stuttgart to visit

20 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Stuttgart

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Although Stuttgart, capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany , is widely known as a leading commercial center and home of two major automobile manufacturers, it is also one of Germany's most appealing cities for tourists.

A pair of outstanding art museums, two state-of-the-art automobile museums, one of Europe's top zoos, sumptuous palaces, and one of Germany's largest Christmas markets draw visitors year-round. Architectural attractions represent Baroque, Art Nouveau, Modernist, and contemporary styles.

Stuttgart is easy for tourists to reach and to tour, with its Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) right in the center, within a short walk of the main attractions. The excellent S-Bahn system is easy to use and connects the city center to the airport and outlying attractions.

Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in and around Stuttgart.

See also: Where to Stay in Stuttgart

1. The Mercedes-Benz Museum

2. schlossplatz, 3. staatsgalerie stuttgart, 4. the porsche museum, 5. ludwigsburg palace, 6. altes schloss and landesmuseum, 7. wilhelma zoological and botanic garden, 8. have lunch at fernsehturm stuttgart, 9. take the train to esslingen, 10. the grabkapelle on württemberg hill, 11. schloss solitude, 12. schillerplatz and stiftskirche, 13. shop at the christmas market, 14. kunstmuseum stuttgart, 15. drive the black forest high road, 16. killesberg park and tower, 17. climb to eugensplatz, 18. schweinemuseum (pig museum), 19. the weissenhof estate, 20. stay and play at monrepos palace, where to stay in stuttgart for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in stuttgart.

Stuttgart can trace its long love affair with the automobile back as far as 1887, when Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach set up shop here. The Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates that more than 130 years of automotive history in over 1500 exhibits that cover nine floors and put the invention and development of the automobile into the context of each era's technology, daily life, and society.

At the heart of the exhibits are 160 vehicles: some of the first ever built, auto racing legends, and prototype cars of the future. Among the cars is the world's first motorcycle — a Daimler — from 1885, which bears almost no resemblance to today's, except that it has two large wheels (it also has two smaller ones that look a lot like kids' training wheels!)

You don't need to be car crazy to have a good time here, but for automobile lovers, this and the Porsche Museum (see below) are the two best places to visit in Stuttgart.

Address: Mercedesstraße 100, Stuttgart

The expansive Schlossplatz is the focal point of the city. Surrounded by buildings dating from Stuttgart's past as a ducal and royal capital, this vast open space is well-used. Its green lawns and benches are popular places to catch some sun, and its gardens are pleasant places to stroll in good weather. In November, the square becomes a children's Christmas Market, with a miniature village, holiday rides, and a skating rink.

The Jubilee Column , erected at its center in 1841, commemorates King William I's 25 years of rule. Here, too, you'll find a cast-iron bandstand (1871); a fountain; and pieces of modern sculpture by Calder, Hrdlicka, and Hajek.

Dominating one side of the Schlossplatz is the massive Neues Schloss or New Palace. Built in late Baroque style and completed in 1807, the palace - once home to former kings - is now used by the state government.

Forming the opposite side is Königstrasse the city's 1200-meter-long pedestrianized shopping street, one of Germany's longest and best shopping districts. It ends at the massive Hauptbahnhof , the city's main rail station and, until current renovations, a landmark of early German Modernism.

From one look at the colorful exterior of Stuttgart's State Gallery , you know it's not another stodgy museum. The 1984 opening of the new building, designed by James Stirling and itself a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, marked the transformation of the museum into one of the finest art collections in Europe - and one of Germany's most visited museums.

Although it has an excellent representation of German Renaissance art, as well as Dutch and Italian masters from the 14th to 19th centuries, the Staatsgalerie is best known for its outstanding collection of 20th-century paintings.

With a special focus on the Classical Modern period from 1900 to 1980, the collections include significant works by Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Max Beckmann, Salvador Dalí, Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso among others.

Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 30-32, Stuttgart

The dynamic architecture of the building Delugan Meissl designed for the Porsche Museum , supported by a trio of V-shaped columns, is intended to portray the nature of the brand itself. Inside, you can follow the development of Porsche vehicles through exhibits and the 80-plus vehicles on display. Audio guides in English highlight themes, such as the "Porsche DNA" that lives on in every model since the first.

The most popular part of the museum, even for those with little interest in automobiles and racing, is the interactive 12-meter Porsche Touchwall , where you can use touch frames to browse through more than 3,000 drawings, photos, posters, and advertisements from the vast historical archive.

In the interactive Porsche in the Mix sound installation, unique in the world, you can play the sounds of engines, horns, and brakes of various models throughout the years and mix them into an original music track. After composing your own piece of Porsche music, you can send it to yourself via email.

Porscheplatz 1, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

North of Stuttgart, in the small city of Ludwigsburg, is the vast and lavishly decorated Ludwigsburg Palace , one of Germany's largest and loveliest Baroque palaces. In decorating his private apartments here, Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg spared no expense, commissioning the great fresco painter Matthäus Günther to decorate the walls, and papering even dressing rooms with hand-painted wall coverings.

A highlight is the grand Marble Hall, with magnificent chandeliers and its ceiling fresco of clouds against blue giving the impression of open sky. The oldest preserved palace theater in Europe , a galleried confection built for the duke in 1757, still has its original stage machinery, with a collection of rare 18th- and 19th-century stage sets. The Theatre Museum shows some of the ingenious mechanisms for moving these and for creating the illusions of thunder, rain, and wind.

The neo-Classical Schloss Favorite is a smaller palace on the property, which you can tour. Ludwigsburg offers a number of things to see and do: in addition to touring the apartments and theater museum, you can explore the magnificent gardens. With its beautiful Baroque Marktplatz, Ludwigsburg is one of the best small towns in Germany . In December, this is the scene of a Baroque Christmas Market, and in the autumn, the palace grounds host a popular Pumpkin Festival .

Address: Schlossstraße 30, Ludwigsburg

Overlooking one side of Schlossplatz is the massive Altes Schloss or Old Castle. There is no trace of its 10th-century origins; the existing building with its beautiful courtyard surrounded by multiple arcades was built between 1553-78.

The impressive structure now houses the Württemberg Landesmuseum , with its fascinating collections of medieval art, musical instruments, watches, and clocks, as well as the magnificent Württemberg royal crown and crown jewels.

Especially interesting are the archaeological collections, with rare artifacts tracing prehistoric inhabitants of the caves in the Swabian mountains, including the world's oldest human artworks. Later Celtic, Roman, and medieval pieces include rich grave finds of weapons and jewelry.

The modern glass collection is among the best in Europe, and a superb costume and textile collection focuses on 18th-century European decorative fabrics and textiles from the Art Nouveau period. In the south wing is the 16th-century palace church, with tombs of famous former residents and royalty.

Address: Schillerplatz 6, Stuttgart

Read More: Top-Rated Castles in Germany

Today one of Germany's largest zoos , with more than two million annual visitors, Wilhelma Zoological and Botanic Garden was created as a private royal retreat for the Swabian King Wilhelm I. The buildings were constructed in the Neo-Moorish style, which was popular among European royalty in the mid-19 th century, and set among gardens in a large, green park.

Among the many things that make this zoo and botanic garden so outstanding is the way the fanciful historic buildings have been repurposed as the setting for animals and plants — and how these two have been integrated. For example, the Moorish Villa is now home to a combined animal and plant house, and a pavilion that was once the king's vantage point overlooking the Neckar River is now the Main Entrance.

The Belvedere Pavilion above the Sub Tropics Terraces and the Damascene Hall are still in use, as is the covered walkway lined with decorative terra cotta.

A state-of-the-art complex for African apes was added in 2013, especially to accommodate the needs of gorillas and bonobos, only two of the nearly 1,200 species represented here. Each of these, as well as the 8,500 plant varieties, is shown in a specific house or enclosure representing its native geography or environment.

These include the House for Animals of Prey, the Tropics House, the South America Enclosure, and the House for Tree Ferns. Although it's one of the most popular things to do in Stuttgart with children, this park and zoo is appealing to all ages.

Address: Wilhelma 13, Stuttgart

The world's first television tower would be interesting enough, but the 217-meter-tall Fernsehturm Stuttgart has the added attraction of an observation deck and restaurant, with sweeping views that reach across the city and Neckar Valley into the Swabian countryside, as far as the Black Forest and the Odenwald.

The tower opened in 1956 and soon became a prototype for such structures as far away as Johannesburg and Wuhan, China. Stuttgart engineer Fritz Leonhardt proposed the innovative concrete construction, with the suggestion that it could become a tourist attraction, as well as a transmission tower, and it quickly became one of the city's most visited spots. To get here, take the U-7, U-8, or U-15 subway line or the #70 bus to the Ruhbank stop.

Another interesting tourist attraction on the edge of the city with far-reaching views is the Birkenkopf , a 511-meter-tall hill built after World War II entirely from the rubble of destroyed buildings. As remarkable as the views may be, it's a thought-provoking experience knowing you're standing on the detritus of a war-torn city while looking down on the new one that rose from its ashes.

Address: Jahnstraße 120, Stuttgart

Only about 17 kilometers (11 miles) east of Stuttgart, the town of Esslingen feels centuries away. Its position at the point where ancient trade routes crossed the Neckar River was strengthened by the building of two bridges early in the medieval era and grew into a major trading center, protected by a hilltop castle , whose ramparts and towers you can explore for lovely views of the old town and Neckar below.

Down in the Old Town, you'll feel as though you'd stumbled into the Middle Ages, walking along street after street lined with half-timbered buildings . More than 200 of these remain, dating from the 13 th to the 16 th centuries. Other highlights are the church of St. Dionys, with the unusual bridge between its tall towers, and the lovely red Town Hall with its glockenspiel , a clock where moving figures perform.

The easiest way to get to Esslingen from Stuttgart is by train, a 15-minute ride.

Perched high upon the Württemberg overlooking Stuttgart and the Neckar valley is the Grabkapelle , the burial chapel of Queen Katharina, erected by King Wilhelm I as a monument to his beloved wife after her premature death in 1819.

Built between 1820 and 1824, this beautiful structure consists of a domed rotunda in Neoclassical style inspired by the Pantheon in Rome (it's also where Wilhelm himself is buried).

It is considered the most romantic spot in Stuttgart, in part because of its beautiful setting, but mainly because of Wilhelm's inscription above the entrance to the chapel, "Love never dies," in memory of his lost queen.

Address: Württembergstraße 340, Stuttgart

Located on a scenic vantage point a few miles outside of Stuttgart's city center, Schloss Solitude (Solitude Palace) was built for Duke Karl Eugen in 1763 as a hunting lodge and summer residence.

Designed in the late Rococo and early Neoclassical styles, the most sumptuously decorated rooms are in the central pavilion. Its highlight is the radiant Weisse Saal (White Hall) with its lovely domed roof, intricate decorative goldwork, and frescoed ceiling.

Outside, you can stroll through the manicured grounds and along the Solitude Allee , a broad tree-lined avenue commissioned by Duke Carl Eugen, which extends for more than 13 kilometers between Solitude Palace and the Palace at Ludwigsburg.

Address: Solitude 1, Stuttgart

Flanking the Old Palace is Schillerplatz, an old town square with a monument to Friedrich Schiller, poet, philosopher, historian, and dramatist - one of Germany's most famous cultural giants. The square is the site of a flower market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, and in December joins the Schlossplatz and Marktplatz, on either side of Schillerplatz, as home to the Christmas Market.

One side of the square is formed by the Alte Kanzlei (Old Chancellery), and on the southwest side is the old Fruchtkasten (Granary) dating from 1390, and adjoining it, the choir of the Stiftskirche.

The two unmatched spires of the Stiftskirche, the Collegiate Church, tower above the small remnant of Stuttgart's Old Town. Founded in the 12th century on the site an older 10th-century church, Stiftskirche was rebuilt in Late Gothic style in the 15th century and reconstructed in 1958 after heavy damage in World War II. Highlights include a magnificent series of 16th-century Renaissance figures of the Counts of Württemberg, as well as its 17th-century burial vaults.

Germany is known for its Christmas markets , and one of the largest and best is in Stuttgart, with more than 280 vendors set up in rustic log cabins filling Marktplatz and Schillerplatz and lining the streets and squares between them. Each cabin is decorated with evergreen boughs and twinkling lights, and their roofs are topped with elaborate holiday scenes and motifs — there's a lively competition for the prize as each year's best.

Vendors display an eye-boggling assortment of beautiful handmade gifts — wooden toys, pottery, intricate ceramic houses, embroidery, puppets, knitted mittens and socks, felted hats, and holiday decorations of all sorts. Food is everywhere: sizzling sausages, spicy cookies, marzipan, chocolate, and roasting chestnuts.

An entire side of Schlossplatz is devoted to children , with a carousel and a Ferris wheel with cars like giant Christmas tree balls. They can ride a miniature train through a doll-sized town, ice skate, or make their own Christmas presents and cookies at kids-only booths. Special events seem to be happening all the time — a colorfully costumed band marches by, and the old castle courtyard rings with a choral concert. The market opens in late November and continues through December 23.

• Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Europe
• Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe

The bold design of the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart 's large glass cube stands in sharp contrast to the palaces and other buildings overlooking the Schlossplatz. But its glass exterior and white limestone interior walls are an appropriate home for an outstanding collection of contemporary and modern art.

The lean, clean lines; open spaces; and subtle indirect lighting of the exhibition galleries highlight the bold images and striking colors of Modernist works on display in its 5,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Highlights of the museum's extensive collection include some of the most important works by German artists Dieter Roth and Willi Baumeister, as well as the largest collection of important works by Otto Dix. His satirical paintings portray German high society during the post-World War I era, and interpretive signage identifies the actual subjects, who include celebrities of the 1920s.

Special exhibits highlight particular movements and artists' groups, such as the Swabian Impressionists.

Address: Kleiner Schloßplatz 1, Stuttgart

One of the most beautiful drives in Germany is along the 70-kilometer (44-mile) Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, Black Forest High Road. The route is well-named, for it climbs along the ridge of the Baden-Baden mountain range, ascending to more than 3,000 meters (over 9,800 feet) for spectacular views of the Black Forest valleys and over the Rhine valley and the Vosges mountains in France.

The High Road begins in Baden-Baden, a 1.25-hour drive from Stuttgart, and follows Rte. B500 south to Freudenstadt. Several highlights along the route invite stops. At the glacial Lake Mummelsee , you can follow the path around the lake or rent pedalos to explore it from the water.

A wilderness path on the Bühlerhöhe is a popular thing to do for hikers, and the Lothar Path is a fascinating look at how nature recovers from a devastating hurricane. In 1999 Hurricane "Lothar" felled 40,000 hectares (99,000 acres) of forests in Baden-Württemberg. The Lothar Trail takes visitors through the area on boardwalks, ladders, stairs, and bridges through and above the damaged woodlands, showing how the forests are regenerating without intervention.

All along the route are stopping points and restaurants serving traditional Black Forest dishes. You can return on the same road for a different perspective of the views, or you can choose a route through the eastern part of the Black Forest, through a series of charming half-timbered towns.

Originally laid out in 1939 as part of a major horticultural show, Killesberg Park is a lovely 123-acre open space offering visitors several things to do. Many of its structures date back to its opening and are still used for flower shows and events, but the most recent attraction is the unusual Killesberg Tower.

This 40-meter-tall cone-shaped observation tower is made of metal stairs that spiral upwards on steel cables. Its open-air construction can be a bit unnerving, as can the slight swaying feeling on the uppermost of the observation platforms.

For a closer-to-the-ground experience, tour the park on the narrow-gauge Killesberg railway; both diesel and steam locomotives pull cars through the grounds - departures are frequent, so you can wait for a steam run. If you are visiting Stuttgart in July, be sure to visit Lichterfest Stuttgart , a festival during which thousands of lanterns decorate the park.

Address: Stresemannstraße, 70191 Stuttgart

It's a long climb up the Eugenstaffel , the broad flight of steps that begins beside the State Art Museum and leads to the lovely park and scenic overlooks of Eugensplatz. Or you can save the climb by taking bus #42 up Alexanderstrasse from Charlottenplatz. Below are wide walkways leading down through a hillside of greenery and across the center of a stair-stepped waterfall that splashes its way through the park.

At the top stands a statue of Galatea, a figure from Greek mythology, dating from 1890. The park is one of the locals' favorite places to visit in the summer for its cool breezes, its views of the city, and the ice-cream shop, Pinguin, just across the street.

Certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Stuttgart — or in any German city — is a visit to the Pig Museum . If there is any form of art that depicts a pig, you'll find it here, from finely worked sculptures and masterly pastoral paintings to china knick-knacks and a pink papier-mâché pig princess in a tulle tutu.

The more than 50,000 pigs from all over the world are displayed creatively and with a sense of humor, filling 29 themed rooms. An entire room is devoted to piggy banks, another to stuffed toys, and an attic-like room is devoted to larger pieces of fork art. Exhibits with signs in English and German explore everything from pig history and science to mythology.

The Guinness Book of World Records included it as " The Largest Pig Museum of the World " and after seeing it, you won't doubt it. The museum is a bit out of the center, but easy to reach on the U-9 tram or Bus #56.

Address: Schlachthofstraße 2, Stuttgart

Above the northern part of Stuttgart near the Academy of Fine Art, the Weissenhof Estate (Weißenhofsiedlung) is a pioneering and influential housing development built in 1927 for an exhibition by the Werkbund.

This group of leading international architects, which included Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius, threw off the flowing decorative forms of the Art Nouveau movement and became leaders of the Modernists by embracing functional geometric building designs with little or no ornament.

The semi-detached housing units used new construction methods as well, with steel frames and prefabricated elements. Eleven of the project's 21 original buildings survive, and you can see and learn about them in exhibits at the Weissenhof Museum , located in one of Le Corbusier's buildings.

Address: Rathenaustrasse 1- 3, Stuttgart

A 30-minute drive or train ride from Stuttgart, Monrepos Palace (Seeschloss Monrepos) is well worth the trip. When you see this stunning Rococo building, it may be difficult to remember that it was built as a hunting lodge. Completed in 1768 for Duke Carl Eugen, it sits overlooking a small lake with two tiny wooded islands, and is surrounded by a walking path.

Although no tours are offered of the interior, the grounds and lakeside park surrounding the palace are open to the public and free of charge. To fully enjoy the experience, rent a rowboat and admire the grandeur of this beautiful spot, then enjoy a picnic in the park's gardens.

If you are up for a stroll, you can walk the 1.6-mile Seeschlossallee to visit the estate's second "lodge," Schloss Favorite (Favorite Palace). Although much smaller than its sibling, this lovely Baroque palace is open for tours. While you're in the area, you can easily walk to the nearby Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg (Residential Palace), for a tour of its grant halls and theater.

While you can enjoy the property's general ambience as a day guest, an overnight or two at Schlosshotel Monrepos gives you the chance to really live like royalty.

Address: Monrepos 19, 71634 Ludwigsburg, Germany

Stuttgart's main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is a five-minute walk from the Schlossplatz, around which you'll find several of the city's major tourist attractions and its main shopping streets. Surrounded by hills, downtown Stuttgart can be very hot in the summer, and many mid-range and budget hotels have no air conditioning. An excellent U-Bahn and tram system makes getting around easy from any location, so hotels set on the hills can be more comfortable after a summer day's sightseeing. These are all highly rated hotels in Stuttgart:

Luxury Hotels :

• Kronen Hotel Stuttgart is a 10-minute walk from both the station and Schlossplatz and is known for its bountiful breakfast.
• Guest room balconies at luxurious Waldhotel Stuttgart overlook a woodland park, a short U-Bahn ride to the center; its own fine-dining restaurant is one of several choices in the hilltop neighborhood.
• A short walk from the center, City Hotel Stuttgart is in a hillside neighborhood with restaurants and on a U-Bahn line.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A few blocks from the business district, Wartburg Hotel has small pleasant rooms and accommodating staff.
• Rooms are somewhat more spacious at Hotel Unger beim Hauptbahnhof, only a block from the train station.
• Smart, modern Maritim Hotel Stuttgart has spacious rooms in a quiet neighborhood with restaurants, a 10-minute walk from the center and on tram and U-Bahn lines.

Budget Hotels:

• Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte , in the pedestrianized business district, a block from the Hauptbahnhof and Schlossplatz, has small and plain but comfortable rooms.
• Novum Hotel Rieker Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof offers basic rooms in an excellent location close to the train station.
• In the city center, Novum Hotel Boulevard Stuttgart City is just behind the Rathaus and three blocks from the Old Palace and historic Schillerplatz.

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Places to Visit near Stuttgart: Stuttgart sits at the northern edge of Baden-Württemberg's beautiful Black Forest region . Also at the edge of the Black Forest, in the Rhine River Valley , is the spa town of Baden-Baden .

Discovering More of Germany: A short train ride to the north of Stuttgart is historic Heidelberg , and the same train line continues north to Frankfurt . Our page on day trips from Frankfurt will give you lots of ideas for the best places to visit from here.

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UEFA EURO 2024 in Stut­tgart

From june 14 to ju­ly 14.

In summer, Stuttgart will be one of the ten German venues for UEFA EURO 2024. While the matches will be played in the Stuttgart Arena, a colourful programme with public viewing awaits in the fan zones in the city centre. Here you will find everything you need to know about UEFA EURO 2024 in the host city of Stuttgart.

Stuttgart Highlights

StuttCard Bous

Porsche Mu­seum Stut­tgart

The Porsche Museum has been presenting automotive history and “Fascination Porsche” in an incomparable style ever since 2009. The impressive building is located in the heart of the company’s home city of Zuffenhausen and was designed by the Delugan Meissl architectural firm of Vienna.

RegioRad Station

TopStop CityTour

Mer­cedes-Benz Mu­seum Stut­tgart

Take a journey through more than 130 years of fascinating automotive history – and on into the future. Enter the only place in the world capable of documenting the unbroken history of the automobile from its very beginning.

Weis­sen­hof Es­tate with Weis­sen­hof Mu­seum

The semi-detached homes designed by Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the Twentieth Century, shows the aesthetic, social and technical upheavals of the Moderne.

Sepulchral chapel Württem­berg

Former ancestral seat of the Wuerttemberg noble family

In­foTurmS­tut­tgart – Stut­tgart-Ulm rail­way pro­jekt

Find out all about the Stuttgart-Ulm railway development project at the comprehensive exhibition in the Tower Forum at Stuttgart's main railway station. Demonstration models, fascinating background information and a host of interesting details await you. In addition, you can look forward to the wonderful panoramic view over Stuttgart from the Tower Forum's observation deck.

Württem­berg State Mu­seum

The Württemberg State Museum offers its visitors a stimulating presentation of the history of our state from the Stone Age to the present time.

Wil­helma

A unique combination of zoo and botany awaits you in Germany's only zoological and botanical garden.

Solitude Palace

The Solitude Palce in the forests to the west of Stuttgart also is the work of the constructional minded Duke Carl Eugen. The castle itself served for the purpose of representation, for the accommodation of living, social, dining and servants' rooms, on its back side a series of so-called cavalier's buildings were constructed.

SWR Tele­vi­sion Tower

After a construction time of 20 months, operation of the Stuttgart television tower was started on 5 February 1956. With its impressive height of 217 m, it is the original model for the television towers from around the world.

Mar­ket Hall Stut­tgart

The Market Hall Stuttgart is a specialties and gourmet temple with tempting offers for living and garden culture and further attractive shops. Fruit and vegetables from around the world are offered in an appetizing manner.

Neues Schloss (New Castle)

With the New Castle, Duke Carl Eugen von Wuerttemberg (1744 - 1793) had the last large Baroque residence castle facilities in Germany built. He demanded from the city and the Wuerttemberg representatives of the orders that they build a "proper residence which is convenable to his royal dignity and the amplitude of his royal household" because he wanted to make Stuttgart to a second Versailles.

Old Castle (Altes Schloss)

The Old Castle goes back to a water fortress built in the 10th century for the protection of the stud garden (which gave Stuttgart its name). Today the Wuerttemberg State Museum and the childrens museum "Junges Schloss" are located in the Old Castle.

Schlossplatz Stut­tgart (Palace Square)

Stuttgart's Palace Square is the vibrant heart of the city, but at the same time it's a place to linger, within easy walking distance of many of the city's attractions.

The Staat­sop­er Stut­tgart (state op­era)

The Staatsoper Stuttgart is one of Europe's foremost opera houses and at the same time a branch of Europe's largest tripartite theatre. The Staatsoper repeatedly provides important impulses for today's music theatre scene and enjoys a reputation as one of the world's leading opera houses.

Castle Ess­lin­gen

Esslingen am Neckar

In spite of its name, the "Burg" was never the seat of a noble family. It was the citizens who, when constructing their town fortification, built part of the wall up the hillside – and therefore prevented a possible enemy from taking advantage of the favourable attacking position.

Got­tlieb Daimler­'s birth­place in Schorndorf

Gottlieb Daimler – the pioneer of automotive history – was born on 17th March 1834 in the Höllgasse in Schorndorf. The house where he was born was acquired by Daimler Benz in 1979 and restored, and today serves as a museum and meeting centre for the Daimler company.

Mo­tor­world Re­gion Stut­tgart

A forum for driving culture. The Motorworld Region Stuttgart is a highlight for classic car enthusiasts! At the Motorworld, classic cars and collector's pieces can be bought and sold, restored and serviced by professional providers.

Mu­seum of Pop­u­lar Cul­ture – Walden­buch Castle

Stark contrasts: a documentation of everyday life within the splendid ambience of the former hunting castle of the dukes of Württemberg. Living quarters, pictures, clothing, advertisements and lots more besides give insights into the culture, lifestyles and mentality of broad sections of the population from the 18th century up to the present day.

Schiller­'s Birth­place

Marbach am Neckar

"Schiller in Marbach" is the straightforward title of the new permanent exhibition in the house of Schiller's birth, which was opened on February 2, 2009 by Minister President Günther H. Oettinger. It traces the poet's first four years, which he spent at his birthplace. The second part of the exhibition is dedicated to the history of the veneration of Schiller and shows that the history of the city of Marbach has been closely bound to Schiller's remembrance since the mid-nineteenth century.

