The Waters of Baden-Württemberg

Here in Southwest Germany, it has always played an important role. How about some numbers? The region is criss-crossed by some 50,000 kilometres of rivers and streams, and we have 4,500 lakes, surrounded by beautiful, protected landscapes and holiday regions. Lake Constance plays a very special role for us, not only as a unique water and cultural landscape. The massive lake also supplies drinking water to around four million people.

We dive deep into the water kingdom of Southwest Germany, with tips and stories about the wet stuff. We go on a gourmet tour along the Danube, visit sustainable producers at Lake Constance and train our palates with a mineral water tasting. We raft through the Black Forest, canoe on the Enz River, cycle in the Swabian Alb and explore the Neckar River in the footsteps of Mark Twain. And there are lots of other little tips along the way. Join us as we immerse ourselves in the water kingdom of Southwest Germany.

Enjoy reading, watching and listening!

• 50,000 kilometres of streams and rivers flow through Southwest Germany.
• Baden-Württemberg has 4,500 lakes.
• Lake Constance currently holds almost 50 billion cubic metres of water. It provides drinking water for about 4 million people.
• 291,460 litres of water flow over the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen every second, making it the largest waterfall in Europe.
• Stuttgart, the "city of fountains" has the second largest mineral water reserves in Europe after Budapest. The springs produce 500 litres per second. There are over 250 fountains and water features.
• In the Middle Ages, Freiburg's "Bächle" (streams) were used to supply water for industrial and fire-fighting purposes and today ensure a pleasant climate in the city.
• 437 kilometres of the German section of the Rhine are in Baden-Württemberg. With a total length of 1,233 kilometres, the Rhine is one of the most important rivers in Europe.
• The water cave in Germany that can be visited is in the Swabian Alb.
• The Danube rises in Baden-Württemberg and is one of the mightiest rivers in Europe.