by German Sights are listed under the Locations link on the top navigation.

Information about getting to Baden-Württemberg and getting around the state once here can be found on our Baden-Württemberg Travel page.

Some of the natural sights, historic buildings and places of cultural interest are listed under the other tabs. Alternatively, you can check the following section for links to specific sights in Baden-Württemberg:

Sights in Baden-Württemberg

Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is set in a spectacular position on a limestone hill on the edge of the Swabian Alb highlands in south-western Germany. The family-owned castle is open to the public and welcomes around 350,000 visitors each year to the castle rooms and gardens.

Lichtenstein Castle, Germany

Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is known for its stunning location on a cliff , which has made it a popular tourist destination. It actually only dates from the 19th century but the castle, near the town of Reutlingen, is built on the foundations of earlier fortifications.

Mainau Island Gardens Germany

Mainau Island

Mainau is a small island near the town of Konstanz on Lake Constance which is famous for its botanical gardens. The island boasts more than a million visitors a year to the private gardens (mostly in summer) and can also be reached by ferry from other towns around the lake.

Map of Baden-Württemberg