SOUTHWEST GERMANY: good value, good weather – and so close!

When it comes to family fun, with great weather and great value for money, SouthWest Germany (www.tourism-bw.com) is the place to be this summer! Easy to get to by car or plane, the region offers terrific deals, from free passes to attractions in the Black Forest to “3 nights for 2” deals in romantic Heidelberg.

The village of Baiersbronn has glorious hiking trails through the Black Forest and an array of award-winning restaurants. Book accommodation for two nights or more with any of the Black Forest Plus hosts and you receive a Black Forest Plus Card (www.schwarzwaldplus.de). This entitles you to free fun at more than 80 local attractions. Learn how to make a Black Forest gateau; take a free Segway tour; enjoy a free round of golf; travel free on local buses and trains.

Europa-Park (www.europapark.de/en) was voted “Best Amusement Park in the World” last year. During this year's 40th birthday celebrations, there are special treats and surprises in the 13 European-themed areas with 100 attractions. Ride the WODAN wooden roller-coaster; cool off in the Atlantica SuperSplash; stay at exciting themed hotels.

The most romantic city in Europe? Many reckon it is Heidelberg, with its cobbled lanes, handsome old houses and the ruined castle overlooking the River Neckar. In August, hotels offer a special deal: 3 nights for the price of 2, plus a free guided walk through the picturesque Old Town, a cruise on a solar-powered boat along the river and a HeidelbergCARD. This provides free public transport, entry to the Castle and a host of discounts (www.heidelberg-marketing.com/search-book/package-offers/summer-special.html).
 
With its exotic gardens, the island of Mainau on Lake Constance feels Mediterranean. Children have their own space, called Kinderland. Attractions include a water playground with floats and a rope ferry, a large-scale model railway, pony rides and a petting zoo. Spend the day here: the family-friendly restaurants serve children's menus and, best of all, entry for children under 12 is FREE (www.mainau.de/infos-fuer-familien0.html).

If your kids like Grimms' fairy tales, they'll love Bad Mergentheim (www.bad-mergentheim.de/en/), with its half-timbered houses. Nearby are vineyards, criss-crossed with family-friendly cycle paths, and the Wildpark (www.wildtierpark.de/en/). One of Europe's largest wildlife parks, this is home to Europe's largest pack of wolves! To relax and recharge your batteries, head for the Solymar thermal baths, with its large family and relaxation area.

A digital version of this press release - as well as more detailed information on SouthWest Germany - is available on our website www.tourism-bw.com 

Or, please get in touch with us direct:
State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg
Esslinger Strasse 8        
70182 Stuttgart, Germany
presse@tourismus-bw.de