Summary
Ravensburg is located in southern Germany, Upper Swabia in the state of Baden Württemberg, near Lake Constance. Ravensburg sits in the shadow of the Alps to the southeast.
Population
With a population of approximately 50,000, Ravensburg was a flourishing trading town during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Why Visit Ravensburg?
Ravensburg serves as the economic hub of the tourist region around Lake Constance, offering excellent shopping opportunities. Known for its impressive city towers and gates, visitors can explore the rich medieval history of this charming town in just a day or two.
Additionally, Ravensburger is renowned for its games, puzzles, and children’s books. Each summer, visitors can engage with new games at Ravensburger Spieleland, referred to as the “biggest playroom of the world.” For chocolate enthusiasts, the Ritter Sport Chocolate House in Spieleland provides an exquisite experience: “Here you can find out all about the famous square chocolate bar, discover your favorite chocolate in the shop, and make your own chocolate in the Chocolate Workshop. A unique chocolate dream on three floors!”
How to Get to Ravensburg
Ravensburg can be conveniently accessed by car or train. The closest airport is Friedrichshafen, located about 20 miles to the south. Larger airports are at Zurich (100 km) and Stuttgart (160 km). Notably, there are 70 direct trains operating between Ravensburg and Friedrichshafen airport, providing an excellent public transport network to Bodensee-Airport.
Guided Tours of Ravensburg
Guided tours are available from April to October, typically on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. Visitors can obtain more details at the Tourist Information Office.
Day Trips from Ravensburg
Friedrichshafen, situated directly on the shores of Lake Constance, makes for an ideal day trip, particularly during peak seasons when lakeside hotels tend to be fully booked. The scenic hills surrounding Ravensburg also offer fantastic opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Where to Stay
The Ravensburg youth hostel, Veitsburg, is located above the city on the road to Wangen at Veitsburgstraße 1. Additionally, Ravensburg features a variety of hotels and apartments catering to different preferences.
Ravensburg Attractions
Ravensburg is a delightful town to explore on foot. Begin your adventure at Marienplatz, the heart of Ravensburg, filled with restaurants, cafes, and local beer halls. From there, venture through the charming, traffic-free narrow lanes to uncover the stunning towers and city gates surrounding the old town.
Climb the Towers: Visitors can ascend two of the town’s towers for breathtaking views of Ravensburg.
- The Blaserturm (51 meters high) is open from April to October; Monday to Friday from 2 PM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
- The Mehlsack (51 meters high) is accessible from April to October (except July) every Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Veitsburg: A pleasant walk from the town center leads to a small Baroque castle built in 1750, currently housing a youth hostel.
The Protestant church in Ravensburg was originally established as a Carmelite monastery dating back to 1350 and contains impressive 14th and 15th-century frescoes.
Ravensburg is also known for its popular festival, the “Rutenfest,” held in mid-year. At the end of the school year, this celebration includes numerous events in which the entire town participates, such as the presentation of awards for exemplary students. Public areas in Kuppelnau, located north of the old town, feature various beer gardens, beer tents, and food stalls.
