30 Oct 2015
SouthWest Germany, the state of Baden-Württemberg, is known for its great weather—it is Germany's sunniest region—world-class culture, authentic Christmas Markets and lush green unspoiled countryside. In 2015, visitors voted for the top vacation destinations in Germany and SouthWest Germany, the state of Baden-Württemberg, was honored to have received six of the top 25 spots: Europa Park; Heidelberg Castle and Old Town Heidelberg; the Lake Constance Region; the Romantic Road; the Black Forest and the city of Freiburg's Cathedral and spire. Now SouthWest Germany is eagerly awaiting its next year's visitors and preparing a list of highlights.
In 2016, SouthWest Germany celebrates small and large anniversaries from the 10th Anniversary of the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart to the 50th Anniversary of the Upper Swabian Baroque Route and the 500th Anniversary of the German Purity Law.
The Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart is celebrating its 10th Anniversary—the car was patented in SouthWest Germany in 1886. That's why the Mercedes-Benz Museum is the world's only museum that can trace its lineage from the present day back through 130 years of auto industry history.
This year the 50th Anniversary: Upper Swabian Baroque Road will be honored by drivers and citizens. It is one of ten great driving routes in SouthWest Germany -- a Baroque-themed route that links villages and churches with Baroque and Rococo architecture. Must-sees include the 250-year-old Basilica in Birnau, the “world's most beautiful parish church” in Steinhausen and the Abbey Church, the one of the largest Baroque churches north of the Alps, in Weingarten.
Germany as a whole celebrates the 500th Anniversary of the German Beer Purity Law. With more than 180 breweries, SouthWest Germany stands second only to Bavaria for breweries. About 1,000 different beers are brewed in the state, using centuries-old traditional methods. As required by this German decree, malt, hops, yeast, and water are the only ingredients that make German beer so delicious and worth traveling for!
In 2017, everyone is looking forward to the 200th Anniversary of the Bicycle! In 1817 German Baron Karl von Drais, a prolific inventor from Karlsruhe, patented the Draisine or Laufmaschine (German for running machine).
Top festivals in 2016 will take starring roles in Heidelberg with its show-stopping illuminations over the castle in the summer and in Stuttgart with its large and very pleasant wine festival in September. A strong supporting cast of additional celebrations in Rotweil and Baden-Baden and other charming towns throughout SouthWest Germany create a diverse and entertaining 2016. We present these festivals in chronological order.
The first is Baden-Baden's Easter Festival on March 19-28, a perfect getaway for classical music enthusiasts. From Wagner's “Tristan and Isolde” to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, the fourth edition of the Berlin Philharmonic's now annual festival is a joy for classical music fans. Guests include cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Mitsuko Uchida and violinist Janine Jansen.
Jazz lovers will not want to miss either Rottweil Jazz Festival in April and May on a variety of stages, both indoors and out. The medieval city throbs to the sound of blues, rock and world music. Close to Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg's Festival from April 29 to July 23 is where the world's finest musicians gather for star- studded concerts at Europe's most beautiful Baroque palace.
The castle in Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and on June 4, July 9, and September 3, 2016 the walls of the historic castle will be illuminated with Bengal lights and a fireworks display. Situated on a hill the castle overlooks the Neckar River and when the fireworks fly over the castle they illuminate the water as well as the city. The Heidelberg Castle Illumination commemorates the destruction of the castle by the French in the 17th century. Elector Friedrich V staged the first fireworks display in 1613 to welcome his newly-wed bride Elizabeth Stuart in a befitting manner. Walking through the city of Heidelberg during warm summer nights while the fireworks take place brings about the natural romance of the city.
The Stuttgart Wine Village Festival is one of the most beloved festivals of the locals. From August 24 to September 4, more than 500 exquisite wines from Württemberg and Baden can be sampled in 125 tastefully decorated wine arbors. To be able to taste more than just one good drop, it has become a tradition at the Stuttgart wine festival to stroll from arbor to arbor, with a quarter-liter glass, which one has rented at the wine festival or brought along from home, and to stop and visit as one pleases.
Soon thereafter Stuttgart's Beer Festival, from September 23 to October 9, is a perfect opportunity to raise a glass to the 500 Years of German Beer Purity Laws. It is the second biggest beer festival in Germany and features local breweries, great live music, a fairground with rides and an enormous Ferris wheel!
If you can't make it to SouthWest Germany during the spring or summer months, make sure to visit in winter. There is nothing more satisfying than a warm cup of mulled wine in one of SouthWest Germany's diverse Christmas markets. Stuttgart's Christmas Market (November 23 to December 23) is filled with glittering Christmas fairy lights, delicious aromas of cinnamon and vanilla, fried sausages and mulled wine. In the illuminated city center with the medieval ambience of the Old Palace, the towers of the Collegiate Church and the magnificent Baroque complex of the New Palace provide an idyllic backdrop.
Only 20 minutes from Stuttgart center, the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market (November 24 to December 22) has a golden glow from the gleaming strings of thousands of tiny lights stretch over the roofs of the Christmas market stalls; graceful angels spread their great, glimmering wings, and both baroque churches shine in festive splendor.
For a medieval Christmas market, Esslingen's Medieval Christmas Market (November 22 to December 22) is a perfect stop and also only 20 minutes from Stuttgart. Merchants in historical garments offer their goods for sale just as they did hundreds of years ago. Craftsmen including pewter workers, felt-makers, tinder-makers, blacksmiths, rope-makers, basket-makers, broom-makers or glass-blowers demonstrate their craftsmanship. For more information on events in SouthWest Germany, the destination and traditions, please visit www.tourism-bw.com.