Mu­seum Ritter and Chocol­ate Ex­hib­i­tion

Square, delicious, sensational – in Waldenbuch everything revolves around the Square. Directly adjacent to the Ritter Sport chocolate factory, Marli Hoppe-Ritter's extraordinary art collection is on show at the Museum Ritter. Next door there's a chocoholic's paradise.

Welcome to Stuttgart!

Stut­tgart in 1, 2, 3 days

Stuttgart and its surrounding region have a lot to offer! Whether you're looking for culture, shopping or enjoyment - we've put together some ideas and suggestions as to how you can get a good overview in just a short time.

Stuttgart Citytour

Hop-on / Hop-off Open-Top Bus Tour

You can get on and off the bus at any of the stops, just as you please. Each hop on/hop off-ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you have plenty of time to explore the city.

from € 20.00

Related Links

The Top 11 Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is underrated, and it knows it. Perhaps that is why it doesn't try too hard and effortlessly puts out some of the best attractions in Germany for car lovers , architecture nerds, and beer buffs.

Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Wuertemberg in southwest Germany. Almost 600,000 people live in the city, with 2.7 million in the greater Stuttgart area.

The city is about 200 km south of Frankfurt and 200 km northwest of Munich, and is  well-connected to the rest of Germany , as well as greater Europe.

Stuttgart has its own airport (STR). It is connected to the city by S-Bahn for 3.40 euros. It's also quite easy to fly into nearby airports.

The city is also well connected by rail, with Deutsche Bahn (DB). If you prefer to drive in the car city of Germany, the state highways A8 (east-west) and A81 (north-south) connect here, called Stuttgarter Kreuz . Follow signs for Stuttgart Zentrum to get into the center. 

Once within the city, Stuttgart's city center is easy to travel by foot, but there is also excellent public transportation consisting of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (local rail), and bus.

Indulge in Love of the Car

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Stuttgart is a car city. The first petrol-powered automobile was created here in 1886 and the city is still home to two of the greatest car brands in the world, Mercedes and Porsche. Both have a world-class car museum in the city.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

The famed Mercedes-Benz brand is celebrated in this temple to the car. It has a unique cloverleaf architecture of three overlapping circles with a triangular atrium in the center in the shape of a Wankel engine.  

The museum holds more than 160 cars from the invention of the automobile to the slickest new design. A free audio tour takes reverent fans through the museum and the storied history of Mercedes-Benz.

If you want to see the car under construction, guided tours of Sindelfingen plant are available.

Porsche Museum

Around 900,000 people visit this museum every year. It contains 80 exhibits of rare Porsche. World-famous autos like the 356, 550, 911 and 917 are on display. Over 90 percent of the historic vehicles are still operating and frequently take to the road as a “mobile museum” at race events and presentations worldwide.

Film footage and mobile audio guides add to the experience with special attractions for children visiting the museum. The museum is also the starting point for factory tours .

Party Like It's Oktoberfest

Twice a year, Stuttgart's festival grounds fire up the riesenrad (Ferris Wheel) and beer tents.

Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart Beer Festival) and Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest(Stuttgart's Spring Festival) happen in the fall and spring , respectively. The fall festival began in 1818 as a harvest festival and resembles its more famous big brother . The Spring Festival only began about 80 years ago, but is actually the largest of its kind with 1.5 million visitors each year. At both events there are well-respected regional brews, mountains of delicious German food, traditional costumes, and endless merriment .

Relax Like the Royals

Schlossplatz is a central square, named for the the massive Neues Schloss (New Palace) that surrounds it. The palace was built in the early 1800s in the Baroque style. Kings have been replaced by bureaucrats as it is now the seat of state government. Tours are only available by special arrangement, but the best part is just luxuriating in this tranquil environment. 

Also on Schlossplatz is Altes Schloss , the Old Castle. A castle has been on this site since the 10th century with multiple renovations, periods of destruction and rebuilds. The current structure is from 1553 and is home to Württemberg Landesmuseum . The museum holds fine medieval art, mechanics, and the Württemberg crown jewels. Plus, some of the royals never left. The south wing is the site of the 16th-century palace church with tombs of famous former residents.

Experience Library Chic

This white cathedral to the written word is a destination for library lovers and Stuttgart citizens. Stuttgart's public library has an impressive modern design with features like solar power glass roof, sliding slat windows to prevent glare, wrap-around balcony, and rooftop terrace. All of this is wrapped around an empty central section called the "Heart". The space is also used for events, and it's fit for the hottest fetes in the city. There is a total of 500,000 media units available for public use. Visitors can use the sound studio, browse the music section (with LPs), use notation software, play on the children's floor, make use of the library in the middle of the night (cubby system open 24 hours), and even check out pieces of art. The charity-run Café LesBar provides refreshments for the body once the mind is sated.

Check Out the View From the World's First Television Tower

Fernsehturm Stuttgart (TV Tower) is from the 1950s and dominates the Stuttgart skyline at 217 meters high. Once controversial in its design (and cost), it has become the main model for television towers for around the world and the beloved symbol of the city.

While it usually blends into the scenery of the surrounding woods, visitors to the tower can admire the city from a beautiful new angle . Located on the Hoher Bopser , visitors can see everything from the Black Forest to vineyards to the Swabian Jura (Swabian Alps).

Study Up on the Pig

Germany has some of the best museums in the world. It also has some of the weirdest. Stuttgart is the proud home of one of these museums.

Stuttgart's Schweinemuseum is the largest pig museum in the world. Housed in a former slaughterhouse, there are over 40,000 pig artifacts here in 25 themed rooms from piggy banks to the golden pig room.

If all that learning makes you hungry, there is a delicious restaurant on the ground floor that serves up the pork.

Explore one of Germany's Largest Baroque Palaces

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Ludwigsburg Palace is located just 20 minutes from the city center and is one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany.

There is an impressive marble hall, baroque gallery, ceramics museum, and even an interactive area for kids. Outside, visitors can walk the grounds for free and admire the grounds and lake.

In the fall, take part in the palace's silly side with the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival . One of the largest pumpkin festivals in the world, thousands of pumpkins are used for decoration, weighed in for a europe-wide competition, and some massive pumpkins are even used to in a boat race. Another special event is the annual Christmas market.

Stuttgart is actually one of the greenest cities in Germany with many parks breaking up the urban areas, and vineyards surrounding the city.

Höhenpark Killesberg (Killesberg Park), opened in 1939 as part of a horticultural show, is a premiere park in the city. Over 100 acres of flowers, meandering gardens and open space offer a break from city living. Sunbathe on the lawn, or admire the impressive Killesbergturm (Killesberg Tower). This 40-meter-tall observation tower makes use of cables to provide for a spectacular view of the park.

To see all that the park holds, Killesberg Railway takes visitors on a 2,294 metre (7,527.4-foot) loop around the park during the summer. Two of the historic engines are powered by diesel and two by steam, making for an epic journey in either instance.

In July, Lichterfest Stuttgart lights up the park with thousands of lanterns for a magical experience. About 38,500 visitors participate each year.

Eat Your Weight in Spätzle

Other Germans can be snarky about Swabia (a cultural region of southwest Germany with its own history and dialect), but everyone loves the Swabian national dish— Spätzle (noodles). It is served throughout the country, but absolutely must be eaten in Stuttgart.

Spätzle are good with practically everything, from cheese and onion to sauerkraut, and bacon, but a particularly Swabian version is Schwäbische Linsen mit Spätzle (Swabian noodles with lentils).

Another typical Swabian dish is Maultaschen , pillow-like dough pockets filled with spinach, meat or cheese. They somewhat resemble Italian ravioli with a different flavor profile and are eaten in a meaty broth or served as the main course.

While everywhere will serve this regional staples, Stuttgarter Stäffele in Stuttgart is highly recommended for its traditional fare and atmosphere.

Admire the Work of an Architectual Legend

Seventeen projects by architect Le Corbusier were inducted into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites , and one of those is in Stuttgart.

The Weissenhof Estate is a pioneering and influential housing development built in 1927 for an exhibition by the Werkbund , a group of leading international architects. Eleven of the original buildings remain and are currently occupied. There is also the Weissenhof Museum within Le Corbusier's home.

Sleep in a Car

If your car mania isn't satisfied by the museums, the V8 Hotel within the Motorworld complex centers you sleeping hours on the automobile. It features 34 themed rooms with vintage cars, racing gear and even a drive-through cinema room. The highlight are the rooms where the bed is cleverly fit into the automobile, meaning you can steer your dreams from the driver's seat. For example, check out the luxury Mercedes suite .

(And if you want a more traditional room near the epicenter of cars, they have that too.)

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Ask many Germans their opinion of Stuttgarters and they'll have plenty of things to say: they are road hogs, speeding along the autobahn; they are sharp-dressed executives with a Swabian drawl; they are tight-fisted homebodies who slave away to schaffe, schaffe, Häusle baue (work, work, build a house).

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

The neoclassical-meets-contemporary Staatsgalerie bears British architect James Stirling’s curvy, colourful imprint. Alongside big-name exhibitions, the…

Schlossgarten

A terrific park for a wander right in the heart of the city, Stuttgart's sprawling Schlossgarten threads together the Mittlerer Schlossgarten, with its…

Schlossplatz

Stuttgart's pride and joy is this central square, dominated by the exuberant three-winged Neues Schloss, an impressive, Versailles-inspired baroque palace…

Schloss Solitude

Domed Schloss Solitude, perched above Stuttgart, was built in 1763 for Duke Karl Eugen of Württemberg as a hunting palace and summer residence. Blending…

Bohnenviertel

To really slip under Stuttgart’s skin, mosey through one of the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods. Walk south to Hans-im-Glück Platz, centred on a…

Weissenhof Estate

Architecture enthusiasts are thrilled by the recent opening of the Weissenhof Estate, following many years of restoration. Built in 1927 for the Deutscher…

Fernsehturm

Whether you think it a marvel or a monstrosity, the 217m-high Fernsehturm is one of Stuttgart's most visible landmarks, with its needle-thin concrete…

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Occupying a shimmering glass cube, this gallery presents high-calibre special exhibits alongside a permanent gallery filled with a prized collection of…

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Top 15 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

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Stuttgart Bucket List: 15 Best Places to Visit in Stuttgart, Germany

Table of Contents

S tuttgart, Germany, is the 6th largest city and is often overlooked for more popular destinations like Berlin and Munich . This can be an advantage as travelers will immerse themselves in a more authentic side of Germany. Getting to know Stuttgart will be the most memorable experience for any traveler. It’s an idyllic city with excellent transportation options and an exciting mix of modern, natural, historical, and cultural attractions.

We highly recommend spending more than a few days in Stuttgart to get the best experience. If you want some ideas on what to do during your stay in Stuttgart, here’s a list of the 15 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany.

1. Visit the Stunning Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz is the stunning palace square located in the heart of the city. It’s overlooked by the historic New Palace and surrounded by restaurants and other historic buildings.

Visiting Schlossplatz and being surrounded by the historic parts of the city is a great experience. During hot days, people can lounge on its grassy areas and admire the scenic environment.

2. Check out the Mercedes-Benz Museum

Stuttgart can boast of having a thriving car industry and being home to some of the world’s most recognizable and prestigious car brands. The city is where Mercedes-Benz first got its start 140 years ago, and it’s still where the brand calls its home.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum to view impressive historic collections that any car enthusiast will enjoy.

3. Relax in Nature at Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden host an impressive 10,000 species of animals from around the world. It’s pretty famous for its gorilla exhibit, which is the largest in Europe.

Another impressive aspect of this historic green facility is its gardens which contain over 5,000 different plant varieties. It’s highly recommended to visit during the spring.

4. Get Lost in Stuttgart City Library

Book lovers should head to Stuttgart City Library. It offers a minimalist modern design in a 9-story cube-shaped building, utterly unique for a library. Exploring the library is free, where visitors can relax and read literary pieces from all over the world.

The library also boasts having basement lockers for visitors, a rooftop terrace, and a cafe.

5. Shop Local and International Delicacies at Markthalle

Markthalle, or Market Hall when translated, is Stuttgart’s huge historic public market with 33 stalls. There’s a vast selection of goods to choose from representing delicacies and products from different parts of the world.

Don’t forget to also explore the second floor where you’ll find home good items and a restaurant.

6. Marvel the Gothic Architecture of St. John’s Church

St. John’s Church, or Johannekirche as known by the locals, is a stunning gothic-styled church located on a peninsula overlooking a lake called Fire Lake, or Feuersee. Simply admiring the church strolling along the lake makes for a spectacular sight and photos.

After being damaged during WWII, the church was restored but left its tower unfinished to serve as a war memorial.

7. Explore Stuttgart Palace

Just a few miles outside the city center, located atop a vantage point is the Stuttgart Palace, also known as Solitude Palace. It was built in 1763 to serve as a lodge and hunting grounds for Duke Carl Eugen von Wurttemberg.

Visitors can explore its impressive white halls and stroll through its expansive grounds. The sight of Stuttgart from the palace is also stunning.

8. Take in the Views at Fernsehturm Stuttgart

Stuttgart boasts of being the home of the first television tower in the world. The Fernsehturm, simply known as Television Tower, was built in 1956 and stands 217 meters high.

Visitors can ascend the tower and find a panoramic view of Stuttgart and miles beyond the city. There is also a panorama cafe at the top visitors can enjoy.

9. Climb the Killesberg Tower

Another tower to climb in Stuttgart, but only describing Killesberg Tower doesn’t paint the whole picture. Killesberg Tower is a beautiful work of art made up of metal stairs and connected steels spiraling 40 meters tall.

Visitors can climb up its steps at Killesberg Park to get a fantastic view of the surrounding nature and the city.

10. Go Back in Time at Esslingen

Take a day trip to Esslingen, just 17 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Explore the city’s Old Town, where the historic buildings and cobbled stone streets make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time.

Some of these buildings go back to the 13th to 16th centuries. Other must-see sights are Esslingen Castle, the red Town Hall, and St. Dionys church.

11. Take Part in the Celebrations at Volksfest

Everyone knows about Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, which is simply the largest Volksfest celebration in the country. But if you want a less touristy Oktoberfest, heart to Stuttgart, which celebrates Volksfest or People’s Festival annually at Cannstatter Wasen for three straight weeks.

There will be drinking, amusement rides, games, food, and all-around merrymaking.

12. Take a Half-Day Trip to Ludwigsburg Palace

Travel to the north of Stuttgart and join a 90-minute long tour to explore the fairy-tale-like palace called Ludwigsburg Palace. This massive palace is the largest Baroque-style palace in Germany and also one of the largest in Europe.

Visitors can step inside and view its beautiful halls, theater, churches, and over 400 palace rooms.

13. Marvel at More Cars at the Porsche Museum

The second best thing to do in Stuttgart for car lovers is to visit the Porsche Museum. It’s smaller than the Mercedes-Benz Museum, but its innovative interactive exhibits unique to the museum and over 80 displays of iconic Porsche vehicles serve as an excellent experience.

14. Hike up Birkenkopf

Birkenkopf is one of the most somber reminders of the events of WWII in Stuttgart. Also known as Rubble Hill, Birkenkopf is a man-made hill made out of the city’s rubble during WWII.

It’s the highest hill in Stuttgart, 511 meters high. Walking up the hill offers excellent views of Stuttgart while also lessons from the destruction of war.

15. Shop at Stuttgart Christmas Market

If you’re visiting Stuttgart during the Christmas Season, don’t miss out on going to its Christmas Market to immerse yourself in the holidays. Sprawled across the city’s downtown area, over 200 stalls selling Christmas goodies compete on which one can have the best Christmas decorations.

Visitors can buy gifts, Christmas treats and get the best experience out of the holiday season.

Stuttgart Travel and Tour Packages

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Stuttgart hotels and resorts via Agoda , Booking , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist attractions in Stuttgart, Germany? Follow #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook , Twitter ,  Instagram , Bloglovin, and Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

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23 Best Things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 3, 2024

Both the capital and largest city of Baden-Wurttemberg state, Stuttgart has much more to it than just Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. While it is known as the ‘cradle of the automobile’, the manufacturing hub also has excellent museums, lavish historic palaces and gorgeous green areas to explore.

Spread across numerous hills and valleys alongside the Neckar River, it has long been an important center of commerce. Due to this, Stuttgart was heavily bombed during the Second World War with almost all its historic center sadly destroyed. Nowadays, there are well-restored castles, churches and palaces to see and some amazing modern buildings hosting fine art collections.

It also lies just short public transport journeys away from some stunning estates and atmospheric old towns like Esslingen and Tubingen. The best things to do in Stuttgart for many visitors though is visiting its two state-of-the-art automobile museums. The traditional Christmas market also sees many millions pour in each winter to celebrate, shop and enjoy the festive ambience.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Stuttgart

23. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

The eye-catching Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is housed in a giant, glass cube, completely in contrast to all the traditional buildings around it. Located on the corner of Schlossplatz, it has a very impressive array of contemporary artworks for you to peruse.

While the origins of its extensive collection date to 1924, the museum’s magnificent modern building was only unveiled in 2005. In its equally arresting exhibition spaces which actually include a series of disused underground tunnels, you can see thought-provoking paintings, photos and sculptures. Big names displayed here include Otto Dix, Dieter Roth and Adolf Holzel among many others.

Asides from admiring its unique artworks, architecture and installations, its top-floor restaurant offers panoramic views of the city and square below. Delightfully lit up at night, the museum also regularly hosts interesting temporary art exhibitions.

22. Grabkapelle on Württemberg Hill

Perched high atop Wurttemberg Hill overlooking the winding Neckar River is the very regal-looking Grabkapelle. A peaceful and picturesque place, the ornate mausoleum lies just twenty minutes drive directly east of the center.

Built between 1820 and 1824, its Neoclassical-style chapel was commissioned by King Wilhelm I for his treasured wife Queen Catharina who had died prematurely just a year earlier. The long-reigning monarch and their daughter were also later buried in its crypt.

Other than gazing out over the gorgeous vineyards and rivers below, you can also enter the historic building and marvel at its massive rotunda. Inspired by the queen’s Russian Orthodox faith, it is lined by some soaring columns and striking statues of the Apostles. Altogether, its scenic setting, views and architecture make the mausoleum well worth visiting if you have the time.

21. St John’s Church

Just a short walk west of the city center is one of its most beautiful buildings: the Gothic Revival-style St. John’s Church. Surrounded on three sides by a smallish pond, its fantastic facade, belltower and flying buttresses make for some phenomenal photos.

Very nearly destroyed during the Second World War, it is now known as the ‘church without a top’ as everything apart from its spire was rebuilt. This was to commemorate the lives lost, the destruction wrought and to stand as a memorial against war.

After having snapped some pics of its weathered sandstone walls from across the Lake of Fire, head inside to see its elegant arches, balconies and enormous organ. Its fine stained-glass windows and fetching columns also look a treat. Thanks to both its moving story and marvellous architecture, the church was one of our favorite buildings in the city.

20. Day trip to Tübingen

If you want to see a bit more of Baden-Wurttemberg, then the attractive university town of Tübingen is a great day trip option. Just a forty-five minute train ride south of Stuttgart, its enchanting Old Town is full of colourful medieval buildings, lively bars and some nice old churches.

Tucked away amongst hills and forests along the Neckar, its charming cobbled streets and crooked half-timbered houses look very much as they would have done in the 1600s. Thankfully spared from bombs during WWII, its remarkably well-preserved center is the main place to amble about.

Besides checking out its old city hall, castle and the colossal St. George’s Church, many people take boat trips along the idyllic river. Around the central Marktplatz, there are also tons of terrific bars and beer gardens and some museums to visit too. Due to its sizeable student population, Tubingen has a very vibrant, youthful feel with festivals and cultural events constantly taking place.

19. Weissenhof Estate

An absolute must for architecture lovers is the wonderful Weissenhof Estate on the northern side of Stuttgart. As its hillside site, you can tour around eleven incredible buildings designed by influential architects in the twenties. There is also a small museum that presents the pioneering project and the architectural styles on show.

For the Deutscher Werkbund exhibition of 1927, twenty-one simple yet stylish modern buildings were erected around the estate. The aim was to showcase how good-quality housing could be provided in a cheap and efficient manner. Taking part were renowned international architects such as Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier.

While the rest were sadly damaged or destroyed during the Second World War, the remaining ones are fascinating to explore. On tours, you’ll learn about their innovative modernist approach to design and be able to admire all the functional, sleek living spaces they created. The museum also features exhibits on each architect and the significant impact the housing project had on modern architecture.

18. Solitude Palace

Yet another architectural gem to stop by is the stunning Solitude Palace. Set atop an elongated ridge just west of town, the romantic-looking Schloss Solitude is surrounded by manicured grounds and gardens.

Completed in 1769, the Rococo-style palace was used as a summer residence and hunting lodge by Duke Charles Eugene. Very elegant, its central domed roof overlooks its pretty pale yellow walls and the lovely woodlands, gardens and viewpoints around them.

Guided tours in German can also take you around its sumptuously decorated interior. Here, you’ll see lavish ballrooms and halls all decked in glittering gold and glass while fabulous frescoes and shining chandeliers lie overhead. Pamphlets in English are handed out to non-Geman speakers.

While it certainly is a serene spot, we’re not sure if it justifies the travel time from the center (at least by public transport). You really need to take the tour otherwise it doesn’t take all that long to photo its opulent pavilion. There is a cafe and some hiking trails though should you want to linger longer.

17. Go Shopping at Outletcity Metzingen

If after all the sightseeing and day trips you want to shop until you drop, then Outletcity Metzingen is definitely the place to go. Although it lies about forty minutes drive south of the city, the massive mall has over 150 sparkling stores to peruse, run by the world’s biggest luxury brands.

Beautifully laid out and designed, its hundreds of chic shops and a handful of restaurants impressively make it Europe’s largest outlet. Each year, thousands upon thousands of eager shoppers flock here for its huge discounts on designer accessories, clothing and shoes. Among the most popular draws along its fashion mile are the enticing outlets of Burberry, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.

If you need a break from hunting for bargains, it has both fine dining and fast food options on offer. A shopper’s paradise, it is almost impossible to leave Outletcity without at least some new cool clothes and unbeatable deals on designer wear.

16. Hike to Rubble Hill

On the way back to the center from Solitude Palace is the remarkable Rubble Hill; the highest in the area. Boasting some breathtaking scenery, nature and views, it also has a very interesting and unusual story behind it.

Known as Birkenkopf in German, the soaring summit of the 511 meter-high hill was built out of the rubble collected from the city center following WWII. These ruins added an extra forty meters to the mount with huge pieces of buildings and broken facades lining the winding route to the top.

Here you’ll find a large steel cross overlooking the center and quiet green spaces to sit, contemplate and take in the views. A plaque explains that Rubble Hill ‘stands as a memorial to the victims and a reminder to the living’. While the atmosphere was quite heavy, we’d highly recommend visiting for its unique history and sweeping panoramas over Stuttgart.

15. Public Library Stuttgart

Another place we really enjoyed seeing was the Public Library Stuttgart for its photogenic, light-filled interior. Lying just a ten minute walk from the main train station, its simple cube-shaped structure can be found alongside the countless shops and restaurants clustered about Mailander Platz.

Designed by South Korean architect Eun Young Yi, the state-of-the-art library was inaugurated back in 2011. While its looming facade is not all that special (apart perhaps from when it’s colorfully lit up at night), its interior really is a feast for the eyes.

First, take the lift up to its eighth floor for the best view over its very aesthetically pleasing main room. Lined by brightly lit bookcases, it is sleek and white with loads of straight lines while a bewildering series of staircases connect each level of its cavernous interior. You can take some great photos here with a cafe and rooftop terrace also located in the library.

14. Neckar Park

Packed with fun things to see and do, Neckar Park lies along the right bank of the river, just a short drive northeast of the center. At the expansive multi-use complex, you can attend exciting concerts, exhibitions and sporting events or visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

Sprawling across a ginormous area, the park contains numerous event spaces and arenas. Among them are the Porsche-Arena which puts on all kinds of thrilling indoor sporting events and the much larger MHPArena home to the city’s football club VfB Stuttgart. Its Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle also hosts exhilarating concerts by big name acts.

Other than catching an action-packed game or touring around the museum, there are also swimming pools and sports facilities to make use of. Neckar Park also hosts both the Cannstatter Volksfest and Fruhlingsfest in the Autumn and Spring of each year. These three-week-long fun fairs have tons of rides, attractions and food stalls to enjoy. For adults, there are also vast beer tents full of rowdy revelers!

13. Visit Hohenzollern Castle

If you have a bit of extra time in town, it is well worth visiting the humongous Hohenzollern Castle, an hour’s drive south of Stuttgart. The second-largest in all Germany, it has a large collection of artistic and architectural treasures to inspect.

Perched atop the mighty mount of the same name, the colossal castle is the third one to occupy the same strategic spot. While the first was constructed in the early eleventh-century, its soaring towers , sturdy walls and sumptuous halls date to 1867.

The ancestral seat of the Imperial House of Hohenzollern, its palace and treasury display a startling collection of artifacts and artworks. These include not just old suits of armor and glittering jewels but phenomenal paintings, statues and swords too. A must for art and history lovers, its exquisitely decorated interiors, incredible architecture and outstanding views all make for a memorable day out.

12. Konigstrasse

Running right through the center of the city is the very lively Konigstrasse; Stuttgart’s main shopping street. Bordered by hundreds of top-class shops and restaurants, it is much more convenient to stop by Outletcity’s high-end stores.

One of Germany’s longest pedestrian streets, it starts from the main station and stretches well over a kilometer in length. Divided in two by the picturesque Palace Square, the busy boulevard has lots of leafy trees providing some much needed shade down its center. Some small fountains and benches are also dotted here and there.

To either side are elegant boutiques, enormous department stores and plenty of fast food eateries. It also has innumerable cafes and restaurants lying alongside it and the surrounding streets too. With everything so close to hand, it is almost impossible to visit Stuttgart and not pass by Konigstrasse at some point or other.

11. Porsche Museum

Long one of Stuttgart’s top tourist attractions, the fantastic Porsche Museum can be found on its very northern outskirts. Housed in a very futuristic-looking building, it traces the history of the automobile brand with dozens of cool classic cars of course displayed in its sparkling showrooms.

