This medieval German town has a well-preserved 12th-century castle, a pedestrianized old quarter with local shops, and walking trails through the Swabian Alps.
Ravensburg, a town in southern Germany's Baden-Württemberg region, still has its medieval fortifications intact, including ten towers and three city gates from the 1300s. You can climb the 51-meter Blaserturm tower for views of Lake Constance and the Alps, watch puzzle-making demonstrations at the Museum Ravensburger, or browse local produce at the weekly market in Marienplatz square.
Exploring the Medieval Towers
The medieval towers of Ravensburg rise above the red-tiled roofs. You can climb the 51-meter Blaserturm, the town's central watchtower, from April to October (9:00-17:00). The Mehlsack tower, also 51 meters tall, belongs to the original defensive walls. Three city gates remain from the medieval period, including the Obertor from 1350, which has distinctive gothic architecture with pointed arches and stone carvings.
Walking Through Marienplatz
Marienplatz square anchors Ravensburg's old town, with its 15th and 16th-century buildings painted in pastel colors. Small streams run alongside Bachstraße, where you'll find independent boutiques and street cafés with outdoor seating. The pedestrian-only Marktstraße leads to the square. Every Saturday from 7:00 to 13:00, farmers and artisans sell regional produce, flowers, and handmade goods at the weekly market.
Museum Ravensburger
The Museum Ravensburger occupies the company's former headquarters, documenting the history of Germany's famous puzzle maker. Interactive exhibits show how Otto Maier transformed his small publishing house in 1883 into a major producer of games and puzzles. You can watch puzzle production demonstrations and try assembling giant puzzles yourself. The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00-17:00.
Getting Around Ravensburg
Regular trains connect Ravensburg with Ulm (hourly) and Friedrichshafen (every 30 minutes). The train station sits a 10-minute walk from Marienplatz. If you drive, eight parking garages circle the old town. The closest airports are Friedrichshafen (15 km) and Memmingen (71 km). Three highways intersect at Ravensburg: B30, B31, and B32.
Annual Rutenfest
Every July, Ravensburg celebrates the Rutenfest for five days. The festival starts with a cannon firing from the Mehlsack tower at dawn. Throughout the celebration, you'll see historical parades with participants in medieval costumes, hear brass bands playing traditional music, and find food stalls serving regional specialties like Spätzle and Maultaschen. Children participate in traditional games and performances in the town squares.
