Tradition and innovation are integral parts of the culture of SouthWest Germany and the locals are proud of their finely tuned, state-of-the-art automobiles, solar systems and technology. Equally however they love their traditions which in many cases are time-honored products and processes ranging from Steiff Teddy Bears and Ritter Chocolate to building the famous Black Forest cakes and even creating world-class Rieslings or driving the Black Forest Panoramic Road, an unforgettable drive through a vast culinary richness. Stuttgart Airport is a short flight from Frankfurt, Munich, Duesseldorf and Munich and is the only airport to offer Michelin star dining, very appropriate in a state that has no less than 78 stars in its culinary crown. Good food is a long-standing tradition in SouthWest Germany. 

Black Forest Panoramic Road is SouthWest Germany's Prettiest Drive, Gourmet Rally in September
 

The approximately 40 mile long Black Forest Panoramic Road turns 85 this year and it is still known as one of the prettiest drives in all of Germany. Winding its way down the western side of the state, drivers and their passengers get views of the beautiful valleys and peaks between the woods. The road is an exciting run for drivers who appreciate climbing the hills and navigating tight turns. Some of the famous places along the route include the spa town of Baden-Baden and SouthWest Germany's eight star Michelin town of Baiersbronn where the three Michelin chefs generate world class menus. Generations of families own charming hotels and pensions and take pride in serving delicious and traditional food. All of the good eating can be at least partially countered by healthy walks through the Black Forest National Park and the adjacent wine regions. SouthWest Germany can be rightfully proud of its heritage as a car state with Porsche and Mercedes and it is only appropriate there is a corresponding road where drivers can enjoy their purchase or rental. One of the best events is the Baiersbronn Classic for vintage car lovers. In the last week of September from Thursday to Sunday, visitors can book two overnights and a ride in a vintage car but there are also packages available throughout the year in case you cannot make it in September. 

Beauty at its Baroque Best: The Residential Palace in Rastatt  

If you want to see SouthWest Germany at its most beautiful, visit the many palaces and gardens run by the state heritage agency (Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg) that has the enviable position of promoting magnificent interiors, labyrinthine gardens and tranquil cloisters. Baden-Württemberg's architectural heritage is as diverse as it is plentiful, and the extraordinary wealth of culture, including original interiors and richly decorated rooms, are easily accessible to visitors. The Residential Palace in Rastatt is one of the oldest Baroque residences in the Upper Rhine Valley -- the palace, gardens and town were planned as a whole, to create an impression of perfectly-proportioned uniformity. It is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture that fits well into the Baroque theme for this year, which is being celebrated at the many beautiful castles and gardens in SouthWest Germany. The castle has many tours and is located right along the state's asparagus route and is not far from Stuttgart. 
 

Culture in Stuttgart: High Performance Cars and Exquisite Castles 

Stuttgart's culture embraces a very diverse but equally exquisite offering of top car museums and beautiful castles and festivals throughout the year. The prominence of both the old and new is a testament to Stuttgart's long-standing association with excellence and tradition. The 21st century Mercedes-Benz Museum documents nearly 130 years of automobile history and the Porsche Museum presents more than 80 racing machines while the "Swabian Versailles," as Ludwigsburg is called, impresses visitors with its historic Empire interiors and Baroque gardens. Although hardworking, the Swabians also know how to have a good time and they like to celebrate around the year: At the Wine Village (August 26 to September 6), visitors can taste Swabian specialties along with more than 500 wines from the region; the Stuttgart Beer Festival (September 25 to October 11) is one of the largest public festivals and a fabulous way to spend time with friends and locals; and the traditional Christmas Markets with their decorated stalls and regional delicacies in medieval Esslingen and palatial Ludwigsburg are some of the prettiest and most festive in Germany. 

SouthWest Germany Honors Tradition and Innovation: Steiff to Solar
 

Home to Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch and many high-technology university centers, SouthWest Germany is a land of new inventions. Citizens from all socio-economic classes also appreciate time-honored traditions and quality craftsmanship from manufacturing to cooking. For over 100 years, Steiff Teddy Bears have been made in the small town of Giegen an der Brenz as have the Märklin model trains and Ritter Sport chocolate squares outside of Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have been turning out world-class cars for the last century and most of the top restaurants and hotels have been in family management for three to four generations turning out delicious foods, wines and fruit liquors. Organic farming and sustainability are an important priority for all farmers. The Black Forest region is famous for its hand-crafted cuckoo clocks, wood carvings and delicious smoked hams as well as the eponymous Black Forest Cake. Year in and year out, everyone enjoys the celebrations of Carnival especially in the Black Forest, Easter markets, wine harvesting and the white asparagus. So while change and innovation are embraced, everyone loves these time-honored traditions.

How to Go Cuckoo Over SouthWest Germany: Learning the Lingo

SouthWest Germany, or the state of Baden-Württemberg, started an inventive training program for travel agents and any interested parties to learn about this beautiful state, Germany's third largest, located in the southwestern corner of Germany. The name was a natural as the cuckoo clock was invented in SouthWest Germany's Black Forest. Designed by the state tourist board, this online learning program combines essential facts and colorful background information, along with tips and insider knowledge, so that travel agents can better inform their clients. Candidates work their way through each of the five courses, completing the various activities along the way. After registering, candidates can take the course tests at any time. If they don't pass the first time, no worries! Simply try again! Once they have passed all five tests, candidates receive a personalized SouthWest Germany Specialist Certificate via email within three business days.

For interactive maps and more information on cultural events and destinations in SouthWest Germany and to start planning your trip, please go to SouthWest Germany and please click here for >> press photos and images

Victoria Larson                                                              

Press Representative, US and Canada                      

SouthWest Germany                                                    

917-678-7689                                                                

victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com                      

www.vklarsoncommunications.com                                    

Martina Bareiss

Marketing and Sales Manager, Overseas

State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg

m.bareiss@tourismus-bw.de

www.tourismus-bw.com