Baden-Wurtemberg: Heidelberg, the Black Forest, Baden

Baden-Wurttemberg is Germany's favorite getaway destination after Bavaria. It offers a combination of culture and nature that is hard to find elsewhere. In addition, Baden is famous for its good food - the French influence from across the Rhine certainly rubbed off - and parts of the state are among the sunniest in Germany. Heidelberg, long the capital of the Palatinate, is one of Germany's most popular destinations with foreign visitors. It is a romantic university town with the marvelous ruins of a large castle towering over the town and the Neckar Valley. The Black Forest is a popular year-round tourist destination. It has incredibly beautiful areas and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The spa town Baden-Baden is one of the most refined and wealthy towns in Germany. Freiburg has the loveliest church spire in Christianity. The Heidelberg skyline is dominated by the ruins of the Schloss. It was for five centuries the principle residence of the prince electors of the Kurpfalz. However, since its destruction by the French in the late 17th century, it has been Germany's most famous ruin. Parts have been restored but most are still in ruins. The Neckar Valley, especially upriver from Heidelberg, is a great area for cycling and canoeing. Hiking opportunities abound in the immediate vicinity of Heidelberg. The Neckar Valley is best explored by bicycle or boat and the highlands on foot. All the details are given in this guide. The nearby Black Forest is one of Germany's most popular vacation areas. It is the largest forested area in the country and the pleasant weather makes it a popular year-round destination. The area is mountainous, with lovely valleys and areas of outstanding beauty. It also has wonderful hot springs and spas. Despite claims by the Swiss, this area was actually the first to offer both downhill skiing and cuckoo clocks! There are numerous museums, ruins of monasteries, Baroque palaces, and frequent musical festivals. Internationally, Baden-Baden is the most famous of all Black Forest towns. Its hot springs attracted visitors from Celtic times to the present and are the source of the town's fame, although the casino and excellent wines are also major contributing factors to its wealth. It is easy to enjoy Baden-Baden by just strolling through the magnificent parks and streets. All the information you need about this fascinating region is in this guide - the places to stay and eat, the history and culture, how to get around, what to see and do. And it's loaded with color photos.