What does Baden-Württemberg state – one of the richest states in Germany with a large number of My Career students studying here have that makes so many people fascinated? Let’s find out with My Career right through this article!

Located in southwestern Germany and bordering the states of Bavaria, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg is the third largest state of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Baden-Württemberg in numbers

• Surface area: 35,673.73 km2
• Population: 11,076,352
• Foreign population: 1,777,350 (16%)
• Higher education institutions: 77
• Unemployment rate: 3.1%
• GRP per capita: 46,300 euros
• Airport : 2

A brief history of the State of Baden-Württemberg

The state of Baden-Württemberg comprises the historical territories of Baden, Prussian Hohenzollern and Württemberg. Although the area has been settled since 100 AD, when the Romans built a defensive barrier to keep out Alemannic invaders, the state did not officially come into existence until 1952. As such, it is the youngest state in western Germany. 

Referendum

After World War II, the Allies created three states covering the territory of the present-day State of Baden-Württemberg: Württemberg-Baden (in the American zone) and Südwürttemberg-Hohenzollern and Südbaden (both in the French zone). In a referendum on December 16, 1951, the three states voted unanimously to merge, and Baden-Württemberg was officially born on April 25, 1952. 

Post-war recovery

In the following years, the population of Baden-Württemberg grew at an astonishing rate, fueled by the arrival of thousands of refugees and evacuees from the Soviet-occupied East. They were drawn to the area partly by ancestral ties, and partly by the fact that, having escaped the severe devastation of wartime, the area seemed to offer new opportunities. 

Watches & Cars

In addition to agricultural goods, the state of Baden-Württemberg flourished in the post-war years as a producer of high-value-added industrial products such as watches, jewelry, leather goods, tools and hardware. When the state’s traditional manufacturing sector began to decline in the 1990s, the state’s industry managed to adapt instead by expanding into areas such as technology and business services.

To this day, the state remains a roaring manufacturing engine and is one of Germany’s leading exporters, specializing in automobiles, mechanical engineering and healthcare. 

Geography of Baden-Württemberg & Southwestern Germany

Characterised by steep, forested uplands interspersed with deep valleys, lush meadows, lakes and soggy marshes, Baden-Württemberg is one of Germany’s most geographically diverse states. Bordered by the River Main to the north, the River Iller to the east, and Lake Constance and the Upper Rhine to the south, it is surrounded on all sides by rivers and lakes. 

All this greenery makes it one of Germany’s most important agricultural regions. The lush valleys of the Neckarland are dotted with vineyards and orchards, which produce some of the finest fruit, wine and liqueurs in the country. 

Weather in Baden-Württemberg

Due to its geographical diversity, the climate in Baden-Württemberg varies greatly between different regions, from a warm, humid continental climate to an oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters. Generally, the Upper Rhine Valley has the warmest weather in the state, with an average annual temperature of around 9 degrees Celsius, and the mountainous areas are the coldest, with an average temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius.

Baden-Württemberg dialect

Baden-Württemberg is one of the few states in Germany where a “dialect” is actually the native language of the majority of the population, rather than Standard German (Hochdeutsch). Indeed, since 1999, the state has advertised itself with the slogan “We can do anything, except High German” (Wir können alles, außer Hochdeutsch). 

The most commonly spoken dialect in Baden-Württemberg is Alemannic (Alemannisch), which is actually a general term used to describe many local dialects, including Swabian. Franconian is also widely spoken.

Largest cities in the state of Baden-Württemberg

As one of the largest federal states in Germany, Baden-Württemberg has no shortage of vibrant and beautiful cities.

Stuttgart

Foreigner-friendly Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg and Germany’s sixth-largest city. Nestled amid lush countryside, within easy reach of some of Germany’s finest vineyards and castles, this sleek, modern city offers the perfect blend of town and country.

Heidelberg

Famous as home to the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg is a romantic city whose narrow streets, picturesque houses and vibrant green foliage pack a surprisingly strong cultural punch for a city of its size. 

Freiburg

Known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest”, Freiburg is a laid-back university town with a progressive spirit. Its remote, picturesque location amid wine-rich mountains allows it to enjoy one of the warmest and sunniest climates in Germany. 

Constance

Overlooking the Alps and close to the Swiss border, Konstanz sits comfortably on the Rhine River on the northwest shore of Lake Constance. An important trading and spiritual center since at least Roman times, the past oozes from every pore of this charming, warrior-like town. 

Baden-Baden

According to the New York Times, Baden-Baden is where the Belle Époque meets Instagram. In addition to its namesake thermal spas (Baden-Baden means “Baths of Baden”), this pretty town is filled with outdoor cafes, chic shops, and green spaces. 

Karlsruhe

Not much of a tourist draw? but perhaps all the more lovely for that? Karlsruhe is a cultured, laid-back student city with a healthy dose of museums , theaters and galleries. Its unusual layout, a fan radiating from a central royal palace, was used as a blueprint for Washington, DC.   

