New York, October 2014

In 2015, the Stately Castles and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg will be celebrating with the theme of Baroque which is appropriate for many of SouthWest Germany's most beautiful castles. The baroque palaces of Mannheim, the Residence Rastatt and the Castle and Gardens at Weickersheim are top examples of this historical period from 1600 to the mid 1700s. The castles are surrounded by fields of white asparagus which is harvested, and particularly enjoyable and bountiful, in April and May. Also in May, the Castle of Bruchsal will be celebrating its 70th anniversary since its destruction in the Second World War and 1,100 years since it was first mentioned in the annals of its history.

In a display of palatial magnificence, the Night of Shooting Stars and two weekends of the Royal Christmas Market at Burg Hohenzollern, the ancestral seat of the Prussian royal family, are something to write home about. On the evenings of August 7 and 8 next year, visitors can admire the perseids on the ramparts. Enchanting spherical sounds, music, a special light show and delicious cocktails in the magical courtyard will complement the natural phenomena. From November 27 to 29 and from December 4 to 6, the astoundingly beautiful ambience of the castle will come alive with lights and action. Long considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, there is also a broad spectrum of local exhibitors as well as a stylish supporting program invite to a festive delight, to experience, discover and shop.

Mannheim, only 45 minutes from Stuttgart, is proud to host one high-class event after another in 2015. Midway through the year, the top sporting event will take place from July 16 to 19, 2015. During that period of time, the “Grid-City” will welcome the world's best equestrians to the 100th anniversary of CSIO Germany, one of the oldest and most prestigious international horse jumping tournaments in the world. The most successful rider competing at CSIO Germany in 2015 will be Ludger Beerbaum from RV Mannheim with 121 national prizes. Also, for the very first time, the three cities Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Schwetzingen, only a 45 minute drive from each other, have put together a joint travel offer called the “Three Castle Adventure Tour” that includes an overnight and breakfast in each city, a three course dinner, a castle tour as well as transportation and additional amenities for only 275 Euros.”  

Heidelberg will continue to cast its magical spell over visitors with a sizeable cultural program and visitors will delight in the numerous offerings. Heidelberg Spring, the largest music festival in Baden-Württemberg, starts off festival season. “Spring” ranks among the top international festivals for classical music and takes place in March and April. The 32nd Heidelberg Stückemarkt will follow with its marathon week of contemporary theater. Then, in June, July, and September, Heidelberg Castle Illuminations will light up the entire castle and sky with red lights as if the castle were on fire. The illuminations along with the fireworks are one of the most romantic and spectacular events in Germany. The smell of roasted almonds ushers in the last of the events: The Heidelberg Christmas Marketwith its 130 individual charming huts surrounded by medieval houses and squares.

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Larson                                                 

Press Representative, US and Canada              

State Tourist Board SouthWest Germany        

917-678-7689 mobile                                       

212-362-3421 telephone

victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com