The royal summer residence: Schwetzingen Palace

Schwetzingen Palace began as a small country estate, but was expanded over the centuries. Today, visitors come to see this gem of 18th-century design, with its buildings, gardens, and theater.

What started out as a castle was transformed gradually into an elegant palace. In the 18th century, this was the summer residence of Elector Carl Theodor. A  powerful and wealthy prince, he was also an ‘elector’, a member of the electoral college that chose the Holy Roman Emperors.

But, Schwetzingen Palace is even better known for its beautiful gardens – a must for green thumbs. Take time to enjoy fine examples of various styles of garden design, from the geometric baroque to the natural English landscape style.