Located just outside of Zuffenhausen where the luxurious carmaker’s headquarters is based, it now has over eighty vehicles to admire. Interactive exhibits highlight how the design and engineering of the stylish cars have evolved over the decades. As well as examining all its photogenic, flashy Porches, you can take tours of its workshop to see how they’re produced and maintained.

Just as impressive is the marvelous modern building of the museum itself. Only opened in 2009, its cutting-edge architecture and brilliantly laid out bright white interior perfectly present the iconic race cars of the internationally-renowned brand.

10. Ludwigsburg Palace

Fittingly known as the ‘Versailles of Swabia’, the large and lavish Ludwigsburg Palace has hundreds of resplendent rooms and immaculately maintained gardens to explore. In addition to marveling at all its magnificent halls and apartments, it also contains fashion, ceramics and theater museums.

Originally intended to be a hunting lodge, it eventually expanded into the largest palatial estate in the country. Duke Charles Eugene really spared no expense with over 450 impeccably decorated rooms now found across its eighteen beautiful Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical-style buildings.

Completed in 1733, it now has terrific guided tours to take around its royal apartments. As you amble about, you’ll hear about its interesting history and the dukes of old who lived here. Highlighting their extraordinary wealth and power are the stunning chandeliers and statues, frescoes and paintings on show all around you.

After gazing at all its glittering treasures and stopping by a museum or two, you can saunter about its gorgeous grounds and gardens. This really is a treat as English landscaped sections feature next to symmetrical French and terraced Italian gardens too. All in all, the immense palace and the park around it certainly warrant a visit. It normally takes half an hour to reach them from the center of Stuttgart.

9. Killesberg Park

Another hugely attractive outdoor area to stroll around is the ginormous Killesberg Park on the north side of town. Home to lots of gardens, fountains, woods and wide open spaces, it is a very pleasant spot to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in nature.

Formerly a quarry, its expansive site was transformed into a park for a major horticultural show back in 1939. Since then, locals and tourists have headed here to walk and cycle amongst all its blooming flowerbeds and reflective ponds. There are also some animal enclosures to see containing goats, llamas and flamingos and a small train to hop on that takes you around the park.

One of its main attractions is its forty meter high observation tower which has a very cool design as open-air stairways spiral their way up to the top. From here, you bask in commanding views out over the park and city in the distance.

Each year, Killesberg also hosts the enchanting Lichterfest Stuttgart which sees thousands of lovely lanterns strung up amidst its trees.

8. Landesmuseum

Offering up a fascinating look into Wurttemberg’s rich history and cultural heritage is the outstanding Landesmuseum. Packed with ancient artifacts and interactive exhibitions, it occupies the Old Castle along one side of Palace Square.

Established in 1862, the museum’s collections actually date back even further to the ‘cabinet of arts and curiosities’ assembled by the dukes since the sixteenth-century. It certainly lives up to its original name as everything from Aztec feather shields and centuries-old celestial globes to medieval art and musical instruments are on display. You can also see the wonderful Wurttemberg crown jewels here among many other treasures.

Delightfully presented, all its old glasswork, jewellery, statues and weapons are amazing to see with something new, interesting and unusual popping up wherever you look. For us, the museum was by far one of our favorite places in Stuttgart thanks to all these unique artifacts. The castle also has a charming courtyard to take pictures in containing a dramatic statue of Eberhard I on horseback.

7. Zoo Wilhelma

One of the favourite things to do in Stuttgart with families, Zoo Wilhelma is home to thousands of exotic animals from all around the world. One of the largest in the nation, its spacious exhibits are set amongst lovingly landscaped grounds with beautiful botanical gardens also making up part of its complex.

Once the private retreat of King Wilhelm I, its grand grounds were first opened to the public in 1919. Since turning into a zoo, it has amassed quite the collection with over 11,500 animals of some 1,200 or so species now represented. These include not just ginormous giraffes and hippos but adorable orangutans and playful penguins too.

What’s more, many of its cute residents live in repurposed Moorish Revival buildings that were built back in the nineteenth-century for the king. Along with all its pretty animals and plants, these elegant structures only make the zoo even more memorable to explore.

6. Take the train to Esslingen

As it lies so close by, it is definitely well worth taking the train to Esslingen to see its atmospheric Old Town. Only half an hour away, getting lost amongst all its half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Nestled in the Neckar Valley, the former free imperial city thrived for centuries as an important center of trade. Remarkably well-preserved, its center boasts well over 200 attractive old buildings that date to between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. You can snap some fabulous photos of its historic houses and canals from the Old Town’s small stone bridges.

Overlooking everything are the weathered ramparts and towers of Esslingen’s hilltop castle. From up high, you can gaze out over all the city’s red rooftops and verdant vineyards below. The town’s other main site is the Church of St. Dionys which looks quite unusual as a lofty bridge connects its two tall towers.

5. Stuttgart Christmas Market

One of the best times of year to visit Stuttgart is in winter when its magical Christmas Market is held. For around a month, over 280 rustic log cabins pack the streets and squares. Here vendors sell everything from handmade arts and crafts to seasonal food and holiday decorations.

One of the oldest and most traditional in all of Europe, the market’s origins impressively date way back to 1692. The city certainly goes all out as its hundreds of stands are draped in tinsel and twinkling fairy lights. While some sell wonderfully made wooden toys, knitted clothes and brightly coloured baubles, others have tasty gluhwein, roast chestnuts and sausages for you to try.

Palace Square also has a special children’s fairytale land for young ones to enjoy. As well as a Ferris wheel and miniature train, it has a sizable skating rink to shoot around. In a country renowned for its Christmas markets, Stuttgart’s is still one of the largest and loveliest. To top it all off, choirs, marching bands and other performers all also put on scintillating shows during the month.

4. Staatsgalerie

Just a stone’s throw from the Old Castle and Palace Square is the Staatsgalerie; another of the city’s standout sights. One of Germany’s most popular museums, it houses an exceptional collection of art that spans more than seven centuries.

First opened in 1843, its 5,000 paintings, photos and sculptures are now spread across a number of buildings. In its original Neoclassical-style gallery, visitors can examine unbelievable paintings by Dutch and Italian masters. Exquisite German Renaissance artworks are also presented here.

While these masterpieces are already incredible to see, the museum is most known for its collection of twentieth-century art. These are displayed in an appropriately colourful and contemporary building designed by James Stirling that was quite controversial when it was first unveiled.

Just as eye-catching as its slanted shapes and bright purples, greens and blues are of course the art installations within. With everyone from Dali and Kandinsky to Miro, Matisse and Picasso, it was probably one of the best modern art museums we’ve been to.

3. Fernsehturm Stuttgart Observation Deck

For the best views imaginable over the city and its scenic surroundings, head up to the Fernsehturm Stuttgart Observation Deck. Visible for countless kilometers around, the now iconic landmark rises dramatically from its hilltop setting southeast of the center.

The prototype for all modern telecommunications towers, it was completed in 1956. The very first to be built out of reinforced concrete, its tower and antenna soar a staggering 216 meters in total. While the city’s inhabitants were initially skeptical, the Fernsehturm has been very popular ever since.

From its 150 meter-high observation deck, you can enjoy phenomenal panoramas over Stuttgart, the Swabian countryside and even the Black Forest far off in the distance. If you want to drink in its epic views even longer, there is also a little cafe where you can sip a coffee while looking out over all the spectacular scenery before you.

2. Palace Square

The heart and soul of life in town, the expansive Palace Square is lined by many of Stuttgart’s most important and impressive buildings. Known in German as Schlossplatz, its wide-open gardens, plaza and green spaces have now been its focal point for centuries.

Dominating one side of the square is the enormous Neues Schloss which was erected back in 1807. Now home to various ministries of the Baden-Wurttemberg state government, its lovely late Baroque facade makes for some fantastic photos with the gigantic Jubilee Column rising in the foreground.

One of the square’s main landmarks, the massive monument looks quite the sight with the twin fountains and flowerbeds around it. Also attracting lots of attention is its ornate iron-cast bandstand, the Old Castle and cube-like Kunstmuseum.

After wandering along the rather drab, grey Konigstrasse, we were amazed to see the picturesque square suddenly opening up before us. Our favorite part of the city center, it has a very vibrant feel with plenty of people strolling about. Concerts and festivals also take place here from time to time.

1. Mercedes-Benz Museum

With its astonishing architecture, interesting exhibits and, of course, all its seriously cool cars, it is no wonder the Mercedes-Benz Museum is the most-visited attraction in Stuttgart. Part of Neckar Park, it covers over 130 years of automotive history with even non-petrolheads sure to be impressed.

Founded in 2006, the enthralling exhibits and antique vehicles occupy a magnificent modern building just outside the Daimler factory. Once past its glinting glass and metal exterior, you’ll find over 1,500 exhibits spread across nine floors. These start with Karl Benz creating the first car in 1885 and take you right up to the present day.

While learning about its invention and evolution is fascinating, the highlight is inspecting the roughly 160 classic cars and modern vehicles on show. Delightfully displayed (the museum is a work of art), these include early carriages, old trucks and legendary race cars.

With so many historic old vehicles and iconic designs to see, the Mercedes-Benz Museum really is a must, even if you’re not particularly interested in cars.

Where to Stay in Stuttgart

The most convenient part of the city to stay in is the centre or around the train station. This means you can easily see the attractions in Stuttgart or hop on a metro, tram, bus or train to ones further away.

One such option is the quiet, relaxed Hotel Royal . Located within walking distance of Konigstrasse and Schlossplatz, it has comfy, modern rooms that guarantee guests a wonderful stay. The four-star hotel also has friendly, welcoming staff and a top-class restaurant serving both local German dishes and international cuisine.

Just a tiny bit further out of the center is the peaceful Pension am Heusteig . Simple and small, it provides excellent value for money with the informal guesthouse still only lying fifteen minutes from many main sights. Aside from clean, well-equipped rooms, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast either in its dining room or out on the terrace.

How to get there

Well-connected to the rest of Germany and Europe, the city is served by Stuttgart Airport on the southern outskirts. High-speed trains can also whisk you to Frankfurt Airport – one of the continent’s main aviation hubs – in just an hour.

As it is also an important rail hub, cities such as Augsburg, Cologne and Frankfurt are only a couple of hours away. It also runs high-speed international services to Strasbourg, Vienna and Zurich. Even Paris can be reached in just over three hours by train.

Dozens of long-distance buses from all around the country and further afield also check in at the city each day. As Autobahn A8, A81 and A381 all pass by its outskirts, you can quickly drive to and from Stuttgart in no time at all.

Once you arrive, its efficient network of buses, metros and trams will take you wherever you need to go. Other than using the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, your best bet is to walk if you don’t have far to go.

Approximate travel times:

• Heidelberg – 1.5 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
• Freiburg – 2 hours by car, 2 hours by train
• Strasbourg (France) – 1.5 hours by car, 2 hours by train
• Munich – 2.5 hours by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by train
• Zurich (Switzerland) – 2.5 hours by car, 3 hours by train
• Frankfurt – 2 hours by car, 1 hour 15 minutes by train
• Paris (France) – 6 hours by car, 3 hours 30 minutes by train
• Vienna (Austria) – 7 hours by car, 6 hours by train

Best Time to Visit Stuttgart

Spread across rolling hills and valleys along the Neckar River, Stuttgart lies in the southwest of Germany, not far from the Black Forest. Already very green, it is most pleasant to visit in summer when temperatures average 21 to 24°C (70-75°F).

While this is also the busiest, most expensive season, strolling about the centre and its hills and forests is particularly lovely in the warm weather. This is also when popular events like the JazzOpen and Stuttgart Summer Festival are held.

Autumn also sees its world-famous Volksfest take over its fairgrounds. Aside from enjoying the beer festival, parade and amusement rides, temperatures of 14 to 20°C (57-68°F) mean you can still enjoy some outdoor activities. Although the weather is unpredictable, people still pour in for its ten-day Weindorf wine festival.

Until spring, the city is rather cold, dull, wet and windy. Its festive Weihnachtsmarkt – one of Germany’s oldest and most traditional Christmas markets – does attract millions of visitors though in the dark of December.

While April and May are among the rainiest months in Stuttgart, the return of life and color to its hills and parks can make it a nice time to visit.

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What to do in Stuttgart, Germany

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From the epic Mercedes-Benz Museum to Germany’s second largest beer festival, this is my definitive guide to sightseeing in Stuttgart!

If you’re looking at what to do in Stuttgart then you’ve come to the right place. This blog post is packed full of advice and information so you can have the best weekend in Stuttgart.

I have to say I really love Stuttgart and it’s a city that too me by surprise. There are loads of fun things to do in Stuttgart, it’s incredibly easy to get around, it has some of the best shopping in all of Germany and it is also home to the 2 nd largest beer festival in the country.

You’ve heard of Oktoberfest, right? Well let me introduce you to Frühlingsfest, the less touristy and more authentic version of Oktoberfest. I went for just one day and I can honestly say it’s one of the most fun festivals I’ve ever been to. I can’t wait to come back here again just for this beer festival.

Stuttgart is also a city famous for cars with two awesome museums that’ll please any petrolhead – the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Stuttgart is one of the most popular places to visit in Germany.

Planning a trip to Germany? Then make sure you check out my city guides to Berlin , Dresden , Dusseldorf and the Bastei Bridge .

Are you looking for some of the best things to do in the city? Then check out my video on what to do in Stuttgart!

My Stuttgart itinerary

I spent a couple of days searching for all the best things to do in Stuttgart and I really loved the city vibes here.

From walking around the cobbled side streets in the Old Town to climbing to the top of the TV Tower, it’s easy to pack in lots in a short amount of time.

Also, I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited visiting a library before. If you’ve never seen photos of the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart get ready to drool because this place is a photographer’s paradise. It’s one of the most photogenic places in Germany and I can’t recommend popping in enough.

So, if you’re heading to the city then make sure you check out my definitive guide to sightseeing in Stuttgart! I really hope you find this useful in planning your trip. If you have any questions at all just let me know in the comments below.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

There’s a reason why this is one of the top tourist attractions in Stuttgart.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates 130 years of motorcar history. There are more than 1,500 exhibits over 9 floors so it’s safe to say this place is massive.

The building of the Mercedes-Benz Museum is an architectural masterpiece. It’s uber modern with this sweeping design making it one of the best German landmarks in the country.

You start on the top floor which dates back to some of the world’s first cars and motorcycles. Then you spiral down through the museum as it takes you through the years all the way up to the modern-day speedsters and F1 cars of today.

The layout of the museum is really clever as everyone flows from the top to the bottom. As everyone is heading in the same direction it makes for a really nice and relaxed experience.

A few of my favourite cars were the Popemobile (infamous for being shot at) and Nico Rosberg’s 2016 F1 Silver Arrow.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is somewhat of a pilgrimage for car enthusiasts but I think everyone will love this place.

The biggest accolade I can give this place is Chloe loved it too and she really isn’t into cars!

This is included in the 24-hour sightseeing bus tour .

Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (Stuttgart Library)

Instaporn. That’s how I would describe the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart .

Opened in 2011, the library has become a mecca for book-lovers and photographers alike. What makes the library so distinct are the clean lines of symmetry – it’s almost as if you’re standing in a giant 3D bookcase.

I really enjoy architecture photography so I could’ve spent all day taking photos here, but do remember it is a library so respect people’s privacy and if you can turn off your camera beep then do so.

It’s also worth wandering around all the different floors. In one corner I discovered a cool robot system that was sifting through and sorting books then taking them off to other parts of the library.

It’s strange to add a public library as one of the top things to do in Stuttgart but I really think it’s worth a visit.

The library is open to the public from 9am till 9pm and it is closed on Thursday and Sunday. There’s a viewing platform on top of the building and a café on the top floor too.

Frühlingsfest

Get ready to party!!! As I’ve already said, Frühlingsfest is one of the best festivals I’ve ever been to.

Frühlingsfest is Stuttgart’s spring festival that takes place between the middle of April and the beginning of May every year.

Imagine big beer tents, long tables with everyone dancing on them, giant steins of beer being drunk, Bavarian costumes everywhere. It really is just like this.

What I really loved about Frühlingsfest though is it’s a festival for locals and Germans. I’ve heard that Oktoberfest is overrun with drunk Brits and tourists, but this felt like a proper local festival.

The best thing to do at Frühlingsfest is to just immerse yourself in the atmosphere. I bought myself a stein, jumped up on the table and danced to “bunga bunga bunga bungalow” even though I didn’t know the words. It was such a good experience.

Even though Frühlingsfest is the name of the beer festival, there are a number of beer tents dotted around the site so I really recommend you trying a few.

If you’re looking at what to do in Stuttgart then make sure you add this beer festival to the list!

Also, there’s a giant funfair at Frühlingsfest with loads of great rides and cuddly toys to be won (though I failed miserably in that department).

If you want to get a sense of how big Frühlingsfest is then ride the 47 metre ferris wheel for some of the best views around.

If you’re into your beer festivals then this is definitely one for you. I can’t recommend this event enough!

Fernsehturm Stuttgart (Stuttgart TV Tower)

Here’s an interesting fact for you – the Fernsehturm Stuttgart was the world’s first ever television tower built in 1956. How about that as a pub quiz fact!?

Standing at 217 metres-tall, you can see the TV tower from all over the city. However, it’s only when you stand underneath and crane your neck up that you appreciate how big it is.

As I’m always on the best viewpoints whenever I get somewhere I just had to head to the top of the TV. Up on the 148 th floor is an outside viewing platform (quite rare for a tower) which gives you 360-degree panoramic views of the city. I never realised that Stuttgart was surrounded by forests – it’s such a green city!

There’s also a restaurant at the Stuttgart TV Tower so I really recommend grabbing coffee or a bite to eat and drinking in the views.

The tower stays open until 23:00 in summer, and the sunset and Stuttgart’s lights are well worth the entry fee if you pick a clear day.

Tickets cost €9 per person and this is definitely one of the best spots for sightseeing in Stuttgart.

Sepulchral Chapel

If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Stuttgart then head to the top of Württemberg hill.

Perched high upon Württemberg hill overlooking Stuttgart and the Neckar valley is Sepulchral Chapel. This is the burial chapel erected by King Wilhelm I as a monument to his beloved wife after her premature death in 1819.

As an ode to his wife, Sepulchral Chapel is also known as “the chapel of eternal love” making this one of the romantic spots in the city.

From the steps of the chapel you’ve got the best view of Stuttgart where you can clearly see sites such as the Mercedes-Benz Arena and the Fernsehturm.

Also, this is wine country (yes, Germany produces some amazing wines) and surrounding Sepulchral Chapel are these beautiful vineyards. If you’re coming all this way then I recommend going wine tasting at a couple of the vineyards or going on a few hiking trails in the area.

Markethalle

Markethalle is where you can travel around the world without having to leave the building.

As a gourmet destination the Markthalle has stalls selling specialty foods and exotic treats from all over. There’s baklava from Turkey, cold meats and cheese from Spain, arancini and prosecco from Italy and a hundred other tastes and flavours.

It’s best to come here with an empty stomach. I spent half an hour walking from stall to stall trying a few samples of food along the way. I eventually settled on a really nice aubergine and goats cheese sandwich from Spain and a mushroom arancini from Italy which I swear was one of the best I’ve ever had.

Up on the first floor there’s a little gallery. I suggest getting yourself a glass of wine and watching the world go by – it’s a great people-watching spot.

There’s an Italian restaurant there as well if you’re looking for a sit-down meal. A visit to the Markthalle is a must on any Stuttgart itinerary.

Kunstmuseum

When you’re sightseeing in Stuttgart you’ve got to add the Kunstmuseum on your list of places to visit.  

The Kunstmuseum’s bold design as a reflective glass cube is in stark contracts to the surrounding palaces in the Schlossplatz making this one of the most iconic buildings in the city.

Inside, the Kunstmuseum is home to the city’s modern and contemporary art museum. I spent an hour here wandering around and it was actually one of my favourite spots in the city.

Highlights of the museum’s extensive collection include some of the most important works by German artists Dieter Roth and Willi Baumeister, as well as the largest collection of important works by Otto Dix.

If you head up to the top floor then you’ll get an amazing view of the Schlossplatz.

Tickets cost €11 per person or is free with the Stuttgart city card .

Stuttgart Schillerplatz

Like architecture and looking at what to do in Stuttgart? Then check out the Schillerplatz.

A bit like with Düsseldorf , Stuttgart has a very beautiful old town known as Schillerplatz packed full of gorgeous buildings.

Right in the centre of it is a monument to Friedrich Schiller. He was a dramatist, historian, philosopher, poet and one of Germany’s most famous cultural giants.

The square is the site of a flower market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, and in December joins the Schlossplatz and Marktplatz, on either side of Schillerplatz, as home to the Christmas Market.

I think Schillerplatz is one of the best photo spots in the city so make sure you bring your camera!

Stuttgart packing list

As you can imagine, I travel a lot. It comes with the territory of being a travel blogger! That being said, there are some things that I now can’t travel without. If you’re planning your Stuttgart itinerary, I’d really recommend taking these items with you:

• Sunglasses: Mens | Womens – These are an absolute must as soon as you step off the plane, holiday mode very firmly on!
• Cool felt hat – I always love travelling with a hat these days, especially during summer when the sun’s out.
• Rain jacket: Mens | Womens – Sorry guys, but it’s always a good idea to travel with a pac-a-mac or rain jacket that packs down small. Fingers crossed you won’t need to use it.
• Bum bag – Very easy and simple for wandering around a city and it means you can leave a big bag at the hotel room.
• Sleep mask – 100% take this with me on every trip.
• Ear plugs – Even if you’re staying in a 5* hotel, you might need ear plugs.

• Water bottle – I am a water bottle convert and I barely leave the house without one now. This is a great water bottle with a built in straw – it’s surprisingly handy!
• Waterproof phone carrier – Another game changer. I always use this when I’m on the beach to protect my phone from sand or when I’m kayaking to protect it from water.
• Portable charger – Does anyone travel without these now? This one is my favourite – just make sure you charge it before you get on the plane!
• Jabra earbuds – After trying so many different types of earbuds, these are now my go-to ones. Great for wandering around a city.
• Multi-adapter plug – This is the one item you’re most likely to forget.

A lot of people ask me “is Stuttgart worth visiting?” and I would say 100% yes. It’s a really trendy city with loads of things to do there, especially for a weekend away. Hopefully this blog post inspires you to visit here!

My trip to Germany was in association with Visit Germany , Visit Stuttgart & Eurowings for their #GermanSummerStories campaign highlighting some of the best cities to visit in Germany in the summer. As always, views are entirely my own and without bias.

If you’ve got any questions about what to do in Stuttgart then let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

6 thoughts on “What to do in Stuttgart, Germany”

Sorry but if that’s as good as it gets, then I for one will not be wasting any part of my Holiday there. Want some where nice to spend the day, go to Riquewihr or Kaysaberg 68340 France or spend some time visiting Strasbourg Cathedral and take the Noddy Train before going for lunch in one of the hundreds of restuarants.

I could go on and bore you but lets call this a teaser as to what is realy out there if you do some research.

Mr Spence Eng

Thanks I think? I know different people like different things!

I also would like to know how to travel cheap in Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Thanks!

You best best is by bus and trains. Busses are usually cheaper (check out Flix Bus). Or car sharing is becoming more and more popular too. I hope that helps!

This is super helpful! Thanks!

You’re very welcome!

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Germany Travel Guide

Stuttgart Germany: 2-day Itinerary and Map

Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg , known as the cradle of Germany’s automobile industry .

How to spend 2 days in Stuttgart Germany

In this 2-day itinerary in Stuttgart , discover the main attractions of the city.

Day 1 in Stuttgart

Start the day by visiting Schlossplatz , the city’s largest square where the Neues Schloss is located. The palace was once home to ancient kings and is currently used by the state government.

Head to Schillerplatz where the Altes Schloss which houses the Württemberg Landesmuseum is located.

Near the Schillerplatz is the Stiftskirche , Württemberg’s main Lutheran Church destroyed in World War II and restored in 1950.

Take a stroll along Königstrasse , a street lined with shops, boutiques, galleries, department stores, restaurants, and cafes. Head to Schloss Solitude for magnificent views.

Things to see

• Schlossplatz
• Neues Schloss
• Altes Schloss
• Schillerplatz
• Stiftskirche
• Königstrasse
• Schloss Solitude

Day 1 Itinerary Map

Day 2 in Stuttgart

On the second day in Stuttgart visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum (please note that museums are closed on Mondays).

In the afternoon visit Grabkapelle for views of Stuttgart .

• Porsche Museum
• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Grabkapelle

Day 2 Itinerary Map

Sights in Stuttgart

1. neues schloss.

The Neues Schloss overlooks the Schlossplatz square.

The palace was built in the late Baroque style and its construction was completed in 1807. The palace was once home to ancient kings and it is now used by the state government.

Schloßpl. 4, 70173

2. Schlossplatz

The Schlossplatz is the largest square in Stuttgart Mitte . It houses the Neues Schloss .

70173 Stuttgart

3. Altes Schloss

The Altes Schloss is located near the Schlossplatz . It is home to the Württemberg Landesmuseum with its beautiful collection of medieval art, musical instruments, clocks, and Württemberg crown jewelry.

Schillerpl. 6, 70173

4. Staatsgalerie

The Staatsgalerie is home to one of Germany ‘s finest art collections and also one of the most visited museums.

It is composed of 3 buildings.

Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 30-32, 70173

5. Mercedes-Benz Museum

The Mercedes-Benz Museum has exhibitions related to the development of automobiles. More than 160 vehicles are on display and are the star of the visit.

Mercedesstraße 100, 70372

6. Grabkapelle

The Grabkapelle on the Württemberg hill was erected by King Wilhelm I in memory of his beloved wife Katharina, who died young.

The location offers spectacular views of the city.

Württembergstraße 340, 70327

7. Schloss Solitude

The Schloss Solitude is the most ambitious and personal creation of Duke Carl Eugen.

From the palace, you will have magnificent views of the city.

Solitude 1, 70197

8. Wilhelma Zoo

The Wilhelma Zoo attracts thousands of visitors every year. The zoo has more than 8000 animals and about 1000 species.

