21 Mar 2014
SouthWest Germany Celebrates new National Park
The state of Baden-Württemberg, known as SouthWest Germany, in international markets, is celebrating the opening of its first National Park , which covers approximately 26,000 acres of beautiful areas of the Black Forest. One of the best ways to appreciate the park's natural beauty is the 60 kilometer-long Black Forest Panoramic Road that winds its way at an altitude of 600-1000 meters with generous curves, needle point turns and magnificent views interspersing open plateaus with dense coniferous forest. The peaceful park stretches along two sides of one of Germany's most scenic routes: the Black Forest Panoramic Road that stretches from the fashionable spa town of Baden-Baden to the ski center Kniebis and runs through the eight-Michelin-starred town of Baiersbronn. The park is a wonderland for those who appreciate the outdoors with hiking and biking along hundreds of well-marked trails. At the same time there are programs and guided tours available for individuals and groups
Baiersbronn Offers Haute Cuisine and a Vintage Car Rally on the Black Forest Panoramic Road in new National Park
The culinary town of Baiersbronn has the good fortune to be located not only in the new National Park but also along the Black Forest Panoramic Road where haute cuisine meets vintage cars. The eight-Michelin-starred town of Baiersbronn, the gourmet town with the highest density of Michelin stars worldwide, is created by three top chefs: Harald Wohlfahrt, Claus- Peter Lumpp and Jörg Sackmann. Even the local restaurants however produce the highest quality traditional food using the best local produce from family farms, often in the third or fourth generation. Next to food, vintage cars are held in high esteem and the Black Forest Rally is for connoisseurs with historical cars built before 1975. The event, which this year takes place from September 25 to 28, dates back to the first motor sport event after the Second World War in Germany. Visitors can book a package with two nights and a classic car ride and fabulous food. Motor friends who prefer to drive individually can book year-round a different package for two nights: this "Baiersbronn Classic" takes drivers and their fans through the Black Forest and the adjacent wine region Ortenau.
Castles and Gardens in SouthWest Germany: Heidelberg and Schwetzingen
SouthWest Germany is also a place of palaces and dynasties. There are so many castles where families can go exploring and touring and feel like a king or queen for a day. Palatial rooms, elegant gardens, grand staircases, baroque halls and master paintings, magnificent marble interiors, labyrinthine gardens and tranquil cloisters: Baden-Württemberg's architectural heritage is as diverse as it is plentiful. Many castles and gardens have dedicated tours and special offers for groups. The world-famous ruins of Heidelberg Palace or the extraordinary gardens of Schwetzingen rival Versailles and the original designs are still completely intact. In some castles, there are theater troupes and festivals and in others Christmas markets or business conferences. Each year, Heidelberg Palace attracts around a million visitors from all over the world. Since the early 19th century, these impressive ruins have been synonymous with Romanticism.
>> Castles and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg
Close to Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg's Baroque Castle Hosts World's Largest Pumpkin Festival
Some people might call it a baroque Gesamtkunstwerk: With its broad, straight streets, two-storeyed, pastel-coloured town houses, the arcaded buildings bordering the marketplace, and of course the former royal palace, Ludwigsburg is truly a Baroque synthesis of the arts. The former royal residence of the dukes and kings of Württemberg is a garden and castle that resemble Versailles. With 452 rooms, 18 buildings and three courtyards, this is today Germany's biggest surviving Baroque palace complex. The "Swabian Versailles" is complemented by two more palaces: Favorite and the lakeside palace of Monrepos which is a Rococo masterpiece. Concerts are held here in the summer months with the highlight of the Ludwigsburg Palace Festival complete with fireworks. It is an ideal stop for everyone in the family as the palace features over 60 acres of "Baroque in Bloom" gardens, an adjacent "Fairy-tale Garden" and the world's biggest pumpkin festival this fall from September 5 to November 2 featuring pumpkin cooked in every possible way.
>> Ludwigsburg
Going Cuckoo Over SouthWest Germany: Travel Agents Learn and Profit
It is easy to go crazy for SouthWest Germany because it is a beautiful state with the Black Forest, some of the best restaurants and food in the world, castles and palaces, world class car museums and towns such as Stuttgart, Heidelberg and Baden-Baden. With reference to the famous cuckoo clocks that are still put together in the Black Forest in time-honored tradition, Cuckoo training in SouthWest Germany is a fun and informative way for travel agents, as well as anyone who is interested, to learn about SouthWest Germany and its beautiful hotels and bookable features throughout the state. Well designed, the website, www.going-cuckoo.com, takes readers through the various regions of SouthWest Germany, the museums, family outings and shopping centers, annual festivals for Karneval, wine, asparagus and beer; the top castles and palaces. Come and go crazy, get smart: Go Cuckoo over SouthWest Germany!
>> Going Cuckoo
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 Katharina Mariko Kress
Press Representative, US and Canada Marketing and Sales Manager, Overseas
SouthWest Germany State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg
917-678-7689 k.kress@tourismus-bw.de
victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com www.tourism-bw.com
www.vklarsoncommunications.com
