Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The 10 best things to do in Ettlingen are a delightful blend of history, culture, and scenic charm. Nestled on the edge of the Black Forest in southwest Germany, this picturesque town offers cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites exploration. Whether you’re strolling along the Alb River, admiring Baroque architecture, or browsing local artisan shops, Ettlingen provides a perfect balance of old-world elegance and modern-day comfort. Ideal for day-trippers and slow travellers alike, Ettlingen captivates with its tranquil rhythm and cultural flair. Here’s a curated list to help you uncover its most rewarding experiences!
10 Amazing Things To Do In Ettlingen
Experience an engaging combination of heritage, culture, and natural beauty with our detailed list of the 10 incredible things to do in Ettlingen:
1. Wander The Grand Ettlingen Palace
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
When planning what to do in Ettlingen, Germany, consider making a stop at the must-visit Grand Ettlingen Palace. Delve into a Baroque marvel that evolved from a 13th-century castle into today’s palatial splendour. Its ornate façades are crafted from warm Loßburg sandstone. Inside, the Asam Hall features 30 frescoes by Cosmas Damian Asam, marking the only remaining works by him in the Upper Rhine. The palace hosts the annual Schlossfestspiele—an open-air theatre festival held in the courtyard under the summer sky.
Location: Schlossplatz, central Ettling
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
2. Stroll Through Ettlingen Palace Gardens
Photo: Martin-D / Wikimedia Commons
Flanking the palace, these gardens blend manicured lawns, floral displays, and serene lake views. A rose garden adds seasonal bursts of fragrance and colour. Paths wind gently around a reflective pond, offering rest stops and photo-worthy vistas of the palace. These gardens famously host the Schlossfest, drawing locals and visitors alike for summer concerts and festivities. Benches nestled under mature trees make it an ideal place for a picnic.
Location: Adjacent to Schlossplatz
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
3. Conquer The Bismarck Tower Views
Photo: Dguendel / Wikimedia Commons
They built this sandstone tower in 1901 to honour Otto von Bismarck. Climbing the internal stairwell leads to an observation deck at 12.45 metres, where, on clear days, you can spot the Vosges and Palatinate hills. Built mostly through student-led fundraising, its structure blends civic pride and craftsmanship. Saturdays in summer sometimes offer guided sunrise hikes to the summit.
Location: Wattkopf’s west slopes, north of Ettlingen
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
4. Admire Baroque In St. Martin’s Church
Photo: Norbert Kaiser / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This landmark blends Romanesque roots and Baroque flourishes, with some parts tracing back to the 11th century. Its vaulted ceilings are supported by elegant pillars, which make it among the most beautiful things to see in Ettligen. The church contains a six-bell peal, crafted across centuries, including pieces from 1699 and 1950. Inside, reflections of historical artistry emerge in painted ceilings by Emil Wachter. The adjoining garden offers a restful spot to contemplate its layered history. Occasional recitals highlight its acoustic charm.
Location: Martinskirche, Marktplatz
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
5. Behold The Neo‑Romanesque Herz‑Jesu Church
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
Completed in 1906 under Johannes Schroth’s design, this cathedral-style basilica marks Ettlingen’s growth beyond earlier chapels. The exterior blends red sandstone accents with clear, structured form. Inside, the soaring 70-metre tower and vaulted ceilings reflect neo-Romanesque clarity. Light floods through stained glass windows, infusing the nave with muted hues. The bell ensemble—silenced during WW1 and reinstated in 1956—rests in a sturdy steel frame.
Location: Adolf‑Kolping‑Straße
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
6. Dip Into Buchtzig Lakeside Fun
Photo: Llez / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Badesee Buchtzig is a family-friendly swimming lake complete with lifeguards in summer. Sandy shorelines and sunbathing lawns make it a favourite for local families. Shaded rest places and snack stalls that change seasonally improve the experience. Water sports options include paddleboating and volleyball. A designated children’s play area ensures wholesome family time. Nearby paths invite a walk or bike ride post-swim. Facilities include toilets and changing cabins, though check hours ahead.
Location: Am Baggersee 4
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt + short walk
7. Swim & Relax At Albgaubad
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
This open-air pool complex sits by the Alb River, offering water slides, diving boards, and spacious sun terraces. Relaxing at Albgaubad is one of the best things to do in Ettlingen. Its layout includes a children’s splash zone and a calm river-fed pool. Visitors can enjoy swim lessons or aqua-fitness classes in season. Changing rooms, lockers, and café facilities add convenience. Sun umbrellas dot the terraces, providing shady respite. A grassy spill-out area on the riverbank invites reading, relaxation, or a riverside picnic.
Location: Alb River area
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
8. Pause At The Musikantenbrunnen Fountain
Photo: Rene1971 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Neuer Markt, this bronze fountain features three musicians in animated poses, capturing the town’s live-music spirit. The fountain shows the musicians—flautist, violinist, and cellist—mid-performance, creating a whimsical scene. Nearby seating invites a moment of pause amid pedestrian bustle. At dusk, soft lighting accentuates the fountain’s bronze sheen. Street performers frequently gather here, enhancing the atmosphere. Cafés nearby offer riverside views and gentle ambient light.
Location: Neuer Markt
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
9. Discover Local History At Museum Am Lauerturm
Photo: Aisano / Wikimedia Commons
Housed in a 14th-century defensive tower, the museum charts Ettlingen’s story via artefacts, documents, and displays. Exhibits include medieval pottery, historical textiles and wartime memorabilia. Interactive panels offer insights into civic life across the centuries. The building itself—with its thick walls and narrow windows—conveys medieval defensive architecture. Occasional temporary exhibitions spotlight regional crafts or historic anniversaries. The museum’s intimate scale encourages exploration at your own pace.
Location: Lauergasse 23
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
10. Stroll Along The Alb River
Photo: Henk Monster / Wikimedia Commons
The Alb River meanders through Ettlingen, flanked by cobbled paths and shaded greenery. Bridges, including charming stone arched spans, punctuate its route. Benches sit at regular intervals for relaxing or river watching. During summer, the riverbanks occasionally host open-air concerts or small community fairs. Joggers and cyclists mix with slower-paced walkers, adding to the friendly local vibe. Interpretive plaques detail the river’s historical role in the town’s trade and water supply.
Location: Alb River, running through central Ettlingen
Nearest Railway Station: Ettlingen Stadt
Ettlingen is a charming blend of Baroque elegance, rich history, and serene natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its majestic palace, strolling beside the Alb River, or pausing by its artful fountains, the town offers countless memorable experiences. The variety of things to do in Ettlingen ensures that every traveller, whether a history buff or a nature lover, finds something to enjoy. Enjoy an incredible trip to the jewel of Southwest Germany with TripXL!
Cover Photo: DaLiu / Shutterstock