Wilhelmapl. 13, 70376

9. Königstrasse

The Königstrasse is a street in Stuttgart with many nice shops, boutiques, galleries, department stores, cafés, and restaurants.

10. Schillerplatz

The Schillerplatz is located in the old town and features a monument of Friedrich Schiller , one of the country’s most famous poets.

Near the square, the Rathaus and Marktplatz are located.

11. Killesbergpark

The Killesbergpark is an urban park located in the north of the city. The park has 123 acres.

Menzelstraße 80, 70192

12. Porsche Museum

The Porsche Museum has an exhibition with more than 80 cars in an area of 5,600 square meters.

Porscheplatz 1, 70435

13. Stiftskirche

Stiftskirche is the main Evangelical Lutheran Church in Württemberg . It is located in the center of the city.

The church was heavily destroyed during World War II. In 1950 the church was restored.

Stiftstraße 12, 70173

14. Schloss Ludwigsburg

The Schloss Ludwigsburg is located 15.5 km (9.7 miles) from Stuttgart . It is the largest baroque palace in Germany and one of the largest in Europe .

Schlossstraße 30, 71634

15. Hohenzollern Castle

The Hohenzollern Castle is located 68 km (42.2 miles) from the Stuttgart Central Station .

Several concerts, open-air cinemas, and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany make the castle an attractive cultural event all year round.

72379 Burg Hohenzollern

Where to stay in Stuttgart

1. mercure stuttgart city center.

The Mercure Stuttgart City Center is located a few minutes from the Stuttgart Central Station and the shopping area.

Rooms are equipped with a TV, work desk, and safe.

Heilbronner Str. 88, 70191

2. Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart

The Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart is located near the Mercedes-Benz Museum .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, and minibar.

Mercedesstraße 75, 70372

3. Dormero Hotel Stuttgart

The Dormero Hotel Stuttgart is located 10.6 km (6.6 miles) from Stuttgart Central Station .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and safe.

Plieninger Str. 100, 70567

Shopping in Stuttgart

1. königsbau passagen stuttgart.

The Königsbau Passagen Stuttgart is a shopping mall located right in the heart of Stuttgart , near the Neues Schloss .

The mall houses clothing and shoe stores, a pharmacy, and banks.

Königstraße 26, 70173 Stuttgart Germany

2. Das Gerber Stuttgart

Das Gerber Stuttgart is a small shopping mall located a 15-minute walk from Schlossplatz .

The mall houses clothing and beauty product stores, as well as restaurants and cafes.

Sophienstraße 21, 70178 Stuttgart Germany

3. Galeria Kaufhof Stuttgart

Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.

Königstraße 6, 70173 Stuttgart Germany

Plan your Trip

Stuttgart  has easy train access from various cities in  Germany . Famous cities nearby: Esslingen am Neckar , Frankfurt , Heidelberg, Würzburg .

Esslingen am Neckar – 17 km (10.6 miles)

Frankfurt – 205 km (127 miles)

Heidelberg – 121 km (75.4 miles)

Würzburg – 147 km (91.3 miles)

Ulm – 92.1 km (57.2 miles)

Book a Train Trip

Stuttgart Germany Map

Book your trip, book your accommodation.

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using  Momondo . Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio . Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com .

10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide

40 Popular Train Routes in Germany

German States Map

German States and Regions

Stuttgart Travel Guide

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Thinking about visiting Stuttgart? This guide will help you start your planning to this vibrant city north of the Black Forest. Many of our itinerary planning clients visit Stuttgart’s famous Christmas markets or the car museums, but as Cate discovered when she lived in Stuttgart, there’s so much more to do and see. Stuttgart has a good-sized airport with international flights to the US so it can be a great starting or ending point for your trip.

Keep reading for the best sights, hotels, day trips, and more in the Stuttgart area!

What to Do and See in Stuttgart

With the Black Forest to the south, the Schwäbish Alb (Swabian Alps) to the northeast, and France to the west, the Stuttgart area has a lot to offer.

Home of the legendary Cannstatter Volksfest (better than Oktoberfest!), a  huge historic Christmas market , and vineyards right in the city, you’ll find plenty to do, see, and experience in and around this off-the-tourist-path city.

TIP:  if you’re only in Stuttgart in for a day or two, maximize your time by starting with the  Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour . In just a couple hours you can see a lot of the city (including vineyards), which then leaves you time to zero in on the sights you want to explore in more depth.

Best Things to See and Do in Stuttgart

View our 31+ top recommendations!

Best Stuttgart Accommodations

You’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options in Stuttgart, including hotels, B&Bs, and apartments. We recommend staying in the downtown Stuttgart area near Schlossplatz, the train station or Königstrasse pedestrian area (that’s where we like to stay). Nearly everything you’ll want to see will be within walking distance. You can also easily catch public transportation to other parts of the city from this area.

If you have our  Germany Travel Planner  you’ll find recommended hotels on our interactive planning map. Seeing where these hotels are in relation to the top sights makes it a lot easier to find the perfect place to stay.  If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Best Hotels in Stuttgart

See our top recommendation here!

The Stuttgart Christmas Market

Evergreens covered in twinkling lights. Wooden stalls filled with crafts, toys, and festive holiday decor. Bratwurst, Gebrannte Mandeln (cinnamon roasted almonds), and Glühwein in souvenir mugs…yes, it’s Christmas market season in Germany!

In this epic article we share everything you need to know to make your visit to the Stuttgart Christmas market a great one!

Stuttgart Tours and Tickets

Stuttgart has several guided tours and special tickets to make your visit extra fun. Book in advance so you don’t have to scramble once you’re in town and potentially miss out on an activity or tour you’re looking forward to!

If you want to see a lot of Stuttgart in a short about of time, hop on the HOHO bus and ride it all the way around. Even though I lived in Stuttgart, I enjoyed this easy city tour!

organized activities from our affiliates – IN ENGLISH

Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

Click here for price and availability .

Private City Walk

Click here for price and availability.

Highlights of the City Center

Click here for details .

StuttCard – Sightseeing, Culture and Culinary Delights .

Free and discounted entry at over 50 partners. Click here for details .

organized activities from our affiliates – IN GERMAN

Guided Tour of the Stuttgart Market Hall

Stuttgart Wine Museum Wine Tasting

Culinary Excursion through Bad Cannstatt

Stuttgart Wine Tour

Click here for price and tour days .

Mercedes-Benz Arena Tour

Know before you go.

Airport:  Stuttgart International Airport (STR) Currency:  Euro Language:   The official language of Germany is German (Deutsch) Time zone:  Central European Time (CET / GMT+ 2 / 6 hours ahead of US EST) Germany Visa:  tourists from the US, Canada, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for under 90 days. Germany Electricity Socket:  Germany uses different voltage and sockets than in North America, the UK, and other parts of the world.  Read our guide to adapters and converters  so you can safely use your tech in Germany. Germany SIM card:  Read our guide here to SIM cards  and other ways to use your phone in Germany. Germany Car Rentals:  We find  great deals on rental cars here . You can also check out our scenic  Germany road trips article here.

Recommended Day Trips from Stuttgart

One of the best things about making Stuttgart your home base while visiting Baden-Württemberg is that you have countless day trip options. You can plan your own day trips for maximum flexibility or book a guided tour for maximum relaxation and convenience. Here are some ideas to get your planning started.

FROM OUR BLOG…

Best Day Trips from Stuttgart

Read about our best day trip recommendations from Stuttgart!

Visit Ludwigsburg Palace

Click to learn more… ➔

Visit Lichtenstein Castle

Visit Esslingen

Visit Hohenzollern Castle

Visit Tübingen

MORE ADVENTURES…

Beuren Open Air Museum

Explore this period village with historical buildings and rural culture. Discounted entrance with StuttCard !

Swabian Forest Railway

Experience historic steam and diesel train rides through Swabian Forests. Sundays, May-October. Discount with StuttCard !

Stuttgart Travel FAQ

Where is stuttgart located.

Stuttgart is located in southwest Germany in the German Bundesland (state) of Baden-Württenberg. It’s south of Frankfurt, north of the Black Forest, and just a few hours away from France to the west and Switzerland to the south.

Where do I Get That Map?

If you have our  Germany Travel Planner,  you’ll find recommended hotels on our interactive planning map. Seeing where these hotels are in relation to the top sights makes it a lot easier to find the perfect place to stay.  If you don’t have it yet, click here to get access.

Is Stuttgart, Germany in Bavaria?

Nope! Stuttgart is in Baden-Württemberg, which is the state west of Bavaria. Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are the 2 German states that comprise the southern part of Germany.

What is Stuttgart, Germany Famous For?

Stuttgart is known for having vineyards within the city limits, beautiful hills surrounding the city center (so lovely at night!), BMW and Mercedes, a huge Christmas market, and lots of delicious regional food and drinks.

How to Get To Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is easy to reach via train, bus, car or plane. Consider flying directly into Stuttgart International Airport as an alternative to Frankfurt. I often fly in and out of Stuttgart because it’s so easy and stress free (Delta has a direct flight from Atlanta and it’s a quick hop from other European hubs).

You can then take the S-bahn into downtown Stuttgart in 40-ish minutes, a bus to Tübingen if you’re heading in that direction, or you can hop in a taxi or use the FreeNow app to go right to your hotel or apartment (generally about 30-40 minutes).

If you’re arriving via train or bus, you’ll arrive at the central train station downtown (Hauptbahnhof). From there you can walk to many downtown hotels ( check out our Stuttgart hotel guide here ) and tourist sights, take public transportation or grab a taxi.

Getting Around Stuttgart

If you stay in the city center, you should be able to walk to most sites. For the sites that are further away (e.g., TV tower, vineyards, BMW museum) you can hop on a tram, bus, U-bahn or S-bahn or use the Hop On Hop Off bus.

LOCATION Basics

Population 634,830 Stuttgart is capital of and the largest city in the German state of Baden-Württenberg.

Airport Stuttgart International Airport

Bundesland Baden-Württemberg

Train Travel Times to Stuttgart Berlin ➔ Stuttgart = 5.5 hrs Frankfurt ➔ Stuttgart = 1.5 hrs Munich ➔ Stuttgart = 2 hrs Strasbourg ➔ Stuttgart = 2 hrs Paris ➔ Stuttgart = 3.5 hrs Zurich ➔ Stuttgart = 3 hrs Prague ➔ Stuttgart = 7.5 hrs Brussels ➔ Stuttgart = 5 hrs

Fun Facts Stuttgart’s name comes from its horse breeding past. The area around which the city was developed was originally a site for breeding cavalry horses. This all makes sense when you see the Porsche logo!

All Stuttgart Area Guides…

The Best Hotels in Stuttgart

The Best Day Trips from Stuttgart

Stuttgart Christmas Markets

Best Things to See in Tübingen

Best Things to See in the Black Forest

Best Things to Do in Freiburg

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The 15 best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is the capital of the German state Baden-Württemberg and a wonderful stop in any German itinerary. The city with a population of 632,000 is often overlooked . Cologne, Berlin, or Munich are more popular, but not necessarily more beautiful. In this guide, I’m going to show you the top things to do in Stuttgart.

I lived one year in Baden-Württemberg and have been to Stuttgart many times. It’s maybe a little bit less exciting than other cities in Germany, but the lack of international mass tourism allows you to explore a more authentic side of my beautiful home country .

You probably won’t need to stay more than one day (I’ll recommend some hotels further down below), but there are quite some exciting tourist attractions in Stuttgart you can explore. In fact, you might want to get a Hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket * as it will be the easiest and fastest way to get around.

Anyway, let’s get started, eh?

Tip: Read my Germany packing list to come prepared! *affiliate link

Top things to do in Stuttgart

1. new palace & schlossplatz.

The Neue Schloss Stuttgart is probably the main tourist attraction in town. It was built in the second half of the 18th century and dominates the gigantic Palace Square ( Schlossplatz ) in the heart of the pedestrian area.

You cannot go inside as a couple of state departments are still located inside. There’s only a small archeological museum in one of the cellars, but that’s not why you should visit. The whole square is incredibly beautiful and you can just breathe in the atmosphere here.

2. Old Castle

Right next to the New Palace, you’ll find the Old Castle where the rulers of Baden-Württemberg lived before they decided they needed a more lavish place to represent their might. Inside, you’ll find the Landesmuseum Württemberg , which is beyond magnificent.

The archeological department houses some of the most important finds from the UNESCO World Heritage in Blaubeurren & Swabian Jura , though there is also an amazing treasure vault and quite interesting exhibits from the celts or the Romans. The famous Lion’s head of Vogelherd is one of the oldest sculptures on this planet and believed to be 35,000+ years old. And yet it looks like it was carved just yesterday.

It’s definitely among the top 10 museums in Germany. I love all the modern displays. They often offer hidden drawers with additional information or videos to put a certain artifact into context! So, definitely put it on your list of things to see in Stuttgart

3. Mercedes-Benz Museum

I’m not sure Stuttgart would be the same city it is today, without the invention of the first gasoline-powered car in 1886. Daimler, Mercedes, Maybach – some of the most important household names in the whole car industry converge in Stuttgart. Even 140 years later, the car industry still dominates Stuttgart.

One of the best places to get in contact with this prestigious history is the Mercedes-Benz Museum on the outskirts. Over 1,500 exhibits, nine levels, and 16,500 m² of exhibition space will be a true highlight for all enthusiasts of motorized means of travel.

4. Wilhelma

Stuttgart is also the home of the fantastic Wilhelma . It’s a huge zoo and botanical garden built in a historical park. It’s both among the most visited and most popular zoos in Germany and their great-ape projects have been setting new standards for the breeding of these endangered species since 1972.

It’s one of the best things to do in Stuttgart with kids and quite an enjoyable place to go for a walk. They got over 1,200 species and 6,000 different plants from all climate zones of the planet. In short, don’t miss it!

5. Porsche Museum

There are two important automobile museums in Stuttgart. If you are a fan of fast cars, then the Porsche-Museum is a must-see. The building is quite spectacular as well, so if you are an avid photographer, then there are actually two reasons to visit!

The museum is a bit smaller than the Mercedes-Benz museum and there are only a bit less than 100 vehicles on display. Still, it’s an exciting place and you’ll be able to get close to some of the most iconic cars in the world.

6. Public Library Stuttgart

Book-lovers harken! The public library in Stuttgart will be your best bet to view a glimpse of paradise. The Stadtbibiliothek Stuttgart is only a short walk away from the central station and is an Instagram dream come true.

There is also a beautiful rooftop café on the 8th floor which you should definitely check out. Other than that, just explore the mighty cube, pick a book, sit down, and breathe in the fantastic architecture. There is little not to love about this place!

7. Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

There are quite a lot of art museums in Stuttgart, but the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart is probably the most popular one. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of old masters, Bauhaus and modern paintings. They usually also have a temporary exhibition.

I do want to be honest with you, though: The State Gallery can’t live up to the fabulous art museums in Munich . But it’s still an interesting place – especially on a rainy day!

8. Day trip to Ludwigsburg Residential Palace

Do you want to visit one of Germany’s fairy tale castles? Then the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace should be on your list. It’s a fantastic half-day trip from Stuttgart and here you can actually visit the actual palace and marvel at the lavish interiors. The park around the castle is equally magnificent.

Make sure to also visit the exquisite Favorite Castle ( Schloss Favorite ) while you are in town. The Baroque hunting lodge might be somewhat small, but it’s oh so pretty!

9. Solitude Palace

If you don’t want to drive all that far, Solitude Palace is an excellent alternative. It may be smaller, but it’s quite enchanting nevertheless. Also, the views from the palace of Stuttgart is nothing short of breathtaking.

12. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Baden-Württemberg’s capital has a fantastic home for contemporary art. The Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is definitely worth a visit and you’ll find it right across the street from the new palace.

I particularly love the restaurant on the top floor. The food is quite excellent and you’ll have a fantastic view of the inner city from here. It’s certainly not the cheapest place, but I personally think it’s worth it. Don’t expect traditional Swabian food, though!

10. Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill

Another beautiful view-point in Stuttgart, especially for watching the sunset, is the Sepulchral Chapel on the Württemberg Hill . The neo-classic memorial is so beautiful and houses the remains of King William I. of Württemberg and his second wife.

I really love this place – it’s just so serene and beautiful. Downtown Stuttgart can be quite busy and here you will get a good feeling for the beauty of the whole areas surrounding the capital of Baden-Württemberg.

12. Stiftskirche Stuttgart

Right in the heart of the city, you will find the Sfitskirche (“collegiate church”) – the most important Evangelical-Lutheran Chuch in Württemberg. It was bombed heavily during World War II, but its foundations can actually be traced back to the 10th century.

The interiors are rather plain and functional, but it’s two characteristic bell towers are still one of the most famous landmarks in Stuttgart. Some of the reliefs and windows survived WWII (mostly because they were taken out of the church in time). The mixture of old and new is quite interesting.

13. State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart

Stuttgart has quite an amazing natural history museum. If you are traveling with kids, then the Naturkunde Museum has to be on your list of things to do in Stuttgart. It’s quite an interactive place with lots of taxidermies of the most popular species on this planet.

14. Carl-Zeiss Planetarium Stuttgart

Would you like to visit outer space? Well, right now it seems like you will need a lot of money to ever do so. But there’s a cheap solution – at the huge Planetarium Stuttgart , you can enjoy daily virtual reality shows that take you into space. Tickets are usually just 5 to 10€ (depending on the show) and it’s quite worth it!

15. Fernsehturm Stuttgart (television tower)

Would you like to get very high and enjoy a view of Stuttgart and the rest of Swabia? Then consider visiting the television tower . At the top of the 217-meter high tower, you can even find a restaurant. The perfect spot to observe the sunset!

Fun fact: The Stuttgart Television tower was the first of its kind in the world when it was finished in 1956 and served as a model for many other towers in the world. Before, most cell towers favored the construction used for the Eiffel Tower.

Other places to visit in Stuttgart

Stuttgart might be the capital of Baden-Württemberg, but there are actually not that many other popular things to do in the city. I personally love the Church at the Feuersee (“fire lake”). It’s one of the best photo spots in Stuttgart.

Also, you shouldn’t forget that there is a beautiful Opera and a famous theater just right behind the Palace. The Killesberg Park is a popular place where locals go for a walk.

Architect fans might enjoy visiting the cubist Weissenhof Estate or the Weissenhofmusuem at the House Le Corbusier.

Please keep in mind that some of the tourist attractions in Stuttgart (like the Wilhelma or the Porsche Museum) are not exactly in the city center. Even though the number of highlights is somewhat limited, it will take quite a bit of time to explore them – especially if you plan to explore the surrounding hills.

Where to stay in Stuttgart

Because Stuttgart is such an important center for the car industry, you’ll find plenty of options to stay a night in the city. Remember that Stuttgart has quite an excellent public transport system , so it’s doesn’t really matter a lot if you stay in the middle of the city or not.

For business trips, I personally am a huge fan of Motel One as they are always a combination of stylish, inexpensive and practical. I actually prefer them to many average luxury hotels (which is usually my preference). Anyways, here are my recommendations:

Luxury hotel in Stuttgart

• Le Méridien Stuttgart
• Hotel Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin

Mid-range hotels

• Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart
• Maritim Hotel Stuttgart

Budget hotels in Stuttgart

• Motel One Stuttgart
• ibis Styles Stuttgart

Best time to visit Stuttgart

I don’t think there is a good or bad time to visit Stuttgart. There will be a Christmas market in December which is quite lovely, but other than that, it really doesn’t matter when you visit . Weekends are usually quite busy, while a lot of museums will be closed on Mondays.

Things will be a bit busier during the European summer holidays, but nothing you would notice if you are familiar with other popular spots (like Neuschwanstein Castle , etc).

How to get from Munich to Stuttgart

There are regular train connections between Munich and Stuttgart . The highspeed trains take 2 hours and arrive at Stuttgart central station. They depart almost every hour. You can check your schedule and buy tickets on the official website of the German Railway Service .

There is also a bus between Stuttgart and Munich , but it only stops at the airport or further outside of the city . It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes (depending on the traffic), but only costs 9,90€. The train ticket will be around 50€. For budget-sensitive travelers, it can be a viable alternative, as there are very frequent & cheap connections between the airport and the city center.

You could also rent a car , which would make sense if you are traveling in a group of 3 or four. It won’t be faster than the train and will probably take around 2 hours and 30 minutes (just like the bus). Still, it’s a fairly easy route as the autobahn A8 connects the two towns. Just follow the signs saying “Stuttgart” which you will find on all major roads around Munich (or use google maps) to find your connection to the autobahn.

If you take the train, it is even possible to do a day trip from Munich to Stuttgart . I did it quite a couple of times!

Is Stuttgart worth visiting?

Stuttgart is a lovely town and certainly has its very unique charm. For car lovers, it’s certainly a must-visit. If you compare it to places like Bamberg or Nuremberg it probably can’t keep up. Stuttgart doesn’t have a medieval old town with half-timbered houses and neither is it a UNESCO World Heritage site like Bayreuth or Regensburg .

But it can be a nice stop in an extended Germany itinerary. The Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Wilhelma Zoo, and the Landesmuseum are true highlights and they could easily occupy you for a day! So, don’t hesitate to visit.

So, this was my guide to the best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany. I hope I was able to inspire you. Make sure to ask any questions in the comments below.

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The Ultimate Guide to over 50 Best Day Trips from Stuttgart Germany

Whether you live in or just visit Stuttgart and are trying to figure out what to do in Stuttgart, consider venturing outside of the city.  There are so many places to visit near Stuttgart that can be done in one day. We’ve put together the best day trips from Stuttgart in order to make it simple for you to find day tours from Stuttgart (and there are many tours to pick from!) and make sure that planning your Stuttgart day trips is much easier!  

Stuttgart is one of the best places to visit in Baden Wurttemberg.  The city has its own airport and is a very large city with a lot of amenities.  If you have little time and can only visit Stuttgart in one day, be sure to explore the city. 

 If you have 2 days in Stuttgart or more, make it a goal to explore cities close to Stuttgart. There is an abundance of places near Stuttgart to visit, whether you do a one day trip from Stuttgart or opt for a few weekend getaways from Stuttgart.  There are also several countries to visit near Stuttgart, including Strasbourg, France and Rhine Falls, Switzerland.

You’ll find castles near Stuttgart such as Hohenzollern and Lichtenstein, as well as beautiful places including Bodensee, Strasbourg, Heidelberg and more!   If you fall in love with some of these places (which is quite easy to do) any of these places make great weekend trips from Stuttgart as well.  

Strasbourg from Stuttgart

Munich from stuttgart, heidelberg from stuttgart:, rothenburg ob der tauber from stuttgart:, hohenzollern castle from stuttgart, lichtenstein castle from stuttgart:, lake constance from stuttgart:, mainau from stuttgart:, rhine falls from stuttgart:, ulm from stuttgart:, bad urach from stuttgart:, ludwigsburg palace from stuttgart:, europa park from stuttgart, tripsdill from stuttgart.

Strasbourg is a beautiful, not to be missed city in France’s Alsace region. With canals weaving through the city’s historic areas and cobblestone streets encompassing the splendor of the Strasbourg cathedral, a walk-through Strasbourg provides for a dynamic experience. Spectacular concert halls, festivals and architectural wonders such as the Grande Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the Maison Kammerzall, one of Strasbourg’s most famous buildings, lure tourists in every season.

A ride in a boat among the canals is a great way to spend the day, and you can even do so with a private tour or a horseback ride through the streets are a perfect way to see the city and learn about its splendor.  There are a number of ways you can explore the city .

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hour 35 mins.

Public transportation : 1 hour 19 minutes. OUI train from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Paris, getting out in Strasbourg. Find your dates and prices on bahn.de

Munich is a world famous international city, known for its annual Oktoberfest beer  festival in late fall.  The city has activities and attractions for everyone in the family. Mairneplatz is the central square where one can explore the various landmarks the city is known for.  A walk through Nymphenburg Palace or the English Garden is a wonderful day out with the family.  

If you are looking for more history, take a 3 hour WWII walking tour   or a 2 hour walking tour of the city’s highlights   or just a shorter old town walking tour.  Or if you choose to spend a few days in Munich with kiddos, be check out this guide on how to spend  3 days in Munich with Kids .

Driving time from Stuttgart : 2 hours 20 mins

Public transportation : 2 hours 12 mins. ICE train from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to München Central Station at bahn.de or Flixbus .

Known for its picturesque riverside walks and its idyllic setting among hills, Heidelberg is an impressive city whose charm will sweep every visitor off their feet. As a university town, its easy to get lost in the numerous cafes and restaurants along the walking district.  Heidelberg’s main attraction is Heidelberg Castle, a partially restored 16 th century castle overlooking Neckar river.  You can explore the castle grounds easily, but it’s worth getting a guided tour of the inside of the castle where you can send a reservation request form beforehand to confirm or purchase tickets at the castle.

It’s also worth getting the HeidelbergCARD that includes the funicular, the castle visit and public transportation for the day. When inside, be sure to visit the world’s largest wine barrel located inside the cellar. If going in the spring or summer, Heidelberg’s festivals are amount southern Germany’s best, especially the Castle Festival  in the summer!

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hour 25 mins

Public transportation: 45 minutes. IC train from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Heidelberg Central Station. Pre purchase tickets at bahn.de .

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of Germany’s real-life fairy tale towns along Germany’s Romantic Road ,  Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s medieval feel pulls tourists to its towers, guard walls and timber laced houses in southern Germany’s Bavaria region.

Hugely popular with tourists with over 2.5 million people visiting this city annually, Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s draw showcases its beauty along the Tauber River with magnificent walks along Rothenburg’s fortified wall as well as Tauber Valley.

Shopping in this city is like no other place, and its beautiful carvings, ornaments and prints of the town will keep you coming back.

Points of attraction include the defensive town wall, Toppler Castle, St. Blasius’ Chapel, the historic town hall and clock tower and the magnificent Rieger organ in the interior of St. James’ Church.

Be sure to do the fun  Night Watchman walking tour  to learn about the fun tales of the folks in times past. Fun fact: two Harry Potter films were partially filmed in this town!

