Ravensburg

Games, towers, and a medieval castle on a hill.

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.

4.3
out of 5

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.

Average temperatures during the day in Ravensburg.
December
1°
Jan
0°
Feb
2°
Mar
5°
Apr
9°
May
13°
Jun
17°
Jul
19°
Aug
18°
Sep
16°
Oct
11°
Nov
5°

What people say about Ravensburg

4.3
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
5
Value
3
Safety
5

Articles about Germany

Image of Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit
Image of Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit

Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit

August 2023,
Germany has a tough, mysterious and magical atmosphere. In this article you find spots from the northern Lübeck to the fairy tale-castle Neuschwanstein in the south. From energetic city life to walks
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

January 2023,
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design. Below you wi
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms