More charming cities in SouthWest Germany

SouthWest Germany is dotted wit historic cities, some known for their universities, others for their spas. Then there are towns with Roman connections and romantic medieval half-timbered towns. Not many are on the tourist trail, but all offer a genuine, warm welcome.

Bad Mergentheim: This lively resort town is in the charming Tauber Valley, known for its vineyards. It makes a great base for exploring the Romantic Road and the Castle Road, with day trips to the medieval town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. 75 miles/120 km southwest of Stuttgart.

Bad Wimpfen: On a ridge high above the Neckar River, this picturesque old town has turrets and protective walls, 16th-18 century half-timbered houses and the soaring Blue Tower, some 800 years old. 40 miles/65 km north of Stuttgart.

Calw: One of the richest cities in the region in days gone by, this romantic town in the Black Forest has beautiful half-timbered houses. Its most famous son is the writer Hermann Hesse. 30 miles/50 km west of Stuttgart.

Freudenstadt: In the heart of the Black Forest, this resort destination is known for its excellent climate. The market square is the largest in Germany, with elegant cafés and restaurants. Vacationers have included European royalty and Americans, such as John D Rockefeller and Mark Twain. 50 miles/80 km southwest of Stuttgart.

Friedrichshafen: On Lake Constance, this city was the birthplace of the Zeppelin airship – and you can ride in one over the lake. Visit the Zeppelin Museum with its impressive displays on the history of aeronautics, the Dornier Museum (more planes) or stroll along the waterfront promenade, with its fine views of neighboring Austria and Switzerland. 125 miles/200 km south of Stuttgart.

Gengenbach: One of the prettiest towns in the region, with plenty of half-timbering and baroque gables along the old streets. Two of the original three city gates survive, as well as parts of the late medieval fortifications. 100 miles/160 km southwest of Stuttgart.

Konstanz: The largest and busiest town on Lake Constance is known for its university, atmospheric medieval Old Town and relaxing lakeside gardens. Also worth seeing is the cathedral, a Romanesque basilica, with 1,000 years of history. 110 miles/180 km south of Stuttgart.

Schwäbisch Hall: Head for the medieval inner city, with towers, the city wall, wooden bridges, and the famous staircase leading up to the church of St Michael, one of the finest in Germany. 50miles/80 km northeast of Stuttgart.

Tübingen: On the Neckar River, this famous university town counts world-famous poets and scientists among its alumni. For visitors, the attraction is one of the best-preserved see the old towns in Germany, with half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, canals and an island in the middle of the river. 25 miles/40 km south of Stuttgart.

Konstanz Imperia