Once lockdowns and restrictions have ended, why not get away to see and do something completely different? In winter, SouthWest Germany, the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg, offers sunshine, dazzling blue skies and experiences that are fun, romantic and adventurous.
At night, Karlsruhe’s avenues are dotted with illuminated art installations. Europa-Park theme park keeps families busy and happy in winter, both outdoors and indoors, especially at Rulantica, the new water world. Stroll through the snowy Schwetzingen Palace Gardens or get the adrenaline pumping on the Black Forest’s mountain slopes. Do it all! www.tourism-bw.com
Schwetzingen Palace Gardens: Winter Wonderland
Take one beautiful Baroque palace; add elegant gardens; dust with snow: that is the picture-pretty scene in Schwetzingen. The formal landscaping includes an English-style park and the Turkish gardens, where east meets west at the 200-year-old mosque with its two minarets. With a whimsical Temple of Apollo, the 18th-century Badehaus (bath house) and 100 sculptures, the gardens are perfect for a romantic stroll. Only 90 minutes from Stuttgart. www.schloss-schwetzingen.de/en/home
Karlsruhe: Germany’s first UNESCO City of Media Arts 
Ghostly rectangles of light on lakes; eyes staring from tree trunks: these are among the light and sound installations in the Seasons of Media Arts Festival.
This open-air, winter exhibition has 18 interactive works of art across the streets and squares of Karlsruhe. It celebrates the city becoming a new member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), joining as a UNESCO City of Media Arts – the only one in Germany. 60 minutes from Stuttgart. www.cityofmediaarts.de/seasons-of-media-arts 
Europa-Park and Rulantica: Welcome to Winter Magic
As temperatures drop and snowflakes fall, Germany’s largest theme park turns into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the traditional Christmas Market; smell mulled wine and freshly-baked cookies; take in spectacular views from the Ferris wheel; ride the world-class rollercoasters.
To warm up, dive into the 32°C/90°F waters of Rulantica, the new Nordic-themed indoor water world. On 32,600 sq m, visitors of all ages can explore 10 lovingly-themed settings during the winter season, with 27 attractions, from slides to saunas that guarantee plenty of fun and variety for the whole family. www.europapark.com, www.rulantica.com
The Great Outdoors: Go wild in winter 
In Bad Urach, take exciting rides on sleds pulled by Siberian huskies (www.schlittenhunde-fahrten.de). In the Black Forest, head for Feldberg or Schauinsland for snow kiting – swooping uphill and down on skis or a snowboard, pulled along by a kite (www.kiteschule-skywalker.de).
Or try tobogganing down the 4-km/2.5-mile-run from the Feldberg mountain summit to the valley floor (www.todtnauer-huette.de). Also on the Feldberg, have a go on snow bikes and hurtle downhill on these BMX-like bikes, which have short skis instead of wheels (www.darmstaedter-huette.de; www.fatbike-verleih.com).