Drive time from Stuttgart: 1 hour 40  mins.

Public transportation: Not recommended. Trip duration varies from 2-4 hours by public transport.  A combination of trains and buses. Tickets can be purchased at  bahn.de .

Hohenzollern Castle

Atop Mt. Hohenzollern lies the magnificent Hohenzollern Castle, rebuilt between 1454 and 1461 after it’s destruction in 1423.  Receiving approximately 350,000 visitors annually, Hohenzollern is one of the most visited castles in Germany, and still privately owned.

The castle exterior provides visitors with an introduction to the beautiful architecture and the walk around the castle provides for miles of unobstructed views across southern Germany.

Touring the inside of the castle is a must when visiting.  Each  tour  is with a guide lasting approximately 45 minutes, and tours in English are offered  on the weekends  and German holidays (with some exceptions) at 11:30am and 14:00 as well as 16:30 from 16 March-31 October. In the summer, additional English tours are offered Mon-Fri at 14:00. An additional  Royal Castle Stroll  is offered on select days during the year.

Fun fact: Flags fly above the castle whenever one of the ancestral families is staying at Hohenzollern.

Driving time from Stuttgart: 1 hour

Note: Driving is up a windy road, there is a parking area where one may purchase tickets to take a short bus ride up to the main entrance.  The walk is minimal from that point but still uphill.

Public transportation: No public transportation available.

Lichtenstein Castle

A neo gothic castle, Lichtenstein castle is perched high among a jagged cliff and provides sweeping views across the Swabian Alps.  Though rather small in size, Lichtenstein Castle has been deemed as the “small Neuschwanstein” and is a photographer’s dream during all seasons as the local landscape provide an alluring backdrop for this fairytale castle.

You may explore the grounds of the castle or tour the inside with a  guided tour   Tours are 30 minutes, in German, though an English brochure is provided.  English tours must be booked in advance and in groups.  Parking is available on site.

Opening Hours :

            April-October: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:30

            March, November: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00-16:00

            January and February: closed

Lichtenstein Castle Address: SchloßLichtenstein 1, 72805 Lichtenstein, Germany

Drive time from Stuttgart: 1 hour

Lake Constance (Bodensee)

Sitting on the border between Switzerland, Austria and Germany at the foot of the Alps, Constance is among the best day (or weekend) trips you can take in southern Germany.

Also known as Bodensee, it is the largest lake in Germany.  It is a hugely popular destination in the summer, with numerous campsite locations available for tent pitching, RV’s and even small huts to capture travelers from all over.  There are numerous water activities at different cities along the lake, hiking, walking and cycling trails, a car ferry, boat and river cruises, a well-known one which begins at Kruezlingen.

The lake is an amazing day trip, if you fall in love with it and are looking for an extra day to explore, click  here to find a hotel  for the weekend.

Tip: If you are looking to  reserve a campsite  (make sure you filter for campgrounds) for the summer months, be sure to reserve in advance, as some campsite reservations fill up months in advance.

Tip 2:  Once you are at Lake Constance, you can get a  multi-country Bodensee pass  for public transportation.

Drive time from Stuttgart:  2-2.5 hours

Public transportation: Train to Meersburg (approx. travel time, 4 hours 11 minutes) and other locations along the lake can be found at  bahn.de .

Mainau Island (Insel Mainau)

Known as the “flower island”  Mainau  is an amazing place to visit should be paired with your day at Lake Constance as this beautiful island on Lake Constance hosts millions of flowers and plants and is a tropical escape to many tourists looking for an abundance of greenery. Visitors will find cacti, agaves, and exotic flora.

The island also has a beautiful butterfly garden, a hit with kids, as nearly 1,000 butterflies flutter around in the warm and humid home.  The island also boasts numerous playgrounds, a petting zoo and a peacock enclosure, as well as its own castle!

Fun fact: The island contains one of Germany’s oldest redwood trees, a gift from China in the 1950’s.

If you want to spend an extra day at Lake Constance,  click here to find hotels , or to  find campgrounds  or you can also find an  AirBnB here .  If you are new to booking you can receive  receive $25  off your first visit.

Read our  comprehensive guide  to visiting Mainau Island.

Drive time from Stuttgart: 1 hour 50 minutes to Konstanz.  Cars are not allowed on the island. You may park your car and walk over the bridge to Mainau.

Public transportation: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Konstanz (Constance).  You can take bus no. 4 in the direction of ‘Wallhausen/Hafen, Konstanz’ and exit at Mainau.  

You can also take a train from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Meersburg, and take the Bodensee Schiffahrt to the island. 

Rhine Falls, Switzerland

Described as the largest waterfall in Europe, Rhine Falls is an amazing way to experience nature at its finest.  Visitors can go onto the observation platform on the side to experience the majestic falls as they cascade down over 20 meters.

Boat tours  are also available at the base of the falls, and a large island rock that separates the falls is a boat docking station, allowing tourists to get very close to the powerful falls.

Drive time from Stuttgart: 2 hours. You must purchase a vignette once over the border.

Public transportation: 2 hours and 40 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Schaffhausen and the S9 to Neuhausen Rheinfell.  Find tickets at  bahn.de .

Take a peek at the falls here:

Located on the Danube River, Ulm hosts Germany’s highest steeple at Ulm Minster. The church is well worth the climb to get a bird’s eye view of the Alps in the distance and the beautiful Germany countryside.

Stroll past the Wiblingen Abbey, a former Benedictine Abbey, featuring old Baroque style architecture, or the colorful Altes Rathaus which showcases early Renaissance architecture and vivid murals on the building’s exterior.  Walking along the banks of the Danube is a relaxing way to spend a few hours and picnic along one of the many shaded areas available along the former defensive walls.

Ulm’s zoo and aquarium may be small, but hosts chameleons, turtles and bears, making it a fun visit for families with children. When there, if you are looking for American food, we have heard great things about Dray’s , so be sure to check it out!

Drive time from Stuttgart: 1 hour 30 minutes

Public transportation: 1 hour from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Central Station Ulm at  bahn.de .

Bad Urach Waterfall

Located in the Swabian Alb, spend the day hiking up to Bad Urlach waterfall. The hike goes alongside a stream and continues up rocky stairs though there are several pathways for getting up to the waterfall.

Hike past the waterfall up the mountain and take in the sweeping views of the valley below.   Upon returning to the bottom, be sure to stop by the biergarten for a quick meal! Parking is available for 3 euro a day and the hike to the waterfall takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes depending on your speed.

The hike is stroller accessible until the stairs.  For smaller children, it may be a good idea to bring a  top-rated hiking backpack  or a comfortable  front and back carrier  for small children or  back carrier carrier for toddler  and preschoolers.

Drive time from Stuttgart: 50 minutes

Public transportation: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Bad Urach on  bahn.de .

Biergarten:  Maisentalstüble, Vorderes Maisental 3, 72574 Bad Urach 

Ludwigsburg Palace

Known as a small-scale version of the Versailles palace, Ludwigsburg Palace is the largest palatial estate in Germany. The impressive estate boasts a 452-room palace, floral gardens, ponds, children’s playgrounds and even several rides.

The palace gardens are well maintained and host a variety of events year-round, one of the most famous being the world’s largest pumpkin festival in the fall.  The outdoor area is family friendly and includes a children’s playground, a boat ride, farm animals, Rapunzel’s Tower, and a lovely carousel by the pond.

A  tour   of the interior of the palace is available at specified times in English, otherwise a text translation is provided in English during German tours.  It is worth going to the Palace simply to explore the grounds.

Drive time from Stuttgart: 30 minutes

Public transportation: 10-15 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Ludwigsburg.  Tickets at  bahn.de .

Baumwipfelbad Schwarzwald (Black Forest TreeTop Walk)

At just over an hour drive from Stuttgart, you will find yourself in the heart of the Black Forest amongst pine trees and quiet.  The Black Forest Tree Top Walk is an elevated wooden walkway at treetop height, that weaves its way through the forest to arrive at a very tall walkway structure with a long winding slide down the middle.  At just over 40 meters high, the structure has magnificent views over the German forests in every direction.  Stroller and wheelchair friendly, there is an admission fee, and parking is nearby for 4 euro.

Note: The address provided by the official website will take you through the woods directly to the tower. Input Baumwipfelpfad Scwarzwald into google OR drop a pin directly on the parking lot or “charging station” right next to the parking lot.

Baumwipfeldbad Schwarzwald from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hour 10 minutes

Public Transportation : 1 hour 20 minutes on train, plus additional walking times and two train switches. From Stuttgart Haupbahnhof to Pforzheim with a switchover to the S6 to Bad Wildbad. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Neuschwanstein Castle

The beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle is almost every visitor’s dream when visiting Germany and it’s an easy day trip from Stuttgart.  To tour the inside of the castle, you do need a tour guide, and you can easily arrange tickets beforehand (AT LEAST 3 days in advance) or purchase the tickets day of. However, during high season, tickets sell out very early in the morning and therefore it is a good idea to purchase beforehand. Tours are in 10-15 minute increments.

When arriving at Neuschwanstein you have a few options on how to get up to the castle.  You can take a bus (there is a private company and the public bus running routes up to the castle), walk or take a horse drawn carriage.  For the bus route, the bus drops you off at the junction of the castle and Queen Mary’s bridge that overlooks a gorge. Most pictures you see of the castle are taken from Queen Mary’s Bridge.  Another path, the Pollat Gorge is an option, but it is currently closed.

Purchase tickets here .

Neuschwanstein Castle from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 2 hours 10 minutes

Public Transportation : 1 hour 40 minutes on train from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Munich.  Switch trains to Fussen, approximately 2 hour train ride. Upon arrival, bus 78 to Neuschwanstein Castle. Tickets at  bahn.de .

This charming little town is just a short drive from Stuttgart. Known as a university town, the small quaint town along the river is a beautiful visit. It has amazing markets throughout the year including the annual Chocolate Festival in early December.

The Neckar River runs through the town and eateries are plentiful alongside the water. Canoe and boat rides are available to families and it is a relaxing way to take in the city. A beautiful cathedral, St. George’s Cathedral is well worth a visit and the Romanesque style church has beautiful views of the city.

Tübingen from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 30 minutes

Public Transportation : 45 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Triberg im Schwarzwald

Located deep in the Black Forest, this city makes for a great visit in the summer or winter. The Triberg Waterfalls are among the tallest waterfalls in Germany and the area is amazing to explore in the summer. In the winter, a beautiful light show takes place among the falls along with some risky fire displays as well.

Triberg is also one of the best cities to purchase cuckoo clocks. The world’s largest cuckoo clock is located in Triberg. The city has several shops that have original Black Forest cuckoo clocks (several of whom take VAT) as well as shops with traditional dirndls and lederhosen. Several other specialty shops in Triberg include shops selling Black Forest ham, as well as unique local woodwork.

Triberg from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hour 30 minutes

Public Transportation : Not recommended, approx. train ride is 5 hours with multiple switchovers.

Frankfurt Am Main

As one of Germany’s largest cities, hosting Germany’s busiest airport and known as the financial centre of Germany, Frankfurt has a lot to offer visitors. The 200-meter main tower has a public viewing platform and a great way to see the city from above. The beautiful Palmengarten is a sweeping botanical garden with LED light shows and several pavilion’s with various environments displayed within.

The River Main has waterfronts where you can take a leisurely boat cruise with family. Check out some of Frankfurt’s more than 15 museums, go to Germany’s second oldest zoo, Frankfurt Zoo, or go on a walking tour of the city. And if you’re a fan, be sure to visit Germany’s only Chipotle, located at Skyline Plaza.

Frankfurt from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 2 hour 5 minutes

Public Transportation : 1 hour 40 minutes on ICE train. Tickets at  bahn.de .

This crystal-clear blue spring wonder has bright limestone sediments underneath the water which results in its spectacularly picturesque color. The deepest part of the spring is at nearly 70 feet, and a hammermill nearby is powered by the water from the spring.

An underwater cave system nearby and is only reachable by experienced divers, who must be granted a special permit to dive into the caves. The beauty of the spring makes this a great local trip from Stuttgart.

Blautopf from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hour

Public Transportation : 1 hour 40 minutes. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Nuremberg is most famous for its post-World War II trials and has an abundance of history in the city including the historical Nazi part rally grounds and the courtroom where the trials took place which is still a working courtroom though a museum at the top showcases the Nuremberg Trial details.

Nuremberg has an abundance of things to do including Kaiserburg castle which looks down on the old town, the German National Railways Museum as well as the city’s fortified defense walls put up over a thousand years ago.

The city also has amazing festivals including one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.  You can also see a detailed itinerary on  what to do in Nuremberg .

Nuremberg from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 2 hours 20 minutes

Public Transportation : 2 hour 55 minutes with a changeover in Augsburg. Tickets at  bahn.de . 

A picturesque town not far from the border with Germany and further south of Strasbourg, Colmar is a wonderful French village with less tourists and a calmer quainter style of life. Old Town has beautiful wooden houses that are beautifully decorate with flowers.

Little Venice is an area where visitors can take brief boat rides along the canal. Several restaurants are also positioned along the canal for a great lunch out. Go with kids to the Champ de Mars park and experience the 1900 carousel, France’s oldest wooden carousel and among the oldest in Europe.

Driving into Colmar, visitors will see a small Statue of Liberty, a replicate of the French artist who was born in Colmar, and designed the infamous statue given to the U.S.

Colmar from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 2 hours 40 minutes

Public Transportation : 1 hour 50 minutes with a changeover in Strasbourg. Tickets at  bahn.de . 

Located on the southern part of Lake Constance, Konstanz is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany with buildings in old town Niederburg portraying an abundance of historical buildings that have managed to survive multiple wars. Konstanz harbor is one of its most renowned attractions as the promenade showcases beautiful palm tree, cafes and a lively street life. Boat tours leave the harbor to go out on the lake mid-April to mid-October.

Konstanz also has a few prehistoric stilt houses on the water, which are designated as a UNESCO heritage site today. An open-air museum, the Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhlingen showcases the history of the houses, and a guided tour explains the life of those that used to occupy the homes.

Konstanz also has Sea Life Konstanz, an aquarium with a variety of sea creatures, an amazing thermal spa right on the lake (Bodensee-Therme Konstanz) and a cathedral you can climb to the top of to get sweeping views of the lake.

Konstanz from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hours 45 minutes

Public Transportation : 2 hours 30 minutes with a changeover in Singen. Tickets at  bahn.de . 

As a major wine town and a town filled with amazing architecture, Wurzburg has a lot to offer visitors. The Wurzburg Residence is an 18th century palace located on one side of the Main River while the Marienburg Fortress is up an embankment on the other side.

The Hofkirche chapel at the residence is richly decorated in Baroque style with marble and gold and rose colors throughout the chapel. For amazing views, be sure to visit the Furstengarten at the fortress and soak up its beautifully decorated balustrade.

Walk across the Alte Mainbrucke or Old Main Bridge, a medieval bridge built from limestone and decorated with numerous statues. Or visit the Schloss Veitschochheim, a palace that was used as a summer residence for the Kings of Bavaria. Guided tours are available.

Wurzburg from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hours 35 minutes

Public Transportation : 2 hours 45 minutes with a changeover in Frankfurt. Tickets at  bahn.de . 

Maulbronn Kloster

Maulbronn Kloster is a well preserved Medieval monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site The Paradies, the entrance hall to the church is one of the masterpieces of the monastery. The early Gothic style architecture portrays beautiful design work; however the builder is unknown. The Romanesque church doors are considered to be the oldest dated doors in Germany and feature intricate design work.

The monastery itself is extensive and provides an in depth look at monastic life in the mid 1100’s including where they worked, prayed and their daily routine. The monastery is “the most complete survival of a Cisterian monastic establishment in Europe.”

Maulbronn Kloster from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 45 minutes

Public Transportation : 1 hour with a changeover at Enzberg and an additional 15 minute walk. Tickets at  bahn.de . 

Schloss Solitude

Located in Stuttgart, Schloss Solitude was built as a hunting lodge and summer residence in 1763. The palace interior has Neoclassical designs and is a luxurious palace made that was used as a school for over ten years in the 1970’s. The interior rooms are reminiscent of the ornate design in some of France’s most well-known palaces.

Schloss Solitude is located on a hilltop and has views of the Württemberg region. It is a great place to take family pictures as the Schloss provides for some beautiful backdrops. The interior of the palace may only be viewed with a tour in German or a pre-arranged tour in English or French.

Schloss Solitude from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 15 minutes

Public Transportation : 20 minute ride from Feuersee. Tickets at  bahn.de . 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located near the Austrian border and can be done as a day trip if a plan is made to leave very early in the morning from Stuttgart. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has an abundance of activities and things to see in the area, so it’s worth a return trip if you only go for the day.

The Partnach Gorge is a natural wonder, with a raging river, waterfalls and a walkable path hugging the rock formation as visitors walk in a nearly single file line. At a minimum, the walk to and through the gorge will take several hours but is well worth a visit.

Zugspitze is only a few minutes away from the city and is Germany’s highest peak. A cog wheel train takes visitors to the top for 360-degree panoramic views. A terrace awaits visitors at the top with a restaurant, and a glacier 300 meters below, 2 toboggan runs and an Igloo Village.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 3 hours

Public Transportation : 4 hours 45 minutes with several changeovers. Tickets at  bahn.de . 

A town situated on the northern shore of Bodensee, Meersburg is built on a vineyard and is a stop on one of Germany’s popular tourist routes. This small town is a great place to visit during the summer, where visitors can stop by one of its many cafes, enjoy cultural programmes, and explore the streets of the city.

Many leisure activities take place from Meersburg due to its location on Lake Constance. The town has events throughout the year, museums and has a wonderful thermal pool on the lake. Meersburg Therme is a great getaway for couple’s as it includes a sauna, outdoor pool, whirpool, oriental ceremonies, and several massages. Guided tours of the city are available.

Meersburg from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 2 hours

Public Transportation : 3 hours 30 minutes with several changeovers. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Freiburg im Breisgau

Known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest” Freiburg has several tourist friendly things to see and do. Hiking up to the Schlossberg, a tree covered hill of over 450 hectares, provides an opportunity to climb up the Schlossberg Tower which provides unparalleled panoramic views over the countryside.

In the winter, there are approximately 145 ski lifts for skiers to enjoy right outside of the city. Numerous ski resorts populate the area, and skiers come in droves from southern Germany as this is one of the closest locations to ski in before the Alps. Here are some additional things you can do in Freiburg in one day.  

Freiburg im Breisgau from Stuttgart

Public Transportation : 1 hours 50 minutes with a changeover in Karlsruhe. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Rudesheim am Rhein

As a city located in the heart of the winemaking region in Hesse, Rudesheim has a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts many visitors from all over. The Niederwalddenkmal monument atop the hill overlooking the Rhine and the city can be reached by a cable car connecting at the bottom. The Abbey of St. Hildegard is an abbey that still houses nuns that continue to live by the rules of Saint Benedict.

The area provides beautiful hikes and river cruises can be taken from Rudesheim. River cruises include short cruises down the river, to long ones including overnight cruises. Rudesheim is a great base city for exploring the Rhine River Valley including several well-known castles along the Rhein.

Rudesheim am Rhein from Stuttgart

Public Transportation : 3 hours with several changeovers. Tickets at  bahn.de .

As the capital of the state of Hesse, located on the river with mineral springs in the center of town, Wiesbaden is a rich city with an awe-inspiring location. From the beautiful Kurpark, to the funicular up to Nerobergbahn, Wiesbaden’s allure rests in its variety of things to do.

One of the most beautiful properties, Biebrich Palace lies on the river and is an astounding palace with hundreds of acres open to the public. A free park, Fasanerie has bears, deer, wildcats and wolves roaming behind the fences.

Wiesbaden also has one of the oldest spas in Europe, Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme, and its luxurious baths draw people in from all over the region.

Wiesbaden from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 2 hours 15 minutes

Public Transportation : 1 hour 45 minutes with a changeover in Frankfurt. Tickets at  bahn.de .

As the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate region, Mainz has a beauty and allure to the city unlike most other cities. The Gutenberg Museum is located in Mainz as is the awe inspiring 10th century Mainz Cathedral. Mainz is also well known for its annual summer festivals that culminate is a fantastic fireworks display over the Rhine River. The center of the town is large and has an abundance of restaurants and cafes that make the city seem vibrant year-round.

Mainz is located along the river and across from Wiesbaden, it is a good idea to pair this city with either Wiesbaden or Rudesheim am Rhein for a day trip. The area is quite beautiful and weekend trips from Stuttgart to this area may be a great idea as well.

Mainz from Stuttgart

Public Transportation : 2 hours with a changeover in Mannheim. Tickets at  bahn.de .

A baroque castle, a beautiful park and an ornate water tower, Mannheim isn’t usually on anyone’s list of day trips, but as the second largest city in the region and housing one of the largest palaces in Europe, it is certainly worth a visit. Be sure to take a guided tour of Mannheim Palace, walk among the rose gardens near the Wasserturm, or visit the largest Chinese tea house in Luisenpark!

The city is located between two of Germany’s rivers, giving it a unique location, especially when viewing it from Mannheim’s telecommunications tower which also features a revolving restaurant. Visiting Planken, the center of the city, interconnects the city with great shopping, restaurants and markets at different times of the year.

Mannheim from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hour 20 minutes

Public Transportation : 45 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Hohenneuffen Castle

A castle that lays partially in ruins, Hohhenneuffen Castle’s location in the Swabian Alb allows for some tremendous views over the valley. Built in the 1100’s, the castle was used as a defensive fortress several times throughout history. The castle was used to hold many prisoners over time, with many interesting stories of how many of them made attempts to escape or were tortured before being killed.

A hike up to the ruins is necessary in order to see the ruins. A restaurant and self-service kiosk are available on the grounds. The castle is open year-round with limited hours in the winter. Guided tours in German are also available April to end of October. See the castle’s website for detailed information on tour dates and times.

Hohenneuffen Castle from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 40 minutes

Public Transportation : 2 hours 20 minutes minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Wiblingen Abbey

This former Benedictine abbey is worth the visit jus to view the unbelievably beautiful interior. The library, in particular, is reminiscent of a scene from Beauty and the Beast with colors and architecture creating a stunning visual masterpiece.

The former abbey was converted into barracks and is used today to house departments from the University of Ulm. The abbey is open year-round with varying hours, and an audio guide is available. Guided tours must be arranged in advance.

Wiblingen Abbey from Stuttgart

Public Transportation : 2 hours 15 minutes minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Day Trips for Families

As one of the best places to take kids, especially younger kids, Legoland Deutschland contains 50 attractions, 7 themed lands and millions of designed lego bricks. Featured areas include the Flying Ninjago, Lego City, Little Asia, Knights Kingdom, Miniland, Imagination, Pharaohs, AdventureLand, Pirate Land and Lego X-treme.

The park is perfect for all ages, though it is especially attractive for families with younger children. One of the best features of the park is its pirate themed, and dragon castle themed hotels which is especially attractive for birthdays.  Book here  for your stay at Legoland’s Hotels.

Legoland from Stuttgart

Public Transportation : 2 hours from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. Tickets at  bahn.de .

Europa Park

An amusement park for the whole family, Europa Park is the first choice for families with kids of all ages. As the second most popular theme park in Europe, Europa Park has something for everyone.  Hosting nearly 6 million visitors a year, this busy theme park is a true haven for roller coaster enthusiasts who also need something for the littles.

The park has 13 roller coasters, and is divided into themed countries.  The park has dinner shows, interactive events and rides, musical, dance and acrobatic shows, water rides and most everything else one can imagine at an amusement park.  Each year the park also does seasonal events with their Halloween theme being one of the most popular.  The park also hosts the largest flight motion simulator in Europa, Voletarium, which allows visitors to experience soaring over mountains, oceans, tulip fields and feel as if they are really flying.  Voletarium is a timed entry, so turn left towards the ride right after you enter the park to grab a ticket as soon as you can.

Drive Time from Stuttgart: 1 hour 45 minutes

Public Transportation from Stuttgart: Not recommended. 3 hours via DB Bahn, bus and walking.

The #1 amusement park to go to for kids 6 and under, Traumland is less than an hour away from Stuttgart and the perfect place for the youngest kiddos. The small amusement park has a Ferris wheel, small carnival rides, trampolines, playgrounds, a kids size roller coaster, car rides, slides and even a water ride. Kids reaching a certain height (100, 120, 140 cm) can go alone on many of the rides while the remaining rides are usually for parent and child. Even babies are allowed on most rides!

Traumland has a lot of fairy tale style storytelling in the park, especially right after the entrance as you weave your way through the forest, you are introduced to a variety of stories and figurines. You finally make it upon a castle before entering the rest of the park.

Traumland is also located right next to Dreamland on the Bear Cave, which is a great way to spend an hour exploring a cave where bears and other animals once called home.

Traumland from Stuttgart

Drive time from Stuttgart : 1 hour 

Public Transportation : Not available via public transport.

A wildlife and theme park not far from Stuttgart, Tripsdill has a wide variety of rides for kids with 29 attractions, museums, petting zoo, playgrounds and a puppet show theatre. Attractions include water ride, coaster, small rides for children and wild animals.

Tripsdill is only open from March until November and closes for the rest of the season. Best times to go include during less busy months (March-June, and October-November).

Drive time from Stuttgart : 40 minutes  

Public Transportation : 1 hour 40 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. Tickets at  bahn.de .

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Have you visited some these places?  Do you have a favorite? Are there places not listed you recommend? Comment below!

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So many fantastic recommendations! I visited Heidelberg as a child, such a beautiful part of the world, now I’m desperate to return!

This town seems a like a good “home base” to get to so many beautiful locations! Thanks for sharing

Great article!! Saving this for future ref! Love the way you set this up 🙂

Gorgeous photos! Saving this for future reference. We are thinking about a trip to Germany for next spring/summer!

Ok… sign me up for every single one of these destinations! I haven’t been to Germany yet, but it’s next on my European wishlist. Beautiful options!

So many fond memories of our time in Stuttgart. The perfect list for new families moving to the area! Headed to Mainau Island next month. Can’t wait!

I’ve got so much more exploring to do in Germany. Everywhere is just so picturesque.

