Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
Secret GERMANY
The little-known state of Baden-Württemberg, in Germany’s southwest, is a great short break destination without the crowds. Here we give you three reasons to head there now…
FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS
1In Baden-Württemberg, just an hour from Stuttgart airport, you’ll find the rolling Swabian Alb mountains – a lush patchwork of fields and forests, hilltop castles, juniper heathlands and dramatic rocks, criss-crossed with over 60 certified hiking trails. You’ll find easy paths through meadows and ancient forests, such as the 5.5km Wurmlinger Kapellenwegle that traverses vineyards and apple orchards, as well as tougher routes like the 12.8km DonauWelle Eichfelsen-Panorama, delivering a magical bird’s-eye look at the Danube river.
To the south of the state lies Lake Constance – an enormous body of water bordered by Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Cycle the Bodensee-Radweg trail, which hugs all 270km of the picturesque shores, or take to the water in a kayak. You can even island-hop, visiting the isle of Mainau for its flowers, or Reichenau for its trio of churches.
FOR THE HISTORY
Around 40,000 years 2ago, some of Europe’s first modern humans made their home in Baden-Württemberg. Archaeologists are still unearthing their bones and belongings
today, with many available to see at the Archäopark Vogelherd in the Swabian Alb region. So important are these discoveries that six of the region’s caves were given UNESCO status. At Blaubeuren’s Museum of Prehistory, you can even observe the 40,000-year-old Venus of Hohle Fels – the world’s oldest example of figurative art.
For more recent history, explore the city of Ludwigsburg, home to three magnificent palaces – the most famous of which is the 18th-century Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg, considered one of Europe’s greatest Baroque residences. In central Stuttgart, don’t miss the Wilhelma Botanical Gardens, which were established in 1842 as a Moorish garden for King Wilhelm I of Württemberg, today featuring over 8,500 plants and trees. There’s also the fascinating Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums, where you can discover the origins and history of these world-class cars.
FOR THE FOOD & WINE
Stuttgart is home 3to a whopping eight Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as the enormous Market Hall where you can graze on fresh bread, cheese and charcuterie. Stock up for a picnic before heading to the neighbouring city of Ludwigsburg for a bounty of traditional dishes. Ensure you try kässpätzle (macaroni cheese) and rostbraten (roast beef in red wine).
The countryside around these two cities also produces some
of Germany’s best-loved wines. Hike between vineyards for tastings and tours, and look out for besenwirtschaften (‘broom inns’)
– temporary wine taverns set up in family-owned barns, so-named for the old-fashioned brooms that hang outside to signal they’re open. Down at Lake Constance, you’ll find vineyards that have been producing wine for more than 800 years. Don’t leave without trying a glass (or two) of their sweet Müller-Thurgau wine – a great way to slow down after a weekend in this vibrant state.