Historic places in Stuttgart

Historic places in Stuttgart

1. See

   Altes Schloss

   Old Castle

   Built as a fully-functional fortified castle at the turn of the 10th century, it grew together with Stuttgart as it rose from a small settlement to the capital of County, and later Duchy of Württemberg. It was in the 16th century that the castle got its current form of a renaissance palace with a cloistered courtyard. The moat around the Altes Schloss was filled in in the 18th century, and became today's Schillerplatz. Today the Altes Schloss houses the Landemuseum Württemberg.

2. Eat

   Biergarten im Schlossgarten

   Beer garden in the palace park

   Beautiful setting and reasonable prices. Order cafeteria style or sit down to be waited on. Free live music on Sundays from May - September.

   Daily 10:30-01:00·€3-10 for entrees, drinks start at €2

3. See

   Botanical and exotic garden Hohenheim

   Hohenheimer Gärten

   Botanical and exotic garden of the University of Hohenheim one of the leading universities in agriculture. The university itself is a palace and quite picturesque.

   Free

4. See

   Firefighter Museum

   Feuerwehrmuseum

   Museum about the history of firefighters including some old fire trucks.

   Each first Sat and each 3rd Sun (March to November) 10:00-16:00·€2

5. See

   Haus der Musik in Fruchkasten

   Musical Instruments Museum

   The collection of Landesmuseum of local, European and extra-European instruments spanning centuries from prehistoric to contemporary is displayed in the historic Fruchtkasten, the granary in Schillerplatz. More than just a display of historic artifacts, the museum tries to engage and educate its visitors through temporary, thematic exhibitions and an interactive audioguide.

   Best of all, however, is the fact the entry, including the audioguide, is free

6. See

   Johanneskirche

   St. John's Church

   Although there is no Cologne Cathedral in Stuttgart, there are a few churches worth visiting. Most beautiful is the Johanneskirche, which is surrounded by the lake Feuersee and lighted at night. Other interesting churches are: Mätthauskirche (St. Matthew's Church), Domkirche St. Eberhard (St. Eberhard's Cathedral Church), Hospitalkirche (Hospital Church), Leonhardskirche (St. Leonard's Church), Veitskapelle (St. Vitus Chapel), St. Catherine's Church (English-speaking Anglican Church), St. Maria Kirche (St. Mary's Church).

7. See

   Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

   Modern Art Museum

   The simple glass cube of the Kunstmuseum contrasts with the lavish historic architecture of its surroundings, while not being intrusive thanks to its transparency. Its collection of modern art pieces is now over 15,000-strong, but obviously not all of them are displayed at the same time, but rather selected ones in temporary thematic exhibitions. Apart from exhibition spaces, the building hosts a large thematic bookstore, as well as a high-end restaurant Cube and o.T. bar, affording splendid views over the Schlossplatz.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Fri till 21:00. Restaurant and bar open everyday until midnight·From €6, depending on exhibition. Small discounts for students. Guided tours €2.50 per person

8. See

   Königsbau

   The Königsbau was erected 1856-1860 directly in front of the Neues Schloss as a multi-functional building to host commerce and special events, at the order of King Wilhem I (hence the name, which means "king's building"). Its Schlossplatz facade, with 34 columns over 135 metres, serves as a balance to the equally imposing palace opposite. In the latter half of the 20th century, the rebuilt Königsbau became shortly the seat of Stuttgart's stock exchange, and a part of a large shopping centre called Königsbau Passagen, which extends behind the main building.

9. Buy

   Königsbaupassagen

   A modern shopping centre inside the historical Königsbau in the middle of the city at the Schlossplatz with a number of apparel chain stores and a food court.

10. See

    Lapidarium

    Städtisches Lapidarium

    Open air museum showcasing ancient sculptures (most of which originate from destructed buildings after WW2), terraces and fountains from Stuttgart's history.

