State Tourist Board Baden-Wuerttemberg

SouthWest Germany (officially the German federal state of Baden- Württemberg) has 5 contrasting regions. For woodlands and meadows with charming villages, hike or bike the Black Forest, known for wood carving, distilling and nearby vineyards. Tour Lake Constance to find blue-green water, craggy castles and glorious vistas.

For low rolling mountains, it has to be the Swabian Alb, home of awesome castles and prehistoric caves. Go green in eco-friendly Upper Swabia, with its Baroque monasteries and outstanding spas; for shopping, culture, history and romance, visit Stuttgart, Heidelberg and the north of the region. A genuine four-season destination, SouthWest Germany is all about having fun.

In summer and autumn, Germany’s sunniest climate is perfect for hiking and biking along well-marked trails. Visit grand gardens in spring; go cross-country skiing in winter. After working up an appetite, eat in outstanding restaurants: there are more than 70 with Michelin stars. That makes this the most gourmet region of Germany. Not forgetting Black Forest gateau! And bring the kids. Hotels and cafés really are family-friendly.

Petrol heads and Lewis Hamilton fans love Stuttgart’s Mercedes and Porsche car museums; the state capital also boasts some of the world’s leading opera, ballet and orchestra companies. Summer brings outdoor concerts across the region, often in the grounds of palaces. Shopping is terrific, from Metzingen’s brand-name outlet stores to hand-carved cuckoo clocks, model trains and Steiff’s lovable teddy bears. And nowhere has more authentic and romantic Christmas markets – great for special gifts!