Ravensburg

Ravensburg grew rich on linen and on the Great Ravensburg Trading Company, one of the largest trading partnerships in fifteenth-century Europe, and the money went into towers: the town keeps a dense group of medieval towers and gates, including the Mehlsack, a white round tower of 1425 that gives the skyline its landmark. In 1883 Otto Maier founded a publishing house here that became Ravensburger, now among the largest producers of jigsaw puzzles and board games in Europe; a museum in the town covers games and puzzles and lets visitors play. The old town is largely intact and compact.

What you actually see

• The Mehlsack - a white round tower of 1425 above the old town.
• The tower group - a dense cluster of medieval towers and gates.
• The games museum - a Ravensburger museum where exhibits are played.
• The trading history - the linen wealth behind the medieval fabric.

When to go

April to October; the Rutenfest, a children's and civic festival, is held in July. The games museum is popular with families in school holidays.

Honest expectations

The Mehlsack is climbed only on limited open days. The old town is small. The games museum is aimed at families.

Nearby

Lake Constance lies south; Ulm is north.