We are a family of four - mom, dad, and two girls, aged 5 and a baby! We are Americans residing in Europe, and have lived here for 5 years. In total, we have traveled to five continents and nearly 30 countries and our 5 year old has been very fortunate to have seen more than 15 countries! This makes us uniquely qualified to provide insider tips on traveling with small children across multiple continents. We aim to provide you with our tips, advice, and expertise with our in depth knowledge of our travels with kiddos. Welcome to The Elusive Family- Worldwide Family Travel and Adventure.

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21 Perfect Day Trips from Stuttgart Within 2 Hours

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Can I let you in on a little secret about visiting Stuttgart?

I actually don’t really like the city of Stuttgart all that much as a tourist. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are some ok things to see around Stuttgart and if you are a car lover, I can see the appeal of going to the Mercedes Benz or Porsche Museums buuuuuut, as a city itself, I’d much rather spend my time in other places in Germany (Sorry, Stuttgartians- don’t hate me!) 

BUT, what I DO love about Stuttgart is that it makes the perfect home base!!! There are SO many amazing day trips from Stuttgart that it is the perfect, central location to find good and affordable accommodation for numerous days and then spend several days going to fantastic and charming places NEAR Stuttgart!!! 

In fact, I have personally done this numerous times myself. Whether I am going to the World’s Largest Pumpkin Festival in Ludwigsburg or doing some day trips to the Black Forest, I often have stayed in the city itself and then picked numerous Stuttgart day trips.

So, in this article, I’ve not only compiled some of my Best Day Trips from Stuttgart Germany that I have personally done myself but also have asked some fellow Germany Travel Lovers what some of their favorite places near Stuttgart to visit are! I’ll cover where to go (and why as well as how !), some great options for day trips from Stuttgart by train, as well as some fantastic hotels for all budgets that you can call “home base” for a few days.

Getting Around

A lot of the suggestions on this list are accessible by the trains in Germany, however, several are best to get to by car. Whether that’s because having a car will allow you to maximize your time and get to multiple places in a day or if it’s because a few places just don’t have good public transportation options even available, a car can be nice in some of these areas. Plus, driving in Germany isn’t nearly as terrifying as many people may believe.

Many people fly into Frankfurt and then fly out of Munich (as they often make their way to Bavaria next) and having a car is really convenient for this. Just know that renting a car from one location and returning it to another can be pricey. However, for being able to maximize your time and see more places in Germany, it could be well worth it. 

Compare Car Rental Prices Here

In this guide, I’ll cover exactly how to do these day trips from Stuttgart by train but for driving, it’s usually pretty self explanatory with a good Navi/ GPS system. 

You’ll see as you get reading that most of the locations mentioned below can all be accessed by train or public transportation. However, that doesn’t always mean that it is going to be the quickest or most efficient option, so it’s best to read my instructions in each section on how to get to each place by trains. 

Consider the Baden-Württemberg Ticket for Trains

Each region or state of Germany has its own regional train tickets that are a great, affordable option when traveling within that one state. For example, Stuttgart is located in Baden-Württemberg and the majority of the places on this list are located within that German state as well. Therefore, when looking for trains and public transportation options, don’t forget to look into the “ Baden-Württemberg” ticket ! There are a few things you need to know for it, but it’s still a great option to remember to look into: 

• The most important thing you need to know is these state specific tickets are for regional tickets and are ONLY to be used for regional trains only. If you see the letters ICE, IC, or EC before a train number, those are high speed trains and you can NOT use the Baden-Württemberg ticket on those trains . You WILL get fined for not having the correct ticket. Regional Trains typically will say RE or RB in front of the number
• This is a group day pass ticket that you can use for 24 hours on buses, trams, and all  regional  (only!) trains within the state of Baden-Württemberg. 
• While the Baden-Württemberg ticket and the Bayern Pass are two different tickets, the concepts and roughly the same rules are the same. If you are confused about what trains you can use, etc I go into a ton of details in my  Bayern Pass Guide  that you can apply to the Baden-Württemberg ticket as well.

Cost : Starts at 25 Euro for One Person (all day). Each additional passenger (up to 5 people) is 7 Euro extra. IE: 2 People on this ticket would be €32.00

*If you see me say “The BW Ticket” in this article, then I am referring to the Baden-Württemberg Ticket

Buy The  Baden-Württemberg  Ticket Here

Important : Many of the locations in this article are in Baden-Württemberg, however, there are MUCH faster options by using the ICE/IC (High speed) trains. If time is of the essence, you’ll want to book these trains in advance and then remember that the BW Ticket will not be applicable for those routes. 

Other Articles You May Be Interested In Reading:

• Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Germany Guide
• Ultimate Guide To Trains in Germany 

Best Hotels in Stuttgart

I’ll go into some more detail and give a few more options below, but for a quick glance, here are some of my top recommended hotels in Stuttgart to choose as a “home base” for several days

Best Day Trips from Stuttgart in Under 1 Hour

Lichtenstein castle.

• Distance: 61 km 
• Travel time: 1 hour by car 

While a day trip from Stuttgart to Neuschwanstein Castle is honestly way too much in my opinion, there is a fantastic alternative less than an hour away from Stuttgart! The Lichtenstein Castle is often referred to as the “Little Sister of Neuschwanstin” because they hold so many similarities (both in back stories but also in architecture and styles). After all, both are inspired by and look like something Disney himself could have conjured up (Neuschwanstein is actually the inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle). They are both built up high on a cliff over looking the valleys below. They are both, simply put, two beautiful, German Fairytale Castles!!!

One magical fairytale day is to do Lichtenstein Castle from Stuttgart in the morning and then do the impressive Hohenzollern Castle in the afternoon. I give a complete itinerary on how to do both, where to eat, and how to make the most of your day in my Lichtenstein Castle Guide.

Alternatively, you can do Tübingen and Lichtenstein Castle all in one day as well to make for a fantastic day exploring!

Getting There by Train : It is a bit complicated to get to Lichtenstein Castle by Train, but it technically IS possible. The time will vary depending on exactly which trains you catch, but it should be no more than about 1.5hours

• Start at the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof and take the train to the Reutlingen HBF (depending on the train and time of day, plan on about 40min-1 hr for the train ride)
• When you get off the train at Reutlingen, you’ll need to walk about 5 minutes around the corner to the bus stop.  Just follow the signs for the bus.
• Take either bus 7606 or bus 400 to Honau (Plan on about 30 minutes for the bus ride).  You can either get off at the “Honau, Lichtenstein (Württ)” stop which is at Heerstrasse 34, 72805 Lichtenstein and walk from there or the “Honau Traifelberg, Lichtenstein (Württ)” stop which drops you off at the ski lift and from here, you can start the hike upHike Up to the Castle
• Hike Up to the Castle 
• TIP : Know the timetable for the return bus before heading up! Depending on which bus stop you took, the return bus is most likely on the other side of the street. Pop over to that and snap a photo on your phone of the timetable so that you know what time to be back for a bus without having to wait too long.

Written by LeAnna Brown from WanderInGermany

• Travel time: 40 minutes by car/ 45 minutes-1.25 hours by train

A low-effort day trip from Stuttgart is to the university town of Tübingen, which is only a 40-minute train ride away from Stuttgart! Visiting Tübingen is perfect for those who want to experience a small fairytale German town and escape the big city atmosphere. The Altstadt is absolutely gorgeous and oozing with charm! Plus, there are plenty of attractions and activities to fill up your itinerary for the day .

For starters, be sure to check out Tübingen University, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and renowned for its theology and religious studies programs. You’ll notice several of the buildings feature old-world architecture and are spread all throughout the city, rather than clustered together in a single spot.

Afterward, head over to the market square and take in the sights of colorful half-timbered houses while doing some shopping in the city or just grab a coffee or beer at any of the outdoor corner cafes and do some enjoyable people watching. This area is also known to host a farmer’s market in the morning some days of the week and will frequently have live-music events in the evening!

Finally, cap the day off your visit by taking a leisurely stroll along the Neckar riverfront to enjoy the gorgeous views of Tübingen. This is one of the most popular spots to relax and hang out within Tübingen. And to make it an even more enjoyable experience, do a boat ride. But it’s not just any boat ride! It’s like the Gondolas of Venice meet the streams of Germany! A boat operator will help you onto the boat and he’ll use a giant wooden pole to navigate you manually down the gentle river (sometimes they’ll even sing you a song!) 

Getting There By Train:

There are a few ways to get from Stuttgart to Tübingen by train but most will require transfers.

• Express Train: Another option is to take the direct IRE 6 train in the direction of Aulendorf. This only takes 45 minutes but is not applicable with the BW Ticket, so you will want to purchase your tickets in advance

Hohenzollern Castle

• Distance: 68 km 
• Travel time: 1 hour by car/ minimum 1.5 hours by train

Another absolutely amazing castle near Stuttgart is the often overlooked yet stunning Hohenzollern Castle. While Neuschwanstein might be Cinderella’s Castle, Hohenzollern could easily be Harry Potter’s!!! Sitting high atop the mountain with it’s many turrets pointing up toward the sky, it’s easy to feel enchanted by this magnificent castle!

With a car in just under an hour, the Hohenzollern Castle is a must see and is incredibly easy to do in a day with either the nearby Lichtenstein Castle or the charming town of Tübingen. 

There is a wonderful Beer Garden right in the castle courtyard where you can enjoy German beer with the classic Swabian (local to the area) Maultaschen, which is like a German version of a delicious ravioli!

Next, enjoy your time touring the castle itself, which is so rich in history. And don’t forget to stop for the views out over the countryside!

Getting To Hohenzollern by Train:

This is a bit difficult and lengthy but still possible

• First, you’ll need to make your way to the Hechingen station (approximately 1 hour)
• At Hechingen, there will also be a bus station. Here, get on the Bus 306 which will take you near the parking lot of the castle. Get off at the “Burg Hohenzollern” stop (approx 30 minutes)

Ludwigsburg Residential Palace

• Distance: 15 km 
• Travel time: 25 minutes by car/ 30 minutes by train

Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is the biggest palace in Germany, with over 452 rooms and beautiful gardens around the estate. If you love 17th-century European architecture, fairytales, or huge gardens with pretty pavilions, flowers, and birds, then Ludwigsburg Palace is a perfect day trip to take from Stuttgart. Simply take the B27 towards Ludwigsburg and you’ll arrive at Ludwigsburg Palace within 30 minutes!

What makes Ludwigsburg Palace  the perfect day trip is that anyone of any age will have the best time there. There are activities, tours, and areas that young kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors can all enjoy!

Inside Ludwigsburg Palace, you’ll find the Fashion Museum, Ceramics Museum, children’s Museum, and the Baroque Gallery. The Fashion Museum showcases clothes from the 18th century up until the present day. You’ll find all kinds of beautiful ceramic pieces in the Ceramic Museum. The children’s gallery (The Kinderreich) gives the kids a chance to dress up as royalty and play different games. If you’re into painting, you can visit the Baroque Gallery which showcases paintings from the Baroque period.

But that’s not all! You can also visit the Palace Theater and take a guided tour of some of the 452 rooms that the palace has to offer.

On the Palace grounds, there are the Ludwigsburg Palace Gardens (Blühendes Barock) and the Fairytale Garden. The Palace Gardens is well known for being the host of the world’s largest pumpkin festival, Kürbisausstellung Ludwigsburg . But throughout the year, you can still admire the stunning French, Medieval and English designs of the Gardens. The Fairytale Garden features over 50 interactive fairytale exhibits, from Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel to Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. The Fairytale Garden truly brings these fairytales to life and is something you wouldn’t want to miss out on when visiting Ludwigsburg Palace! 

Getting To Ludwigsburg by Train:

It’s pretty easy and quick to get to Ludwigsburg from Stuttgart by train. However, depending on exactly what time you leave will depend on which Sbahn line you take, which will then determine what exact bus you take. Either way, it should only take you about 30 minutes total with about 1 transfer from Sbahn to the Bus. Have the DB Navigator App or Google Maps on your phone if you can and use that to know exactly which line is best for the time of day you are traveling.

• At the Hauptbahnhof, you can grab the Sbahn line S4 in the direction of Marbach
• At the Ludwigsburg station, there will be buses. Grab the Bus 426 in the direction of Ludwigsburg E.-Kranz-Str. (3 stops) and get off at the “Blühendes Barock” stop. Another bus is the 424 and you can get off at the “Ludwigsburg Residenzschloss” stop.

Contributed by Abigail from The Novel Sphere

• Distance: 205 km 
• Travel time: 2.5 hours by car/ minimum 1.5 hours by high speed train

A fantastic destination is a day trip from Stuttgart to Frankfurt. Even though Frankfurt is a big German city, one day is actually enough so that you can spend your time in more charming villages and locations in the country.

Frankfurt is a great city that combines modern and historic elements. For example, you can see a lot of modern skyscrapers in the city. Interestingly, many cities got to choose how to rebuild after the devastation of the bombs of WWII and while many chose to stick to the traditional style architecture of their region, Frankfurt was one of the few German cities to go modern. One of the best things to do in the city is to go to the observation deck of the Main Tower and see the city skyline from above.

If you like museums, Frankfurt is a great place to find several, such as the Goethe House in the city center of Frankfurt. which is an interesting place to visit. This is the childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Also, there are many other interesting museums in Frankfurt. For example, the Städel Museum has an extensive collection of art. Also, the Museum für Moderne Kunst is very interesting and you can often see modern art exhibitions here.

The Frankfurt Cathedral is another iconic sight that you can visit. This is a historic church that played an important role in the Holy Roman Empire.

You can reach the city of Frankfurt by train in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. This is much quicker compared to when you would be traveling by car as you take a high-speed train to do this day trip

Note: Frankfurt is in the state of Hesse, so the BW Ticket would not be applicable

Getting From Stuttgart to Frankfurt by Train:

The fastest way to get to Frankfurt from Stuttgart by train is to take the high speed ICE train (note that this train is not applicable w/ the regional tickets and you’ll need to book it ahead of time here ). Again, depending on exactly what time you leave, there are numerous ICE/IC trains that can get you quickly to Stuttgart, all taking about 1.5 hours total with no transfers.

• Take the ICE 770 in the direction of Berlin Hbf
• ICE 692 in the direction of Hamburg-Altona
• IC 1296 in the direction ofFrankfurt(Main)Hbf

Contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

• Distance: 94 km 
• Travel time: A little over 1 hour by car/ 45 minutes by high speed train

Ulm isn’t one of Germany’s most famous cities, but that’s what makes it a nice gem to head to as a Stuttgart day trip! It’s often known as a University town, but one thing that I’ve noticed about “University Towns” in Germany is that this often translates to a great, younger, chill vibe in the city with lots of great culture like fine arts (there are several state of the art theaters in Ulm) and fantastic cafe culture vibes! Of course, it’s also got the quintessential half timbered houses and cobble stone streets that are so alluring in Germany.

Ulm is another one of Germany’s “Medieval Cities” with a great historic Altstadt and the famous Ulm Minster- bringing in the title for the “World’s Largest Church Tower.” And if that isn’t a fun “Bucket List” thing to say you’ve seen, then how about touting that you’ve been to the birthplace of Albert Einstein!?

Getting to Ulm From Stuttgart:

Depending on exactly what train you take, it will take only about 45 minutes-1 hour by train from Stuttgart to Ulm. Most of these quicker routes are not applicable with the BW Ticket so you’ll need to purchase tickets ahead of time here .

• The quickest option is to book the ICE591 Train in the direction of München Hbf: 45 minutes

Blautopf in Blaubeuren

• Distance: 83 km 
• Travel time: 1 hour by car/ approximately 2 hours by train

Quite literally, the “Blue Pot” in English, the Blautopf is a magnificent, beautiful, and rare natural beauty. Often with an intense turquoise color, combined with the absolutely picture-perfect image of a half timbered building (Fachwerkhaus ) resting beside the lake, this location just screams “TAKE A PHOTO OF ME!” The lake itself is a stunning blue/green because of the limestone in the water but also from the way that the light is refracted. 

Not surprisingly with such an “unnatural” look out in nature, there are plenty of stories and legends that surround the Blautopf. My favorite is the story that supposedly the lake is blue because someone would pour blue ink into it daily! Another story is that the lake has no bottom and it goes on forever. Others say we’ll never know the depth of the water because mermaids steal any measuring mechanisms! Finally, there is the legend that a water nymph was outcasted to the lake because she was terribly boring and would never laugh with her husband and therefore, she could not leave the lake until she had laughed 5 times!

As Instagrammers take over the world (or so it feels sometimes), the more popular the Blautopf is becoming. And with that can often come a lot of crowds. To avoid as many people as possible, use the usual “tricks” of trying to go as early in the morning as possible, during weekdays, and not during public holidays or peak travel seasons. However, also know that on cloudy days, the blue is not going to be very intense anyway, so plan accordingly. 

Getting from Stuttgart to the Blautopf Lake by Train:

There are no public transportation options that get you right to the lake itself, however, if you are up for a gorgeous walk, you can get pretty close and then enjoy an easy hike to the lake

• First, take the ICE 913 train in the direction of München Hbf
• Get off at the Ulm Hauptbahnhof
• In Ulm, take the RE55 train in the direction of Donaueschingen
• Get off at “Blaubeuren”
• If you’d like a scenic route, walk about 1 hour along the Blau River to the Blautopf. Or, take the walk through town to the Blautopf which takes about 30 minutes

Written by LeAnna from WanderInGermany

Best Day Trips from Stuttgart in Under 2 Hours

• Distance: 130 km 
• Travel time: 1 hour 45 min- 2 hours by car/ 2.5-3 hours by train

While Stuttgart itself isn’t in the German Black Forest, it’s close enough that if you don’t have enough time to do a full Black Forest Road Trip , you can easily pop in for a few good day trips from Stuttgart, one of them being the famous Black Forest town of Triberg.

Triberg is home to several  “Bucket List” items in Germany like The Triberg Waterfall (The “Tallest” Waterfall in Germany) or the World’s Largest Cuckkoo Clock! It also has the “House of 1000 Clocks” Yup, a store that has over 1000 Cuckkoo clocks (many which are chirping, ticking, and working!) However, one day in Triberg is actually plenty to see the main sights, as it’s actually a pretty small village and it’s the perfect taste to what the German Black Forest has to offer. Of course, while in town, don’t forget to get some Black Forest Ham or a  Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry Cake).

If you are visiting Germany in the summer, which has wonderfully long days (it doesn’t get dark until well after 10:30pm in July!) you could even do a quick stop into Tübingen in the morning and then spend the rest of your day in Triberg to really maximize your time!

Planning a Trip To the Black Forest? You May Be Interested in The Following Articles:

• Ultimate Black Forest Road Trip Itineraries
• When Is the Best Time to Visit the Black Forest
• Things to do in the Black Forest with Kids

Getting from Stuttgart to Triberg By Train:

Like the majority of locations on this list, you’ll find numerous train options depending on exactly what time you leave. However, more than likely, the majority of them will be:

• First, you’ll want to get to Karlsruhe (multiple ICE/IC trains available)
• In Karlsruhe, take the RE2 train in the direction of Triberg
• Baden Baden

• Distance: 100 km 
• Travel time: 1.5 hours- 2 hours by car/1.5 hours by train

If you’ve been around WanderInGermany for a bit, you know I’m nothing short of obsessed with the German Sauna Culture!   Even if the idea of being nude at a spa terrifies you, I promise you, going to a German Spa and Sauna even just once is an experience in and of itself that I swear every tourist needs to experience for themselves. And what better place than one of the best and most famous Spa Towns in Germany: Baden Baden?

There are two main spas in Baden Baden (I suggest going to both for unique experiences at each, as they are quite different from one another….well, minus the nude part!) but even if the spa culture isn’t your thing there are plenty of other Things to Do in Baden Baden like walking the beautiful gardens, seeing the Neu Schloss, or going up to the Hohenbaden Castle and doing a stunning hike overlooking the Black Forest!

You Might Also Be Interested in Reading:

• 2 Days in Baden Baden Itinerary
• Best Spa Hotels in Baden Baden 
• What to Pack for a German Spa

Getting from Stuttgart to Baden Baden by Train:

As always, there are a few different routes that can get you to Baden Baden from Stuttgart. This one is one of the most direct and quickest options:

• Take a train to the Karlsruhe station. 
• Transfer in Karlsruhe and get on the ICE71 train in the direction of Basel
• Ride this train about 15 minutes and get off at the Baden-Baden train station

Strasbourg (France)

• Time from Stuttgart: Approximately a little over 2 hours (by train or car) 
• Distance:  107km (66.5 miles)

For a great day trip from Stuttgart head over to Strasbourg, France!

With Strasbourg’s quaint architecture, beautiful churches, and French charm, a trip here is something anyone would enjoy.  Be sure to swing by Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, which is quite possibly the largest church in the city.  Stop by Place Kléber, which is a main square, and enjoy the colorful architecture and people-watching in the area. And of course, visit the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg if you’d like to learn a little about the history of this lovely city.  

In fact, Strasbourg is considered one of the prettiest towns in France. The Alsace region is known for it’s charming town squares and quintessential half timbered houses making it look like it was plucked right out of a fairytale!

While Strasbourg is wonderful to visit at any time of year, it’s especially magical to visit at Christmas time.  From roughly the last week of November until Christmas Eve, Strasbourg transforms into a Christmas wonderland with decorations and markets all over the city.  Spend some time perusing the markets and looking at what treasures you might find.  (Even if you’re not a shopper you’ll enjoy it!) Try all kinds of warm and delicious foods and drinks that are offered at every market, and get lost exploring the winding streets while admiring the Christmas decorations.   European Christmas markets  are an experience not to be missed!

Strasbourg is easily accessible from Stuttgart by car, bus and train.  Public transportation would be most ideal as this eliminates the need to find parking.  

Getting From Stuttgart to Strasbourg by Train:

• The most direct route with no transfers is to take the TGV 9576 in the direction of Paris-Est. This is only 1.5 hours and has no transfers
• There is also the ICE 9574 in the direction of Paris-Est that also has no transfers and is also less than 1.5 hours
• There are more routes that include transfers, check Bahn.com for options

Since you are crossing the border and can’t use the BW ticket, be sure to book your ticket ahead of time here . 

Contributed by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

• Distance: 117 km
• Time from Stuttgart: 1-1.5 hours by car/ 45 minutes by high speed train

Heidelberg is a city located in western Germany and can be reached from Stuttgart in under 2 hours, making it an ideal day trip. 

Since most of the attractions in Heidelberg are within close proximity to one another, it is possible to visit all the  places to see in Heidelberg in one day or it also makes for a great weekend in Germany getaway as well.

The highlight of Heidelberg is the Heidelberg castle which is located on a small hillock that towers over the city and offers the most magnificent panoramic views of Heidelberg and the river Neckar. Additionally, the world’s largest wine barrel also happens to be located within the castle premises. From the castle, one can walk down towards the old city of Heidelberg which looks like a scene from Beauty and the Beast! The church of the Holy Spirit, the market square, the facade of the Hotel zum Ritter, and Kornmarkt are some of the highlights of the Heidelberg city center. The Karl Theodore Bridge a.k.a the old bridge of Heidelberg is one of the highlights of the city and its glorious gate as well as the history behind it are noteworthy as well. The Neckarwiese garden across this bridge offers a picture-worthy view of the Heidelberg castle. 

Getting From Stuttgart to Heidelberg By Train:

• Depending on what time you leave during the day, there are numerous ICE trains that all have direct routes with no transfers to Heidelberg from Stuttgart by train and only take about 45 minutes

Contributed by Soujanya Rai from The Spicy Journey

• Distance: 150 km
• Time from Stuttgart: Approximately 1.5-2.5 hours by car (pending traffic)/ 2.5-3.5 hours by train

Würzburg is a magnificent-underrated city in Franconia, Bavaria. The city is known for its wine and its baroque and rococo art, and it has been a university city for over 500 years. A day trip to Würzburg will unravel its rich history. The Residenz Palace is the city’s pride, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest ceiling mural painting in the world and the most stunning rococo stucco decors make this palace a special visit.

Look out for other building facades in the old town in the Baroque style, such as the Falkenhaus and the Neumünster. In the late afternoon, go to the Alte Mainbrücke, which is the city’s oldest bridge, and take part in the Brückenschoppen. This involves drinking wine on the bridge, while admiring the beauty of the Main River and surrounding vineyards! The city has, of course, much more to offer, and you can pick from a list of things to do in Würzburg . The easiest way to get to Würzburg is by car because the drive is just under 2 hours on the highway. Yet, you can get there too by train within 2 1/2 hours, either with a direct S-Bahn line 5/1 or with a train connection that leads to Frankfurt and then Würzburg.

Getting from Stuttgart to Würzburg by Train:

• The RE 8 In the direction of Würzburg Hauptbahnhof is a direct route with no transfers and only takes about 2.25 hours.

Contributed by Marina Helene & Paul from PaulMarina

• Distance: 115 km
• Time from Stuttgart: As little as 1 hour by car to 2 hours pending traffic/ 2.5-3.5 hours by train

Whether you are traveling with kids to Germany or are just a Lego nut yourself, a fun alternative to all the castles and cobblestone streets is Germany’s Legoland! We spent two full days in Legoland when it was my son’s birthday and we all had a blast (I’m not even into Legos myself). While none of the rides were exactly what I would call “super thrilling” (there was maybe a small handful that made my stomach jolt a smidge) they were all still really fun and there was more than plenty to keep us busy for the full 2 days, but ideally, I’d say that it’s perfect for ages 4-10.

There is even a whole miniature world built from Legos. Some of my favorites were an insanely intricate Neuschwanstein Castle, an entire city scape of Berlin, and many other famous cities from around the world…all built from Legos! It was outrageously impressive!

You can read my Visiting Germany’s Legoland: Tips and Tricks here.

Tip : If it is roller coasters you are more into, then I suggest heading to Europa Park instead of Legoland (my next suggestion) but if Legos are your jam, then Legoland is a fun getaway as well!

