Travel back in time in Southwest Germany and explore 40,000 years of human history

SouthWest Germany, the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg, is rich in cultural monuments. In fact, seven of Germany’s 50 or so UNESCO World Heritage Sites are between Lake Constance in the south and northern Baden-Württemberg. They span some 40,000 years, from caves with the oldest Ice Age art to Stuttgart’s modernist houses designed by architect Le Corbusier. In between are recreations of lakeside Stone Age pile dwellings and the Limes, which marked the border of the Roman Empire, plus medieval monasteries and the spa culture in Baden-Baden.

One really fun way to explore the past is to get out of the car or train and hop on your bicycle or pull on your sneakers and time travel as you pedal or hike to one of SouthWest Germany’s UNESCOs or to other monuments of the past: the Castle Road, the shores of Lake Constance, the Ice Age valley bike trail, the Roman Cycle Path along the Limes Route and the Löwenpfad Staufer Trail that traces the Staufer Dynasty. No matter what route you choose, you will discover many extraordinary palaces and monasteries and extensive gardens, wine regions, delicious food, thermal spas and charming towns.

Maulbronn Monastery: one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval monastery complexes

Situated in the rolling hills of the Stromberg region, the origins of Maulbronn monastery reach back to the 12^th century. The former Cistercian monastery combines a multitude of architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque to late Gothic all in one place and creating a unique atmosphere. The monastery and the cultural landscape surrounding it are remarkably well maintained. To this day, they allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Cistercian order’s way of life. Meditation and prayer were as important to the monks as hard work and self-sufficiency. The vegetable and herb gardens, lakes for fishing and the vineyard are a testament to their way of life. Maulbronn monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Since then, it has become a world-famous landmark, attracting tourists from around the globe.

Le Corbusier Houses in Stuttgart Presage the Beginnings of Modernism

Setting the pace for modern buildings in Europe, the two houses by Le Corbusier are part of a larger estate called the Weissenhof Estate (or Siedlung/Settlement) and one of the most important precursors to the Bauhaus movement in Germany. In the 1920s, modern architecture was sweeping across Europe, and Stuttgart was one of the centers of avant-garde design. On a walk through the Weissenhof Estate (Weissenhofsiedlung) on the Killesberg hill, it is easy to see how the leading architects of the modern era changed the way we live. Built in 1927 as part of a national exhibition, the houses were examples of new ideas and new technology. Of the original 33 houses, 22 still stand and several are still homes. A century later, houses designed by Mies van der Rohe and Hans Scharoun look remarkably contemporary. Since 2016, two of Le Corbusier’s homes have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One has an exhibition about the history of the estate; the other recreates what Le Corbusier called a “transformable dwelling.” Together they make up the Weissenhof Museum, a fascinating way to understand how the early 20th century viewed the future.   

Four Seasons – Four Countries – One Lake

Prehistoric Stilt Houses on Lake Constance Fascinate and Tell Stories

The name stilt house or pile dwelling“ is used to describe archaeological remains discovered along alpine lake shorelines. These homes and villages once stood on raised stilts over the water around the 4-country region of Lake Constance. In the Upper Swabian bogs, we have discovered ground level settlements as well as “raised” stilt houses. The World Heritage Committee declared “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps,” (including Lake Constance and Upper Swabia) the universal heritage of humanity on June 27, 2011.

Lake Constance is a four country region for four seasons. In spring, fruit blossom transform the landscape into a sea of pink and white. Innumerable hiking and biking trails lead to natural beauty and gardens. In summer, the boats and ferries ply their trade and open air pools and bathing beaches are popular as are all kinds of water sports and sailing. Numerous open air concerts and theaters cater to culture fans. In the fall, autumn colors blaze and for many visitors, this is their favorite time to experience the wine, especially Mueller-Thurgau and Pinots, and food festivals and harvest of apples and pumpkins and regional cuisine. In winter, numerous Christmas markets, festive cruises, cross country skiing and thermal baths offer a true getaway and relaxation in the healing waters and at some of the beautiful hotels.

Spa Town of Baden-Baden Offers History in an Elegant Surrounding

Between 1700 and the 1930s, spa towns were the places to see and be seen in Europe. And two hours west of Stuttgart, Baden-Baden was one of the prime destinations for the European aristocracy. But its spa tradition began in Roman times, when the city’s 12 thermal springs provided both medical cures and relaxation. In the 18th century, the town developed into a sophisticated resort, offering both spa treatments and culture. This tradition continues, from the elegant Kurhaus and its casino to the magnificent Friedrichsbad spa, and from the riverside gardens to art museums and a grand concert hall. In 2021, UNESCO named Baden-Baden as a World Heritage Site, as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. This group designation recognizes the historic and cultural importance of 11 towns in seven countries. As for the unique spa experience, that continues to thrive, with traditional and modern treatments, which are open to all.

Pedal, Walk, Wander and Wonder through 40,000 Years of History

Here are a few thoughts for experiencing history of thousands of years from an athletic point of view. You can walk, bicycle, wander and wonder at these incredible forts, towns and castles and societies that were active and intricate and offer wonderful stories.

For 500 years, from the 15th to the 20th century, the Black Forest provided Europe with tons of huge logs for building ships and houses. You can relive that age-old experience in Germany’s largest nature park, the Black Forest Nature Park. Follow the Kinzigtal Raft Trail that runs down the Kinzig River Valley. Around 40,000 years ago, the Ice Age inhabitants of the Lone and Achtal Valleys in the Swabian Alb created artworks and musical instruments that are surprisingly sophisticated. Even back then, humans were thinkers, who expressed themselves with symbols and music. In 2019, the 75-km / 50-mile Ice Age Valleys cycle trail opened. It connects archaeological sites and relevant museums in an area two hours southeast of Stuttgart. A couple of hours east of Stuttgart, the Limes marked the northern border of the Roman Empire. Where Roman soldiers once patrolled is today ideal for hiking and cycling. Along the way are numerous reconstructed watchtowers and forts, as well as well-preserved archaeological remains and museums that illustrate the life of the Romans in this part of SouthWest Germany.