PRESS INFORMATION
SouthWest Germany: hip, happening and affordable!
Germany is one of the world’s top destinations for younger international
travelers. Some put this down to the change of image created during the
successful and sociable World Cup soccer tournament a few years ago;
others focus on Germany’s affordability and fun.
We talked to visitors and residents about their experiences in SouthWest
Germany, known for its sunshine and history, its countryside and renowned
universities.
“Coming from California, I didn’t expect that SouthWest Germany would be
such a four-season destination. Once I bought a good winter coat, I was fine!”
Bryce has been a student at the university in Freiburg for a couple of years.
The gateway to the romantic Black Forest is one of the world’s greenest cities
and getting round is easy. “In Freiburg, everyone uses a bicycle. I bike to
work and to classes. And, like everywhere in Germany, the public transport is
cheap and efficient. You can be deep in the countryside in 20 minutes.”
It does not take long to settle in. “Everyone speaks English. They like to
apologize for their lack of English, then start discussing some economic
theory! That’s my only complaint. It makes it hard for me to learn German,
because they all want to practice their English!”
Going out is so affordable, from a simple meal or an evening in a local pub to
concerts or clubbing. “I love to eat in what are called Strausse, small places
around Freiburg that are part of a winery or farm,” says Bryce. “They are not
as big as a restaurant, but by law, they can only serve their own wines and
dishes made from their own produce.” Everyone remarks on the emphasis on
“buying local”, from fruit and vegetables to meats and fish. Much of it is
organic, often grown only half an hour away. Even the beers and ice creams
are locally made.
Coming from the land of theme parks, Bryce was really surprised to visit
Europa-Park: “It seems less crowded, less expensive and less commercial than
back home. Yet they have plenty of fun rides and attractions, as well as
themed events such as Halloween, with thousands of pumpkins.”
For more information go to:
Freiburg Tourism - www.freiburg.de
Europa-Park Rust - www.europapark.com
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Alexander, an American from Colorado, is at Germany’s oldest university, in
Heidelberg, a city known more for its past more than its present. “I show
friends and family the usual attractions: the castle and the student’s prison,
then take them up the Bergbahn (funicular railway) to the top of the
Königstuhl, a hill with great views over the city and the Neckar Valley. Then I
show them Stift Neuburg, a Benedictine monastery where the monks brew
their own beer, serve local dishes and even smoke their own fish.”
And that closeness to clean, green environment also appeals to Alexander
who enjoys hiking in the woods. “But I also visit nearby cities, such as
Mannheim. Like all the German cities that I have been to I always feel safe.”
And he also recommends driving the Badische Weinstrasse, the 100-mile
(160km) long Baden Wine Road, with plenty of wine taverns along the way.
“Wine festivals are also fun. A good way to meet the producers and taste their
wines!”
For more information go to:
Heidelberg Tourism - www.heidelberg-marketing.de
Schloss Heidelberg - www.schloss-heidelberg.de
Abtei Neuburg - www.stift-neuburg.de
But young Germans also enjoy SouthWest Germany. Jette studied in Boston,
but currently lives in Konstanz, on Lake Constance. “It often feels as if only
students and families with young children live here - most of them voting for
the Green Party and all of them having a bicycle.” She laughs, and adds that
Konstanz really is a far cry from the perception of conservative Germany.
“There is so much going on here - culturally and intellectually, but also the
Great Outdoors is so close that we can be spontaneous. If you want to go
swimming in the summer, you can take a quick swim during lunch break or
right after work. If you want to go skiing in the winter, you don't need extra
days off or book expensive hotels, you just go in the morning and come back
at night.”
And summers are dreamy, especially on Lake Constance: “As well as classical
concerts, there is "Rock am See", a huge annual open air festival.” One of
Jette’s best memories was an open air concert right next to the lake with
singer/songwriter Herbert Grönemeyer. “It was a mild summer evening, I
just had to cycle along the lake for about ten minutes to get there. It was sold
out, but many people just “camped” on a boat on the water - they heard
everything, and it was for free!”
For more information go to:
Constance Tourism - www.konstanz-tourismus.de
Festival Rock am See - www.rock-am-see.de
Nina loves the capital of SouthWest Germany: “I like the way that people are
so open-minded, very international, whether you like culture or food. If you
State Tourist Board
Baden-Württemberg
Esslinger Straße 8
70182 Stuttgart, Germany
T +49 (0)711 23858-0
F +49 (0)711 2385898
www.tourism-bw.com
info@tourismus-bw.de
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like classical music, art or dance, Stuttgart has world-class concerts, galleries,
and the Stuttgart Ballet is one of the best on the planet. There is a very
sophisticated foodie scene. Just stroll round the Markthalle, the vast indoor
market for food from all over the world.”
Cool innovations include Stuttgart’s “Sky Beach”, a rooftop bar: “You look out
over the rooftops of the city. You think you are at the beach, because there
are deck chairs in the sand.”
But for Nina, Stuttgart’s traditions also appeal to younger visitors. “I take
friends from the States to the wine festivals in Stuttgart or Esslingen,
because they don’t have anything like that back home.” But for sheer fun,
nothing beats the Stuttgart Beer Festival, usually referred to as the
Cannstatter Wasen. “People say that this is Germany’s second biggest beer
festival, but it is much more authentic and less touristy than Munich. It’s fun
for all the family, with a fair ground and rides, live bands and lots of food. The
roast chicken is to die for!”
For more information go to:
Stuttgart Tourism - www.stuttgart-tourist.de
PLACES TO STAY
There is plenty of well-priced accommodation in SouthWest Germany.
Choose from some 60 Youth Hostels in cities and deep in the country, as well
as the new JUFA guesthouse in Meersburg and the ABC Garni in Konstanz.
For more information go to:
Youth Hostels - www.jugendherberge.de
JUFA Guesthouse - www.jufa.eu
ABC-Hotel Garni - www.abc-hotel.de
PHOTOS
Find hundreds of FREE, high-quality, professional photographs in the
Press/Media section on the SouthWest Germany website. Quick and easy to
download, just register for instant access.
http://press.tourism-bw.com/Photos-Pictures-Images
FOR MORE INFORMATION
State Tourist Board
Baden-Württemberg
Esslinger Straße 8
70182 Stuttgart, Germany
T +49 (0)711 23858-0
F +49 (0)711 2385898
www.tourism-bw.com
info@tourismus-bw.de
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A digital version of this press release - as well as more detailed information
on SouthWest Germany - is available on our website
www.tourism-bw.com.
Or, please get in touch with us direct:
Sabrina Macziol
State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg
Esslinger Strasse 8
70182 Stuttgart, Germany
T +49 (0)711 2385868
F +49 (0)711 2385898
s.macziol@tourismus-bw.de
State Tourist Board
Baden-Württemberg
Esslinger Straße 8
70182 Stuttgart, Germany
T +49 (0)711 23858-0
F +49 (0)711 2385898
www.tourism-bw.com
info@tourismus-bw.de