Getting from Stuttgart to Legoland by Train:

• Take one of the numerous ICE/IC trains that leave the Stuttgart HBF that go to Günzburg
• At the Günzburg station, find the Bus stops and then take the 818A Bus/ Legoland Shuttle and get off at the Legoland Park stop (there is also a stop for the Legoland Feriendorf/ hotels if you are staying there)

Contributed by LeAnna from WanderInGermany

Europa Park

• Time from Stuttgart: 2-3 hours pending traffic (see note below)/ 2.5 hours by train

The first time we went to Europa Park, I was pretty blown away by it! Europa Park is the largest amusement park in Germany and its name is perfectly fitting. Now, I’ve traveled quite a lot all over Europe and I have to say that the park’s representations of each country is pretty spot on! Whether you are in the France section with a Moulin Rouge or in “Russia” with a space station or in Scandinavia on a boat, it all really does feel like stepping into the most stereotypical parts of those countries!!!

But more than just the general fun of Europa Park, I loved how versatile it was. We had a wide range of ages (from baby all the way through adult)in our group and every single person found plenty to do and keep them busy, occupied, and happy! There were toddler sections, beginner rides, playgrounds, fun rides for the whole family, and of course, the super thrilling mega roller coasters!! If you are an amusement park fan, Europa Park should be at the top of your list while in Germany.

You can read my Europa Park Tips and Tricks here

Driving to Europa Park:

If you are driving to Europa Park, know that if you don’t get there VERY early that the lines to get into the parking lot can be pretty insane and long. Try to get there no later than 7:45am so that you can get right into the park right when it opens at 9am.

Getting from Stuttgart to Europa Park by Train:

While there are quite a few transfers to get to Europa Park from Stuttgart, it is still pretty straight forward

• Take the TGV9576 train in the direction of Paris-Est. Get off at the Karlsruhe Central Station
• At the Karlsruhe HBF, take the ICE 275 Train in the direction of Interlaken Ost. Get off at the Offenburg station
• In Offenburg, take the RE7 Train in the direction of Basel Bad Bahnhof and get off at the Herbolzheim(Breisgau) station
• From there, grab the 7231 Bus to Rust, Europa-Park which stops right at the park  

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• Time from Stuttgart: 1.5-2.5 hours pending traffic (see note below)/ Approximately 3 hours by train

While many people prefer to do 2 days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you can also make a day trip to Rothenburg as well. In fact, I’d argue that most of the sights in the town can easily be seen in just 1 day. However, the village takes on an almost completely different atmosphere in the evening well after all the day trippers have already headed back. It’s pretty centrally located that you can easily do it as a day trip from a lot of places like one of my suggested Day Trips from Nuremberg but it’s also only about 2 hours (drive) from Stuttgart as well.

Rothenburg is sometimes called the “Disneyland of Germany” both because it is everything one envisions from a fairytale German village to the mass shuttling of people in and out of the town and all the trinkets and souvenirs you can buy. It’s because of all this that I have a love/hate relationship with Rothenburg. I love it because if you can put your blinders on and just ignore all the other tourists around you, it really truly is an absolutely stunningly beautiful, stereotypical German village! On the other hand….soooo many people are there and most everything in town is now geared toward tourists and there are very few authentic experiences.

However, if this is a once in a lifetime trip to Germany , just because it’s considered “touristy” don’t write Rothenburg off your list too quickly, it really is a town to remember!!

Getting from Stuttgart to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• At the Stuttgart HBF, take the RE90 in the direction of Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof for about 1 hour 40 minutes. Get off at the Dombühl station and then grab the buses from there
• At Dombühl, grab the 807 Bus to Rothenburg o.d.T. Bahnhof (about 40 minutes)

Lake Constance

• Distance: 175 km
• Time from Stuttgart: 2 hours by car/ Approximately 2.75- 3 hours by train

While Lake Constance (also known as Bodensee amongst locals) is well deserving of a Weekend Trip in Germany , you could also do it as a day trip from Stuttgart as well if you are looking for a mixture of “towns and nature.” After all, Bodensee is the third largest (freshwater) lake in Europe and borders not one, not 2, but THREE countries! That’s right. You can be in Germany today, Austria this afternoon, and then head over to Switzerland! And with the lake sitting at the foothills of the Alps, it’s a refreshing break while still having plenty of amenities at close hand.

Lake Kontanz is HUUUGE. There are countless towns along the lake and each have different things to do and offerings. Bodensee is so big there are literally islands within the lake that you can go to!!!

There is SO much to to do at Lake Constance, which is why I prefer to go for a long weekend. However, even just a day to this “Sea” as the locals often refer to it instead of a lake, has plenty of activities such as:

• Take a Ferry Boat Ride : This is one of the most popular things for tourists to do while at Bodensee and is a great way to hop all over the lake to get to the other countries and multiple towns all in one day
• Go to the “Flower Island:” Mainau Island in the middle of Bodensee is a garden and flower lover’s dream. The expansive gardens set on the lake is simply gorgeous! 
• Zeppelin Museum: A popular thing for many people to do is to go to the town of Friedrichshafen to go to the Zeppelin Museum, which is a fascinating museum for anyone with aviation interests.
• Rent Bikes: I’d argue that this is one of the best things you can do at the Bodensee. There are bike shops all over and you can even get some Ebikes to zip you along around the lake. Get those stunning Alpine Views, see a few great towns, and enjoy being out in the fresh air!!!

Best Towns to Visit on Lake Constance Near Stuttgart

You can get to several of the quaint towns that line the Bodensee in less than 2 hours from Stuttgart (driving) or about 3 hours by train. Each town offers a little something different, so it’s worth looking into different ones to fit the vibes you want most. 

Konstanz: Approx 2 hours

Named after the lake itself, Konstanz Germany is only about 2 hours by car and is a perfect option for your day at the lake. There are plenty of the above mentioned activities here and the town itself is really charming with a mixture of medieval towers, half timbered buildings, and of course, fantastic views out over the lake! You can also easily grab one of the ferries from this main “port” town of the lake.

Überlingen: Approx 1 hour 50+ minutes

Überlingen is a great option for fewer tourists and more of a local feeling along the lake. There are some charming side streets in the Altstadt and Überlingen also boasts the “Longest lakeside promenade on Lake Constance.” If you love flowers and gardens, you won’t want to miss the Überlingen Garden Culture path, which is over 2.5 miles long of a beautifully manicured trail with stunning botanicals. For families, there is also a Zoo in Überlingen as well.

Friedrichshafen: Approx 2 Hours

Friedrichshafen is most noteworthy as the home of the Zeppelin! Most people that make their way here want to go to the Zeppelin Museum. Compared to the other towns on this list, it’s not nearly as charming and beautiful, so most tourists come just for the allure of the museum. However, you can easily grab a ferry from this port to hop over to nearby towns.

There are SO many great towns on Bodensee, but I wanted to mostly still recommend places you could get to in less than 2 hours for the perfect Day Trip from Stuttgart. That being said I don’t think a list about the best places on Bodensee would be complete without mentioning some of my other favorites (albeit a bit further away):

• Bregenz (Austria!): 2.5 hours drive
• Meersburg: 2.5 hours drive (great medieval town, castle, and even vineyards!)
• Lindau: 2.5 hours drive (gorgeous “island” town on the lake with a picture perfect lighthouse and all!) 

Getting from Stuttgart to Lake Konstanz by Train

Probably the easiest way to get to Lake Constance from Stuttgart is to get to the town of Konstanz itself since there is plenty to do there and you can easily grab the ferry in Konstanz to get to other nearby towns on the lake. There are, of course, several train routes to get there, but one of the most direct routes is:

• At the Stuttgart HBF, take the IC 2387 in the direction of Singen and ride it almost 2 hours, getting off at Engen
• In Engen, grab the S6 to Konstanz (about 50 minutes)

Over Two Hours From Stuttgart

Oberwesel/rhine river .

• Distance: 230 km
• Time from Stuttgart: 2.5 hours by car/ Approximately 3 hours by train

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany that offers a range of activities, including hiking, wine tasting, and exploring over 40 historic castles sitting atop steep vineyards. The town of Oberwesel is a hidden gem in the heart of the valley, famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, 18 towers, scenic vineyards, and historic castle hotel.

Located approximately 2.5 hours away from Stuttgart, it is a great day trip destination for tourists looking to explore the area. The town offers plenty of things to do, including tours of medieval castles, cultural experiences at local museums, and visits to stunning cathedrals that date back to 1331. 

You can enjoy local wines and relax in cozy cafes while admiring the stunning views on a break from one of the many Rhine River hop-on, hop-off boat tours.

The area is also great for outdoor enthusiasts, with two amazing long-distance trails to explore, the Rheinsteig and the Rhine Burgenweg (Rhine Castles Trail). These trails offer stunning views of the Rhine River and the surrounding vineyards, meandering through forests, high meadows, and vineyards.

Additionally, the town is surrounded by medieval towers with a pleasant shorter walk that’s perfect for families.  One of the towers even has a trebuchet range for the kids to have fun at!

While the best time to visit is from April through October, with Mother’s Day being a favorite time for tourists to experience the blooming canola oil fields and blossoming fruit trees, the rest of the year still has its benefits. However, it’s important to note that January through March is the low season, with many hotels and restaurants closed.

Overall, Oberwesel is a charming town that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and history of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, making it a great day trip destination from Stuttgart.

Getting from Stuttgart to Oberwesel

• At the Stuttgart HBF, grab the IC2047 Train in the direction of Bielefeld Hbf and ride it about 1 hour 40 minutes to Mainz
• In Mainz, take the RB26 Train in the direction of Köln Messe/Deutz Bf (about 50 minutes) and get off at the Oberwesel Bahnhof  

Freiburg im Breisgau

• Distance: 200 km
• Time from Stuttgart: 2.5 hours by car/ Approximately 2 hours by train

I have tons of Day Trips from Freiburg as well if you are looking to make it another “home base” for your time in Germany but if you are short on time, Freiburg is also another good day trip from Stuttgart. Especially in the summertime, it’s got a great, chill vibe, most likely because it’s a university town, so there are plenty of younger kids keeping things lively with plenty of Things to do in Freiburg . 

You can’t miss the Alstadt, which has the towering Munster Cathedral, which is a sight to be seen both inside and out. It’s also a great town to just wander around in for a while, hop over the Bächle (open sewers…but don’t worry, they are just freshwater streams now!!!), or grab a wurst and a beer at any of the many outdoor restaurants. Of course, you need to walk around and find the old town towers (one now has the eyesore of a McDonald’s at the bottom) or get some amazing sunset views by going up the Schlossberg.

Getting from Stuttgart to Freiburg by Train:

As always, there are a few different routes that can get you to Freiburg from Stuttgart. This one is one of the most direct and quickest options:

• Ride this train about 1 hour and get off at the Freiburg(Breisgau) Hbf

Written By LeAnna Brown from WanderInGermany

• Distance: 215 km
• Time from Stuttgart: 2.75 hours-3 hours by car/ Approximately 3.75 hours by train

The perfect day trip from Stuttgart for nature lovers goes to the Feldberg, with almost 1500 meters altitude, the highest mountain in Germany, outside the Alps.  

Nestled in the beautiful Black Forest region of southern Germany, the Feldberg is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, families, and adventure seekers alike.  The most popular outdoor activity on and around Feldberg in summer is hiking. The  Feldbergsteig  is a beautiful circular trail around the summit. The 12.5km hike leads through one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the country. The outstanding trail with many superlatives is even awarded as a premium hiking trail Germany!   

If you aren’t looking to hike but still want incredible views, you can r each the Feldberg summit, and highest point of the Black Forest easily by cable car . The fantastic 360 degree panoramic view from the plateau top reaches all the way to the the French Vosges and Swiss Alps on clear days.  

In winter, the Feldberg turns into a winter wonderland with plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, in fact, it is one of the best places for skiing in Germany outside of the Bavarian Alps. With well-groomed slopes, ski schools, and equipment rentals, it is a perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.  

All activities around Feldberg start at the main parking lot in Feldberg Ort, which is at cost. Here you can also  find the House of Nature, a nature conservation center that informs interested people about the special ecosystem, flora, and fauna on the fantastic Feldberg

The best and easiest access to the Feldberg Mountain is from the village of the same name, south of the summit. From Stuttgart, Feldberg Ort, the village, is 160km away and can be reached within 2 hours by car . You can also get there by public transport, but the trip length is not really worth it for a day trip then.   

Getting from Stuttgart to Feldberg:

• While there are several train options for this, most of the time, you’ll most likely need to get a train to Freiburg first
• In Freiburg, switch to the S1 in the direction of Seebrugg and get off at the Feldberg stop

Other Day Trips from Stuttgart to the Black Forest

While I’ve mentioned numerous German Black Forest towns and villages already in this list (Freiburg, Triberg, Baden Baden), there are still a few other great Black Forest Day Trips from Stuttgart that you can look into. All of them are 1.5-2 hours from Stuttgart. Most are detailed in my Day Trips from Freiburg if you’d like further information.

• All Saints Waterfall and Abbey
• Feldberg 
• Todtnau Rodelbahn (Hasenhorn Coaster)
• Burgbach Wasserfall

Weekend Trips from Stuttgart Germany

If you are like me and you like to Google-around when researching for a trip, chances are you’ve seen some other listicles on the good ol interwebs with a few other suggestions that I don’t have. So what’s the deal!?

Look, here on WIG, I only want to give you the best and most honest information. You know, something like I would tell my own friend if they were planning a trip to visit me in Germany. And I would never in a million years tell my pals to do a day trip from Stuttgart to a place like Munich or Neuschwanstein. You might be saying, “But LeAnna, Google Maps says that Neuschwanstein is only 2.5 hours and you have other options for day trips on your site that are upwards of three hours!”

Yeah, sure, but that is because I still believe that those destinations are worthy of just a day trip. You can not do Munich justice in one day! Period. Let alone planning in travel times to get there and back!! So, here are a few suggestions on places that you might have seen elsewhere but that I would either make as another part of your itinerary or at least weekend trips from Stuttgart (ie minimum 2 days).

Where NOT To Go As a Day Trip from Stuttgart- and WHY

There are actually a TON of really great weekend getaways from Stuttgart Germany. Here are just a few of my personal favorites.

Neuschwanstein : You don’t need more than a day for Neuschwanstein. BUUUUT, did you know about the nearby Linderhof Castle (A complete underrated gem in my opinion!) ? Or Hohenschwangau? What about the Ettal Abbey??? All of those should be considered in your Neuschwanstein day and if you are coming from Stuttgart, it’s going to be near impossible to add any of those on. Or have you ever wondered what it’s like to Paraglide Over A Fairytale Castle ? Yeeeah, it’s pretty freaking amazing, but no way could you do that and see the other castles with just one day.

Munich: Munich really shouldn’t just be a one day trip from Stuttgart. You really should have a minimum of 2 days in Munich , if not 3 (you can do an easier day trip to Neuschwanstein from Munich ) 

Nuremberg: You can do Nuremberg in 1 Day , but I suggest it being a nice, long, full day. 2 Days is even more ideal.

Rhine River Cruise : Visit the picture perfect towns of Rudesheim, Bacharach, Boppard, and Cochem all while sipping wine down the Rhine and gazing upon castles!! I suggest starting in Rudesheim, which is only about 2.5 hours from Stuttgart!

Trier : This ancient Roman town in Germany is only about 4 hours from Stuttgart and makes for the perfect weekend trip.

Lucerne : Pop on over into Switzerland for the weekend. You can be at this stunning lakeside town at the bottom of the towering Mt Pilatus in about 3 hours from Stuttgart!

Hotels in Stuttgart

Is it worth visiting stuttgart.

Personally, I think there are better towns to explore in Germany that offer more culture, beauty, and better things to do. However, I love Stuttgart as a home base for tons of easy and nearby day trips!

How many days do I need for Stuttgart?

1-2 Days plus 3-4 days for day trips. You can easily visit Stuttgart in one day or even less. However, it’s worth staying in the city itself and staying in the one location for numerous days so that you can reach dozens of nearby day trips easily

What French town is near Stuttgart?

Strasbourg is a popular and gorgeous town in France only about 2 hours by car from Stuttgart.

Is Stuttgart part of the Black Forest?

No. Stuttgart is just slightly East of the Black Forest. However, you can be to numerous German Black Forest towns in less than an hour.

How do I get to the Black Forest from Stuttgart?

• Baden Baden- Stuttgart: 1.5 hours
• Triberg-Stuttgart: 1 hour 45 minutes by car
• Freiburg-Stuttgart: 2.5 hours by car

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LeAnna Brown; Germany Travel Expert

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Day Trips from Stuttgart

15 Best Day Trips from Stuttgart

Stuttgart is one of the largest and most historic cities in Germany and can place its origins far back to the days of Roman conquests in the region. There’s a lot to discover in this charming, southern German city, and even more to discover in the surrounding region. Stuttgart’s perfect location in the southwest offer visitors the chance to explore the beautiful nature of the Black Forest, the fairytale castles of the German nobility, and colorful, small towns and villages, nestled amongst gorgeous scenery.

Stuttgart is just a short drive away from France. It’s not even too far from Switzerland, and there are plenty of great cross-border excursions to enjoy from the city too. Visit Strasbourg, the spectacular environs of Lake Konstanz, the big city of Frankfurt, and the multitude of beautiful spots waiting to be discovered nearby.

Here are our favorite day trips from Stuttgart.

1. The Black Forest

The Black Forest is an extensive area of natural beauty that’s easily accessible from Stuttgart.

There are many small towns to discover and a wonderful array of landscapes and hiking trails that will leave you speechless.

A great place to begin your journey into the Black Forest and to get a great feel for nature here, explore the recently created Black Forest National Park, found in the northern part of the region.

This is a protected area of wilderness that encompasses vast areas of forest that is home to an array of wilderness.

Hike to the tallest peaks to enjoy the rolling vistas, where you can see nothing but a sea of green for mile upon mile.

2. Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is one of Germany’s most iconic castles.

Found just to the south of Stuttgart, the dreamy spires reaching for the sky will leave you as much in awe as the dramatic, cliff-top location that offers incredible views out over the surrounding area.

The Neo-Gothic architecture dates back to the early 19th century when the Prussian King began construction of the high walls and magnificent turrets that you see today.

Historically, though, there have been castles and fortifications on the same site for centuries – far back into the middle ages.

It’s a great place to not only photograph but learn more about the local nobility and houses of Germany.

3. Tubingen

Tubingen is found just outside of Stuttgart and is an excellent place to visit to see small town German life in what is a predominantly university associated area.

Like much of the region, Tubingen can trace its origins far back – thousands of years – but most of the elegant houses and ramshackle streets that you will discover here are from more modern times, but still incredibly historic.

There’s a beautiful, vibrant and multicolored waterfront that is alive with students and locals throughout the year, while in summer, the beer gardens are loud and busy and the waterways abound with small rowing boats.

4. Heidelberg

Another iconic university town that’s perhaps much more well-known is Heidelberg.

This is one of the most beautiful towns in Germany and it’s just a day trip from Stuttgart.

Here, you will find an elegant bridge spanning the Neckar River and rolling hills covered in green trees surrounding the historic town.

Heidelberg is home to one of the oldest universities in the world – a university which is very much still active and dates back to medieval times.

Walk the old streets, enjoy the marvelous architecture, and explore the distinctive walls of the Heidelberg Castle.

Triberg is a quaint German town that’s found tucked away in a corner of the Black Forest.

Triberg itself is lovely to wander around, however, the real attraction lies not in the town, but in the surrounding forest, where you can easily hike to some of Germany’s tallest waterfalls.

The Triberg Waterfalls are a spectacular sight; the town is located at the bottom of the river that flows over the falls.

Reaching a maximum height of just over 150 meters, this is a beautiful sight; there are many layers cascading over rocks to form a tier of cascading waterfalls.

6. Freiburg

Freiburg is a small city that’s found right on the border of Germany within easy reach of France and Switzerland.

It’s set amid beautiful surroundings, and despite its proximity to neighboring countries, is distinctly German in character.

The Black Forest surrounds Freiburg and there are many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

The city itself, being fairly secluded, doesn’t tend to receive the same number of tourists as other areas within the Black Forest, making it an ideal off the beaten track place to discover.

Ulm has some quirky sights to enjoy.

This is the hometown of world famous German physicist Albert Einstein.

Although he moved out very early on in his life, today you can see his presence in the museums and university.

The old streets line the River Danube and it’s a beautiful city.

You can visit the world’s tallest church, marvel at the rickety, lopsided beerhaus that was built centuries ago, and wonder how the city’s very own leaning tower has still not fallen over.

8. Schorndorf

Schorndorf lies just a few miles down the road, to the east of Stuttgart, and makes for an easy day trip from the city.

It’s known for its charming, old-fashioned, wooden houses and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy the local castle, the museums, and the museum devoted to Gottlieb Daimler – a pioneer of motor vehicle technology who was born in the town.

9. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle quite literally looks like it has been transplanted into the real world from a fairy tale.

It’s a bit of a long day trip from Stuttgart – the castle is found to the south, on the border with Austria – but it’s well worth the trip to see this iconic landmark in all its glory.

Neuschwanstein Castle is found on a high cliff top and its spires and turrets are the stuff of legend.

The castle dates back to the 19th century, when a German king built this grand premises as his home, away from the world, in as romantic a surrounding as he could envision.

The castle gets very busy, but it’s worth the queues and the crowds just to marvel at this stunning piece of architecture.

10. Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is another beautifully romantic castle in the region.

It’s found much closer to Stuttgart.

Compared to the more famous castles such as Neuschwanstein, it’s much quieter and hardly as well known.

It’s definitely not understated though, as it’s just as fairytale-like and equally as lavish.

An ornate bridge leads over a precipitous void to the castle gates, where the turrets and walls are seemingly perched, as if by magic, on a high, rocky cliff that looks over a scenic valley.

11. Frankfurt

The huge German city of Frankfurt is just a few hours up the road from Stuttgart and it offers visitors a great day trip.

It might be one of the busiest cities in the country, but that means that there’s also a lot to do.

Enjoy the skyline, visit the many museums, and sample some of the best German food in the region.

12. Nuremberg

Nuremberg is one of the Danube River’s most famous cities.

Although much of it was destroyed in World War II and the name of the city became synonymous with the trials that were held here after the conflict, today the city has recovered and regained its position as a tourist destination that it has long held historically.

The Bavarian capital is found to the south of Stuttgart and is a must-visit city.

Experience the beer halls, the beer gardens, and the great local food that is found all over the city.

It’s an exciting place to explore.

When staying so close in Stuttgart, it would be a shame to miss out on one of Germany’s best city destinations.

14. Lake Constance

Lake Constance is found where Germany meets both Switzerland and Austria.

It’s a wonderful destination to visit and you can explore the lengthy lakeside walks, the small waterside towns, and even cross the lake by boat to explore the neighboring countries.

15. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is found just over the border in France and makes for a great day trip from Stuttgart if you want to experience a location less German.

Strasbourg, though, is still decidedly multicultural; it’s always been at the center of the crossroads of Germany and France, and today is the home of the European Parliament too.

Found on the banks of the River Rhine, there are influences to be seen from both sides of the river, and a great array of historic buildings and sights to entertain.

15 Best Day Trips from Stuttgart:

• The Black Forest
• Hohenzollern Castle
• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Lichtenstein Castle
• Lake Constance

7 Magical Day Trips to Take from Stuttgart, Germany

07/20/2021 by Kristin Addis 56 Comments

Six-year-old me used to have a coloring book full of princes and princesses. I loved designing different outfits and colors, each more extravagant than the last. When I had my birthday, I requested a pink princess dress, which my grandmother lovingly sewed for me. In the storybook of my mind unicorns, knights, and sparkly queens reigned (thanks, Disney).

I guess I knew that this had to exist somewhere – that the authors of those children’s books (which, later, when I read the original versions I realized were pretty messed up!) drew inspiration from their surroundings. As an adult, finding myself in the very medieval towns I visited so often in my imagination is really something special.

When I’m in Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany, that part of me comes to the forefront again. It feels so whimsical, so charming, and even a little bit magical.

This wasn’t my first time here. I’d visited before for Christmas with my friend Yvonne and it was a snowy winter wonderland, but to see it in the summer when all is lush and green was equally magical, if not a bit easier to get around minus the icy roads. My friends Michael and Susi (my Burning Man crew from 2015) joined as well so we turned it into a bunch of little day trips from Stuttgart, which could also be turned into a road trip loop.

Compare prices and rent your car here.

Here are the highlights:

Table of Contents

Day Trips from Stuttgart, Germany:

1. bad urach waterfall.

I found out about this waterfall when someone commented on one of my Instagram photos that I should visit, and that it wasn’t a far day trip from Stuttgart. I am a waterfall enthusiast so it looked immediately appealing when I Google image searched it.

This waterfall cascades down in several parts, and after it’s rained, be forewarned that the water will be spilling down the steps as well, so bring waterproof hiking boots.

Since I didn’t have mine with me, I went barefoot. That’s also an option!

Once you get to the top, you’ll notice that to the right of the waterfall is another trail that leads to yet another waterfall. I’m unclear on which one is the actual Bad Urach Waterfall but if you have time, hike to both. They both look like fairies and wood nymphs must live there:

What’s so cool about this region in general is that it’s not nearly as touristy as Bavaria, Berlin, or Hamburg (etc.), so when visiting these places, it’s mostly locals around and not bus-loads of people. If you go during the off season and on a weekday, you might not even see anyone else there!

Getting there: You can either drive to it or take the train from Stuttgart main station and get off at Bad Urach Wasserfall. Then turn to your right from the train platform and walk until you see the trail. It’s not hard to find!

2. Tübingen

Tübingen is an adorable little university town that I’d had the pleasure of seeing in the snow. Back then it was magical and very quiet, given it was right after Christmas. This time, there was a lot more life to it and I just loved seeing the flowers everywhere. It really was the perfect day trip from Stuttgart.

Tübingen was also spared most of the bombing in World War II that destroyed much of the rest of Germany, so the old buildings still stand, making it even more charming than I thought was possible.

I come from a place where most buildings are 50 years old, give or take, so to see something still standing from the 1500s is mind-blowing.

Also, we mainly have palm trees and plants that survive well with minimal water in Southern California, so seeing such intensely-colored flowers kept blowing my mind. I think everyone else thought I was being dramatic but honestly I could not get over them.

