27 Oct 2015
JINGLE ALL THE WAY TO SOUTHWEST GERMANY
It's not just British visitors, who love SouthWest Germany. Thousands of international visitors, from 40 countries, recently voted on line to decide Germany's Top 100 attractions. The result? SouthWest Germany took the No l spot with Europa-Park – and had four more attractions in the Top 11. In winter, there is no better destination for a short break than SouthWest Germany, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. Snowflakes and mulled wine, glittering trees and authentic Christmas markets all add to the romance. And getting there is easy: take a direct flight to Stuttgart, go by train, or even by car.
EUROPA-PARK: Where Santa goes for his hols
In December, Europa-Park is magical, with the smell of cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine in the Christmas market and thousands of Christmas trees sparkling with fairy lights throughout the 13 European-themed areas. Ride Russia's Snowflake Sleigh Ride and Iceland's WODAN – Timburcoaster. Take the little ones ice-skating, to the circus and the glamorous Surpr'Ice ice show.
In 2015, Europa-Park was voted Germany's No 1 attraction in an international online survey, Europe's No 1 theme park on TripAdvisor and “Best Amusement Park Worldwide” (for the second year in a row!) in the Golden Ticket Awards!
Europa-Park: November 28 – January 10, 2016; www.europapark.de/en
BAIERSBRONN: The perfect gourmet getaway for winter
Boasting 8 Michelin stars, the Black Forest village of Baiersbronn is Germany's culinary capital. The crisp clean air, plus the hills and trails, are perfect for working up a real appetite. Follow any of the 26 paths; stop by the cosy hiking huts. Ride the ski lifts to access 50 miles of pistes; watch daring ski jumpers. Swoop down toboggan runs; go ice skating; try curling.
BONUS: Book two nights at any participating Black Forest hotel and receive a free Black Forest Plus card, entitling you to free equipment, entrance and ski lifts.
Baiersbronn: www.baiersbronn.de/text/120/en/wintersport.html
UNIQUE CHRISTMAS MARKETS: In palaces and monasteries
With some 60 palaces, castles and monasteries, SouthWest Germany has the perfect backdrops for traditional Christmas markets. Think individually-decorated stalls, tempting locally-made crafts, festive food and drink. Magical settings include Bruchsal Palace (Schloss Bruchsal), famous for the “crown jewel of all Baroque staircases”, an elaborate 18th-century staircase designed by Balthasar Neumann. In front of the illuminated palace, the Christmas market offers roaring bonfires, a merry-go-round, waffles and freshly-baked bread. Completing the experience are guides in historic costume, who lead special tours of the elegant palace.
Bruchsal Palace: www.schloss-bruchsal.de/en/home/; Christmas market: December 11-14; 18-20.
STUTTGART AIRPORT: The Gateway to Winter Fun
Close to the capital of SouthWest Germany, Stuttgart Airport is the perfect starting point to discover Stuttgart and the surrounding area in winter. With direct access to Germany's fast, efficient rail and road network, it is easy to get to a wide range of attractions, such as the snowy Black Forest, traditional Christmas markets and spa resorts. Germany's sixth largest airport has an enviable record for safety, punctual arrivals and departures, even in bad weather.
UK-STUTTGART ROUTES: Daily flights from Birmingham, London Heathrow and Gatwick; frequent flights from Manchester and London Stansted.
AIRLINES: British Airways, Easyjet, Flybe, Germanwings and Ryanair.
Stuttgart Airport: www.stuttgart-airport.com
Please get in touch with us directly for further information:
State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg
Esslinger Strasse 8
70182 Stuttgart, Germany