Ulm

As well as being home to the world’s tallest church steeple, Ulm also boasts some of the world’s narrowest and most crooked houses and is the birthplace of Albert Einstein. When not setting impressive records, the city is a relaxing place of bike rides and beer gardens.

Mannheim

After being flattened in World War II and rebuilt in typical 1950s style, Mannheim’s architecture may not be to everyone’s taste. But what this energetic industrial city lacks in beauty, it makes up for in vibrancy and diversity, being home to one of the largest immigrant communities in the state of Baden-Württemberg. 

Tübingen

If you close your eyes and picture a German fairytale town, it looks a lot like Tübingen. Winding up to the town’s turreted castle, Tübingen’s winding, cobblestone streets, lined with ramshackle, half-timbered houses, are packed with tourists, students, scholars and Gogen, the old winegrowers who have lived here for as long as anyone can remember. 

Traditional food in Baden-Württemberg

Traditional food in Baden-Württemberg has all the hallmarks of great German cuisine: hearty, rich and full of flavour. The culinary culture has a strong Swabian influence, with Spätzle taking pride of place as the state’s “national dish”.

Other regional specialties that appear on many menus include Maultaschen (a German minced meat ravioli), Zwiebelrostbraten (grilled beef with onions and gravy) and that iconic classic, Black Forest Gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte). Don’t forget to pair it with one of the excellent local wines.  

But the culinary adventures don’t stop there: the state is also home to the famous Badische Spargel Strasse (Baden Asparagus Route) ? a popular pilgrimage destination for anyone who shares the German obsession with the so-called “King of Vegetables”. 

Sights & Landmarks in Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg’s myriad beautiful valleys, magical forests and fairytale castles make it a hiker’s paradise, while its culture-rich cities offer plenty of fun for those looking to keep their feet on paved ground. There are a few sights and attractions, however, that you can’t miss. 

Black Forest National Park

Experience the wild, magical beauty of untouched nature in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), Germany’s largest continuous forest area and the first national park in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Legend has it that this enchanted forest gets its name from its dense, light-obscuring canopy. Add some mystical lakes, a silvery mist and some fairytale castles and it’s easy to see why it was the inspiration for the Brothers Grimm. 

Hohenzollern Castle

Perched atop the mountain of the same name, this majestic fairytale castle has a 1,000-year history in its family, with counts, princes, kings and emperors all hailing from here. Those who climb to the top (there’s a bus for the less steadfast) are rewarded with views even more spectacular than the castle itself. It’s no wonder, then, that it attracts more than 350,000 visitors a year. 

Stilt village, Unteruhldingen

This open-air archaeological museum, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Constance, takes you on a fascinating journey back in time to experience the lives of farmers, fishermen and coppersmiths 3,000? 6,000 years ago. The faithfully reconstructed stilt houses offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into a mysterious world often hidden from us. 

Bertha Benz Memorial Route

Perfect for anyone with a bit of a petrol head or just wanting to drive through some of the most beautiful scenery the state of Baden-Württemberg has to offer, the Bertha Benz Memorial Route is a 194km round-trip journey that follows the world’s first long-distance motorway routes, starting and ending in Mannheim. 

Europa Park

If you’re a thrill seeker, a holiday in Baden-Württemberg wouldn’t be complete without a day at Europa-Park, Germany’s largest and Europe’s second-most popular theme park. Scream your lungs out as you whiz through the park’s 100 attractions. There are replicas of 15 European countries, a giant lake and even an enchanted forest. 

Flag of the State of Baden-Württemberg

The flag of Baden-Württemberg was created in 1952, shortly after the unification of Baden, Württemberg-Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern, and incorporates elements from the flags of all three former states. The flag of Baden has a horizontal tricolour of gold-red-gold, and that of Württemberg-Hohenzollern has a horizontal tricolour of black-red. Black and gold were chosen as the flag of the new state, which was officially adopted on 11 November 1953.

There are three variations of the flag of the State of Baden Württemberg: while the civil flag has a horizontal bicolour design of black and gold, the state flag has two designs, bearing different coats of arms on the same black-gold background. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What is the climate like in the state of Baden-Württemberg?

Due to its geographical diversity, the climate in Baden-Württemberg varies greatly between different regions, from a warm, humid continental climate to an oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters. Generally, the Upper Rhine Valley has the warmest weather in the state, with an average annual temperature of around 9 degrees Celsius, and the mountainous areas are the coldest, with an average temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius.

Question: Basic information about the state of Baden-Württemberg?

Reply:

Surface area: 35,673.73 km2
Population: 11,076,352
Foreign population: 1,777,350 (16%)
Higher education institutions: 77
Unemployment rate: 3.1%
GRP per capita: 46,300 euros
Airports: 2