Getting there:  Take the train from Stuttgart Main Station or make it a lunch stop on your road trip. That’s what I did!

3. Lichtenstein Castle

This castle, not to be confused with the country, is a Gothic Revival castle that was rebuilt in the 1840s, making it a fairly newish castle on the castle scene, as far as such things are concerned.

It’s still owned by the Duke of Urach but it’s open to the public daily.

Getting there: It’s best to drive or take a tour if you don’t have a car rental.

4. Hohenzollern Castle

This wasn’t my first time trying to get to this viewpoint to see Hohenzollern from afar. The first time, the road was too snowy and we weren’t even sure where we were going, so Yvonne and I had to give up, but this time, we vowed to find it.

Though going inside of castles is marginally cool in my book, it was this viewpoint that I wanted to see Hohenzollern from.

Even though I think this castle is more perfect than the one in Bavaria that Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle was modeled after, there was almost nobody else there except for a few locals out for a walk. How perfect! I can say with certainty that the other one at that very moment was positively mobbed with tourists.

Getting There: To get to the viewpoint, the Zellerhornweise, you’ve got to take a car to this hotel then walk to your right (with the hotel to your back). You’ll see a cell tower in front of you. Follow the wide, white path without taking any detours. It will be a flat path and it takes about 20 minutes to view the castle.

5. Sasbachwalden

For me, seeing the Black Forest was kind of a big deal. I think I mainly knew it exists because the cake is kind of famous in the US, but still, this plus the mystical-sounding name made it alluring.

The little town of Sasbachwalden is known for hiking and its wine and schnapps. Even cooler is when the two combine along one of their many hiking trails. Locals actually leave out glasses and little jars where you can self-serve then pay the asking price. I love that kind of honor system!

Getting there: The best way is to take the Black Forest High Road (Schwartzwaldhochstr.) through the Black Forest. It’s absolutely gorgeous, but prepare for many twists and turns! You can also take a bus or train from Stuttgart Main Station.

6. Maulbronn Monastery

Maulbronn Monastery is reportedly the best-preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex in Europe. What that meant to me was groin vaults upon groin vaults and as an enthusiast of medieval architecture, I was on cloud nine there.

You can take an English tour if you wish, or just wander through. I liked learning about the history and put this at the top of my favorite UNESCO sites I’ve visited, mostly because I’m just a huge European art history and architecture buff. The surroundings are nice too for a walk through the fields and forest.

Getting there:  There’s a train connection to the town, or of course, you can drive. As far as day trips from Stuttgart go, this one is among the easiest.

Bonus: Fly in a hot air balloon!

This was my first time ever flying in a hot air balloon, and of all the places in the world where one could do this, the ‘Swabian Alps’ over Hechingen must be one of the most beautiful.

We had a combination of rolling countryside full of trees, farms of different colors that all came to life during golden hour, and even the Hohenzollern castle from afar.

I felt like the pilot (is pilot the right word?) of the balloon had a great handle on things as well, with a very smooth takeoff and landing. The whole experience was incredibly peaceful and sharing it with a few of my best friends was nothing short of magical, as was the whole week spent doing day trips from Stuttgart in general.

Do it yourself: Contact  BalloonFahrer to see availability. Prices run at €175 per person and, weather depending, lasts for about 1.5 hours+, finishing at sunset.

Day Trips from Stuttgart Germany Route

This is a map with every stop plotted. It took us all week to give each of these places justice, so I suggest basing yourself in Stuttgart and doing day trips either via train or by renting a car (which would give you the most freedom), or doing the loop and spending a night or two in Sasbachwalden as well.

Compare prices and rent your car here for your day trip from Stuttgart.

In closing, as I look to spend more time in Germany (after making Berlin a quasi-home base many years ago), it sure has been a pleasure to explore more of this lovely country. I had no idea that all of this existed just a short flight away, and the greatest part is, almost nobody else does, either! Don’t you just love uncovering these little gems without the loads of tourists? I most definitely do.

What’s your favorite part of Germany? Share in the comments! I want to explore more! If you do embark on a day trip from Stuttgart to any of these magical places, let me know which was your favorite.

*This post was brought to you in collaboration with Tourism BW  in an effort to showcase this awesome part of Germany to you guys. My reviews are always sincere and to be honest I didn’t have any idea I would love it there so much! Already thinking of a wintery return!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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07/20/2016 at 12:29 pm

I used to live in Stuttgart, and one of the things I always tell people is that I miss the region around it the most (I’m now living in Frankfurt). Whether it’s the Black Forest, the Schwäbische Alb, Lake Constance, or beautiful cities like Heidelberg and Tübingen – Baden-Württemberg will always be one of my favorite states in Germany.

Kristin says

07/21/2016 at 4:34 am

I thought that the city had a nice feeling to it as well. I felt relaxed there and it’s so nice that in no time you can be in the countryside. It’s definitely more quaint than Frankfurt (and Berlin, for that matter). I love how each city I visit in this country has such a unique personality!

07/20/2016 at 1:00 pm

All these pictures are truly gorgeous! I’ve only been to Germany for a couple of days at a time for work… definitely need to take a proper trip there after seeing these! xx

07/21/2016 at 4:20 am

Yes take some extra days there after your next work trip!

Louise says

07/20/2016 at 3:19 pm

Halle and Dresden were two awesome East German cities. Halle had ZERO tourists, a Beatles museum pretty architecture and a really great park with these beaver-like animals floating in the creek!

Dresden has a hipster area across the river that most tourists don’t know about (Neustadt I think it’s called?) – think pulled pork sandwiches, craft beers and lots of cool street art and open-air installations. Had me thinking, “Who needs Berlin when you got Neustadt?!” Check it out!

I’ve heard that Dresden is pretty cool and I’d definitely love to check it out! Who needs Berlin? I need Berlin 🙂

annika says

07/21/2016 at 2:49 am

Hello 🙂 i’m from Baden-Württemberg, I grew up near singen which is close to the Bodensee (Lake of Constanze) if you have never been there you should really get there. I guess every place at Lake Constance is beautiful but of course there are some hidden Spots that are magical! Now I live in the three countries corner, France, Switzerland,germany so South of the black forest. Here in the south the black forest is beautiful as well, the city of Freiburg is so lovely and all the little villages in the Höllental are so cute. Lots of stuff to discover in Baden-Württemberg 🙂 you have a pretty nice list there! Thank you so much:) annika

07/21/2016 at 4:10 am

I went down there to Hohentweil but that’s all I got to see of the area. I definitely want to go back and have heard great things about Freiburg! That whole area down there is just wonderful, including Switzerland as well!

01/13/2018 at 9:39 am

Hi, we’re heading to The bodensee this June. What hidden places should we try to see?

Danielle @ Our Passport Pages says

07/22/2016 at 4:27 am

Germany is just so beautiful. I’m living in Bavaria (Bayern), but I’ve been to Baden-Württemberg many times. Love it there. It’s gorgeous. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Anonymous says

07/22/2016 at 10:53 am

Where I grew up. Glad you like it!

Michael says

07/25/2016 at 6:12 am

I was stationed in Stuttgart in the army in 1968-69. I must say it is my favorite city in the world (with Prague a close second). I was just a young man when I was there and didn’t really see much. I have been back twice in the last 3 years, taking my wife to see the area. We have also visited Rottenberg, Frankfurt, Dresden, Berlin, and Nueschwanstein. My great-grandparents came from an area just south of Stuttgart and I plan, on a future trip to visit their villages.

07/25/2016 at 9:05 am

Wow it must be so different to see it now! The area around Stuttgart is so nice, I hope you enjoy some of these suggestions!

Ashley Smith says

12/10/2016 at 7:37 am

I can’t wait to get to get back to Germany after seeing this. Your pictures are so great too! That first one is so great! Pinning this 🙂

12/10/2016 at 6:28 pm

Awesome! Yay 🙂

Webzit says

12/27/2016 at 6:46 am

Awewsome pics! I suggest you to visit Ludwigsburg – castle from Ludwig XIV. It’s really beautiful and almost a must-see when you’re in Stuttgart. Just about 10-15min from Stuttgart main station to Ludwigsburg by train, then 2 Bus-stops further. So in 20min you’re in front of it.

12/28/2016 at 9:47 am

Thanks I’d love to!

09/01/2018 at 5:22 pm

Don’t forget Schloss Solitude just outside Stuttgart. It is beautiful, has a nice cafe, and beautiful views northward toward Ludswigburg.

02/05/2017 at 9:10 am

What a great and useful post. We moved to Heidelberg six months ago from Canada, and I’m stockpiling day trips for the warmer months. There’s an open-air museum in the Black Forest where they have several farm houses you can wander around in, it’s good fun but only open in the spring and summer. Looking forward to checking out these spots!

02/09/2017 at 6:48 am

Heidelberg is so quaint and nice! I love that region of Germany.

Brillia says

02/26/2017 at 1:24 pm

Hi Kristin! This post is lovely and so helpful! I’d like to ask how accessible these places are by train, assuming I am going to base myself in Stuttgart city, and how much does public transport cost to get to these places? 🙂

02/26/2017 at 10:48 pm

I took the train to the Bad Urach waterfall and think that set me back less than €20 but it’s hard to remember now. Not all are accessible by train, though!

06/26/2017 at 12:01 am

My friends and I came across your post and decided to take this trip for ourselves, and it was absolutely amazing. We hit almost everything on your list in just two days, and it was easily one of the best weekends I have ever had. Thank you so much for sharing!!

06/26/2017 at 6:42 pm

That’s so cool! I’m glad you replicated it and had a blast!

07/27/2017 at 12:27 am

Awesome and fun trip! Love those photos there, Their designs are wonderful! which name place the image caption “Let’s flyyyy”

08/06/2017 at 10:40 am

Great recommendations, followed a few of them, made for a great trip! Thank you!

Roxanna says

08/20/2017 at 6:35 pm

Although this article is a little older now, I used it when I was planning my trip to Germany. We did not stay in Stuttgart, but at a vacation house in the Schwarzwald, which is the perfect place to take day trips. It was specifically this article that prompted my decision to visit Hollenzollern, and we were truly enchanted during the visit. Thank you for the information and inspiration!

08/21/2017 at 12:54 am

That’s awesome! I wrote this about a year ago so the info is all still good, and I’m so glad that you found the castle using it! What a gorgeous place, huh?

Nathan says

09/13/2017 at 1:30 pm

Hi Nice photography. Amazing location. The last time I visited Stuttgart was in 2001. But I didn’t explore this much. But I will keep this post for my reference Thanks Nathan Canada

Sanjay says

10/02/2017 at 4:16 am

Truly amazing pics Kristin. I will be in Stuttgart this Oct-end and will have 2 free days (Friday and Saturday). Would love to visit some snow place either somewhere near Stuttgart or in Switzerland. Can you please provide me with the options and high-level itinerary for these 2 days please.

10/02/2017 at 4:40 am

Snow is unlikely for October, but the Alps are always fun 🙂

Franziska says

01/11/2018 at 5:55 am

Hey your blog and the photo’s are so nice! Wonderfull Story and nice pictures. It looks like you have had much fun there! We travel to stuttgart in February and I am so exited? Thank you for your advices!

Greetings from franziska ?

03/10/2018 at 2:54 pm

Hello! We are planning a trip to Germany for this summer 2018. We would like to fly into Southern Germany and travel by train to include Switzerland and Austria. Any help planning an itinerary would be greatly appreciated. We will be there 10 days. Thanks!!

03/10/2018 at 4:44 pm

I’d suggest Innsbruck and Zermatt: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/followed-grandmothers-journal-traveling/ https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/where-to-hike-in-zermatt-switzerland/

Dennis says

05/04/2018 at 10:59 am

Thanks a bunch for providing the location of the Zeller Horn Weisse. I’m a travel photographer and I’ll be in Germany in 11 days and will be checking out a few of the places you’ve listed. Quick question though…. the first pic in your post showed you standing on what appears to be a small rocky ledge. Did this entail a hike of any kind? Couldn’t really tell from Google Earth.

05/04/2018 at 4:57 pm

A short walk at best 🙂

Mark Russell says

06/26/2018 at 7:32 pm

I attended Uni in Tübingen and there is so much more to see than the view from the Nekarbrücke and the Nekarinsel. I’m disappointed that so many travel blogs never explore Tübingen beyond this one vantage point.

06/26/2018 at 10:47 pm

Thanks Mark, we walked all through the town and my best friend pointed out where she used to attend classes, where she used to live, we had iced coffee, and we walked along the river as well. Don’t worry.

Mark Nash says

07/07/2018 at 7:59 am

My favorite part of Germany is everywhere, It’s the people. I lived there for a year in 1971-2 and loved it. 3 years ago my wife and I traveled all over it and fell back in love with Germans. Of course the views, history and culture are wonderful to experience. One particular smallish village was Bopar on the Rhine. Very nice. to visit.

07/08/2018 at 9:50 am

I like the people too. I find when I walk around Berlin smiling at people they just light up and it’s so nice.

Susie Odom says

10/03/2018 at 6:49 am

We are traveling there Christmas 2018. We want to drive but aren’t sure if road conditions at that time of year. Any comments are appreciated.

10/03/2018 at 1:24 pm

It just depends on how much snow there is. It’s a wait and see kind of thing.

manisha says

06/30/2019 at 8:57 pm

Hi I have 10 days vacation and I am landing to stuttaurt .Please let me know where I should go from stuttaurt to (europe) other countries or I should stay in germany/ Please advise.Thank you

07/01/2019 at 3:59 pm

Take a look at my Germany guide: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/germany-guide/

Reiner says

01/09/2020 at 1:01 am

Hi Kristin,

it’s so nice to read somebody writing about my home area in such a beautiful manner. I must smile a little bit since other comments are concerned about snow. I’m so used to it I would never think of not driving here regardless of the snow conditions 😉 I grew up in a small city on the Heuberg then lived in Stuttgart, Düsseldorf and Toronto for a while. Now I’m back to southern Germany again and will probably stay next to Balingen for the rest of my life. I can see the Hohenzollern Castle from my living room 😉 Except travelling of course. I backpacked all around Europe in the late 80ies/early 90ies and I am still some kind of a restless person that likes to do roadtrips all around the world and find the little secret spots. 2019 a dream came true and I did a 4 week roadtrip through the southwest of the US. It was absolutely amazing. Next item on the bucket list is New Zealand…

Safe travels

01/09/2020 at 1:39 am

The American SW is one of my favorite places in the world, glad you got to experience it 🙂

02/05/2020 at 12:01 pm

how much was the balloon ride?

02/05/2020 at 6:11 pm

It was 175 Euros per person when I did it 🙂

05/21/2020 at 7:02 am

Did you go to Bagan? In myanmar?

05/21/2020 at 1:39 pm

I did! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/bagan-myanmar-best-sunrise-and-sunset/

Samantha says

09/28/2020 at 5:54 am

I plan to do the hot air balloon this month! I have a question: The hot air balloon website states it is only one way. How do you get back to your car? Does it land close to a train or bus station? I was unsure if I should plan ahead for that or how I would plan my trip back to our car.

10/10/2020 at 10:29 am

They gave us a ride back to our car. My guess is they mean it’s not a roundtrip balloon flight? Might want to check with them on that.

Laurence Bourquin says

05/01/2021 at 7:51 am

Thks for your tips & stunning pictures in and around Stuttgart.

I’m a big fan of Freiburg im Breisgau, My guess is… you’ll love this city as well!

As the tourist center says : … the city of miniature streams (open tiny streams where you walk barefoot to relax your feet) & cobble-stone streets, … a future-focused environmental capital, … a historic jewel in the middle of the Black Forest, … and the sunniest city in Germany! Climb up the cathedral to enjoy a lovely view, especially over the lively market in the old town, eat Bretzels and other culinary specialties, discover little shops. Climb up the castle mountain (Schlossberg) at sunset. Visit Green City Freiburg, feel the unic atmostphere strolling around an environmentally friendly city, born in the 1970s. https://visit.freiburg.de/en https://stadt-freiburg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=1afae979b96147dd8b03e17e769052bb https://greencity.freiburg.de/pb/,Len/1450158.html https://www.viator.com/tours/Freiburg/Discover-Freiburg-in-60-Minutes-with-a-Local/d34163-76654P160

04/10/2022 at 4:01 pm

Hi! Thank you so much for this fun guide! I love the idea of hiking the vineyards in Sasbachwalden (on my birthday!)

Do you have a name of the trail you did that took you to the views in the photos? Thanks so much!

04/11/2022 at 11:51 pm

I’m not sure anymore – so sorry about that!

Europe's Best Airports Make Air Travel a Breeze

A s one of the most visited continents in the world, Europe can be quite chaotic when it comes to air travel. Many of its main airports like London Heathrow and Paris' Charles de Gaulle are crowded, disorganized and difficult to navigate.

But all is not lost! There are air hubs that have it figured out, earning high customer satisfaction scores and managing to keep most of their flights on time. Most are smaller, and many are in Germany (to no one's surprise).

These are the 10 best airports in Europe.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

10. Vienna International Airport — Vienna, Austria

On-time performance: 7.7

Customer opinion: 8.1

AirHelp score: 7.84

With a reputation for being serious about timekeeping, Austria does not disappoint when it comes to its airports. Servicing the capital, Vienna International Airport receives good customer satisfaction and on-time performance scores. Interestingly, the airport was originally built to serve military planes during World War II.

Where to stay:  Moxy Vienna Airport

*Note: Ranking is based on AirHelp's 2023 Global Airport Ranking .

9. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez International Airport — Madrid, Spain

On-time performance: 7.8

Customer opinion: 7.9

One of Europe's main air hubs, Madrid Barajas stands out from its competitors with good on-time performance. Don't be mistaken — this airport is huge , which can sometimes make it hard to navigate. But it will provide anything you want, from high-end shops to numerous food choices to prayer rooms and a chapel.

Where to stay:  Clement Barajas

8. Vilnius International Airport — Vilnius, Lithuania

On-time performance: 7.9

AirHelp score: 7.85

An underrated European capital, Vilnius boasts one of the most interesting airport facades on the continent. Built in the 1950s, the airport will transport you to the Soviet era, with sculptures of workers in between the arches of the exterior. And while Lithuania has long been independent, we're glad it's kept this unique structure rather than replacing it with a run-of-the-mill modern one.

Where to stay: Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport 

7. Dusseldorf International Airport — Dusseldorf, Germany

On-time performance: 8

Customer opinion: 7.8

Known to be the fashion capital of Germany, Dusseldorf is a large, modern city that attracts business travelers and tourists who want to get out of the regular circuit. Its international airport is the fourth-largest in Germany. And if we are to believe customers, it runs a neat, tight ship.

Where to stay: Sheraton Dusseldorf Airport Hotel

6. Stuttgart Airport — Stuttgart, Germany

On-time performance: 8.1

Customer opinion: 7.7

AirHelp score: 7.88

Though Stuttgart is known for car manufacturing, the city's aesthetic is far from industrial. Those who land at Stuttgart Airport find a picturesque historic core and countless urban green spaces. The city is one of the major air hubs in the country, particularly for business travel, as people come in for meetings with Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

Where to stay:  Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport 

5. Dortmund Airport — Dortmund, Germany

AirHelp score: 7.89

This medium-sized German city once again proves how much Germans care about efficiency. While travelers don't typically visit this destination, those who do usually use a low-cost carrier, as major airlines forego direct routes to here in favor of flights to bigger airports.

Where to stay: Best Western Hotel Dortmund Airport

4. Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport — Tallin, Estonia

Customer opinion: 8.9

AirHelp score: 7.98

Like Vilnius, Tallinn is a Baltic capital that is often overlooked by travelers. But now's the time to visit this exciting European city that has yet to be overrun by tourists. Even the trip here will be a breeze, given that customers rate the airport with an impressive 8.9 score.

Where to stay:  Mercure Tallinn

3. Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport — Gdansk, Poland

Customer opinion: 8

AirHelp score: 8

We'll be honest with you: If you want to visit Gdansk, it'll probably be cheaper to fly into Warsaw and then take a train. But if, for whatever reason, you decide to reach this coastal Polish city by air, you'll be very satisfied with how well-tuned and organized the airport is.

Where to stay: Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Airport 

2. Helsinki Vantaa Airport — Helsinki, Finland

AirHelp score: 8.01

Helsinki Vantaa Airport is Finland's major airport and the point of entry into the country for almost all international tourists. The airport stands out by having most signage in seven languages, accommodating generously to tourists from all over the world. It is also the hub for the national airline, Finnair.

Where to stay:  Hilton Helsinki Airport 

1. Bilbao Airport — Bilbao, Spain

AirHelp score: 8.04

Coming in the 21st spot in the world, Bilbao Airport is Europe's highest-rated airport. Serving the modern cultural city in northern Spain, customers are satisfied by the airport's well-kept interior, on-time performance and cleanliness. Fly here if you don't want to deal with the overwhelming crowds of Madrid Barajas — after all, you can easily take a train or bus from here to anywhere else in Spain.

Where to stay: Hotel New Bilbao Airport 

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Euro 2024 fixtures, schedule, teams, venues: All you need to know about summer tournament in Germany

England have been drawn against Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark in Group C; Scotland have been drawn against Germany, Switzerland and Hungary; Wales could be in Group D; Euro 2024 kicks off in Munich on June 14; final takes place in Berlin on July 14

Monday 27 May 2024 12:43, UK

From fixtures to venues, here's all you need to know about this summer's tournament...

Where and when will Euro 2024 be held?

Euro 2024 will take place from Friday June 14 to Sunday July 14 2024.

Germany are the host nation and qualified automatically. West Germany hosted the tournament back in 1988, but this will be the first time Germany has staged the European Championship since reunification.

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• Euro 2024 kits revealed

Who has qualified for Euro 2024?

In total, 24 teams will take part in the tournament with Poland , Ukraine and Georgia progressing via the play-offs.

What are the Euro 2024 groups?

Group A - Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland

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Group B - Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania

Group C - Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England

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Euro 2024 latest news

Group D - Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France

Group E - Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine

Group F - Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

What is the Euro 2024 schedule and format?

The top two teams from each of the six final tournament groups will proceed to the round of 16 along with the four best third-placed finishers.

Final tournament

June 14, 2024: Euro 2024 opening game, Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena) June 30 - July 2: Round of 16 July 5-6: Quarter-finals July 9-10: Semi-finals July 14: Euro 2024 final, Olympiastadion Berlin

Euro 2024 fixtures in full

Group stage

Friday June 14 Germany vs Scotland (Munich, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Saturday June 15 Hungary vs Switzerland (Cologne, kick-off 2pm UK time) Spain vs Croatia (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time) Italy vs Albania (Dortmund, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Sunday June 16 Poland vs Netherlands (Hamburg, kick-off 2pm UK time) Slovenia vs Denmark (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) Serbia vs England (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Monday June 17 Romania vs Ukraine (Munich, kick-off 2pm UK time) Belgium vs Slovakia (Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm UK time) Austria vs France (Dusseldorf, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Tuesday June 18 Turkey vs Georgia (Dortmund, kick-off 5pm UK time) Portugal vs Czech Republic (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Wednesday June 19 Croatia vs Albania (Hamburg, kick-off 2pm UK time) Germany vs Hungary (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) Scotland vs Switzerland (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Thursday June 20 Slovenia vs Serbia (Munich, kick-off 2pm UK time) Denmark vs England (Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm UK time) Spain vs Italy (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Friday June 21 Slovakia vs Ukraine (Dusseldorf, kick-off 2pm UK time) Poland vs Austria (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time) Netherlands vs France (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Saturday June 22 Georgia vs Czech Republic (Hamburg, kick-off 2pm UK time) Turkey vs Portugal (Dortmund, kick-off 5pm UK time) Belgium vs Romania (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Sunday June 23 Switzerland vs Germany (Frankfurt, kick-off 8pm UK time) Scotland vs Hungary (Stuttgart, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Monday June 24 Croatia vs Italy (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time) Albania vs Spain (Dusseldorf, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Tuesday June 25 Netherlands vs Austria (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time) France vs Poland (Dortmund, kick-off 5pm UK time) England vs Slovenia (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time) Denmark vs Serbia (Munich, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Wednesday June 26 Slovakia vs Romania (Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm UK time) Ukraine vs Belgium (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) Czech Republic vs Turkey (Hamburg, kick-off 8pm UK time) Georgia vs Portugal (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Rest days on June 27 and 28

Round of 16

Saturday June 29 37 1A vs 2C (Dortmund, kick-off 8pm UK time) 38 2A vs 2B (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Sunday June 30 39 1B vs 3A/D/E/F (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time) 40 1C vs 3D/E/F (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Monday July 1 41 1F vs 3A/B/C (Frankfurt, kick-off 8pm UK time) 42 2D vs 2E (Düsseldorf, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Tuesday July 2 43 1E vs 3A/B/C/D (Munich, kick-off 5pm UK time) 44 1D vs 2F (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Rest days on 3 and 4 July

Quarter-finals

Friday July 5 45 W39 vs W37 (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) 46 W41 vs W42 (Hamburg, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Saturday July 6 47 W43 vs W44 (Berlin, kick-off 8pm UK time) 48 W40 vs W38 (Dusseldorf, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Rest days on 7 and 8 July

Semi-finals

Tuesday July 9 49 W45 vs W46 (Munich, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Wednesday July 10 50 W47 vs W48 (Dortmund, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Rest days on July 11, 12 and 13

Euro 2024 final

Sunday July 14 W49 vs W50 (Berlin, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Where and when will the Euro 2024 final be played?

The final will take place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday July 14.

What are the Euro 2024 host cities?

The 10 host venues are as follows:

• Berlin - Olympiastadion Berlin
• Cologne - Cologne Stadium (RheinEnergieSTADION)
• Dortmund - BVB Stadion Dortmund (Signal Iduna Park)
• Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf Arena (MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA)
• Frankfurt - Frankfurt Arena (Deutsche Bank Park)
• Gelsenkirchen - Arena AufSchalke (Veltins-Arena)
• Hamburg - Volksparkstadion Hamburg
• Leipzig - Leipzig Stadium (Red Bull Arena)
• Munich - Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena)
• Stuttgart - Stuttgart Arena (MHPArena)

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