    Wed Sat Sun 14:00-18:00·Admission free

11. Do

    Ludwigsburg Palace

    Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg

    Germany's biggest baroque style palace. The palace can be visited as well as the huge garden "Blühendes Barock" where the world's largest pumpkin festival takes place every September. Also part of the garden is the fairy tale garden (Märchengarden) where some of the Grimms brothers' fairy tales are showcased in animated installations. Nice for children. Close to Ludwigsburg Palace are Favorite Palace and Monrepos Palace. The two are connected by Favoritepark which is an enclosed park where deer can be spotted on a regular basis (free)

12. See

    Mercedes-Benz Museum

    Built in 2006 in an astonishing architecture, the Mercedes-Benz museum houses a collection of automobiles built by the company over its long history. Both pioneering vehicles, significant technological breakthroughs as well as those significant for their participation in history (record-breaking or winning sportscars, cars used by famous personalities) are exhibited brilliantly. The museum ticket includes the use of an electronic audioguide, but the visit may be enhanced by a guided tour (extra €4), of which there is a variety to choose from. You can also combine your museum visit with a tour of the factory in Unterturkheim (€4, 90 min, Tu F 11:45 in English). There is an on-site cafe and high-class restaurant in the Museum and a museum shop. There are special events throughout the year, so do browse the page to see what is on on the days of your visit to Stuttgart.

    Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00, closed Mondays, ticket office closes at 17:00 everyday. Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day and their eves. Open on almost all other holidays·€8 regular entry, €4 reduced (children, students, anybody over 60); 50% of that if entry is after 16:30

13. See

    Neues Schloss

    New Palace

    The arguably most recognizable symbol of Stuttgart was constructed between 1746 and 1807 when the Duke of Württemberg, Carl Eugen, found the Altes Schloss and the erstwhile ducal residence in Ludwigsburg to be insufficiently stately. The new palace was a grandiose undertaking that took many decades, architects and four successive Dukes of Württemberg to complete, given the ever-changing tastes and plans, as well as constant scandalization within the Duchy regarding the costs of the lavish residence. The result is a palace inspired partially by Versailles and other grand royal residences, which gave the centre of Stuttgart an airy, garden park feel. The palace became a state museum in 1918 when the last King of Württemberg abdicated, and was almost completely destroyed in World War II. It was rebuilt in 1958-1964 to serve as a seat for the local government of Baden-Württemberg. It now houses the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the Land. Guided tours are available, but they are offered infrequently and on an irregular basis. It is highly recommended to check the palace's official website well in advance for announced tour dates and mandatory registration. Several rooms and halls in the palace can also be rented for special events.

    Tours cost €8 per adult

14. See

    Old Town and Market in Bad Cannstatt

    Bad Cannstatt is older than Stuttgart, and has been a thriving town when today's centre of Stuttgart was still a horse pasture. Moreover, unlike the centre of Stuttgart, the old town of Bad Cannstatt survived the Second World War relatively unscathed. Therefore, you can still get an authenthic, medieval feel wandering around its winding narrow streets, which all lead to a peculiarly-shaped market square. On the market square, you will find the town church of Cannstatt (Stadtskirche) and the old town hall, still in use as the district's government seat (Bezirksrathaus), both from the late 15th century. It also owns the oldest dwelling in Stuttgart ("Klösterle" / 15th century) that is now used as a wine tavern.

15. See

    Opernhaus

    Opera House

    Pass the New Palace to the left and you find yourself in the beautiful Schlossgarten with the Opernhaus in front of an artificial lake, as part of the Staatstheater Stuttgart. Also the parliament of the state of Baden-Würrtemberg is there.

16. Drink

    Palast der Republik

    In a former public toilet house, the "palace" is the place to hang out in hot summer nights. Get your beer at the fastest barkeeper you've ever seen and find your place outside (maybe on the ground).

17. See

    Porsche Museum

    The building is an architectural marvel in itself, inside and out, but the highlights are obviously the exhibited examples of historic Porsche cars (and cars that Porsche designed for other companies, like the legendary Volkswagen "Beetle"), taken from Porsche's impressive collection of more than 500 historic and significant automobiles. A visit may be combined with a factory tour (you have to contact the museum to arrange for that).

    €8 regular entry, €4 reduced (children, students, anybody over 60); 50% of that if entry is after 17:00

18. See

    Rosensteinpark

    with the natural history museum and a rear entrance to Wilhelma (the zoo), and ending in. Walking at a reasonable pace, you can walk the entire circuit in about 2 hours. There are beer gardens (look for Biergarten signs) and restaurants along the way, and the Killesberg Park is a real treat. It was designed for a huge botanical expo several years ago (IGA 1993) and remains a truly stunning park, especially in spring when in full bloom. If you're interested in architecture, be sure not to miss the structural engineering wonder Killesberg Tower, a minimalistic steel construction composed of one central support and a cable outer support system. Not officially part of the Green U but connected is the tiny and the including its villa from the mid-19th century.

19. See

    Rotwildpark

    Protected nature reserve in a forest that includes a few lakes (the best known being Bärensee) that had artificially been created in the 19th century to serve as a backup water reservoir. Popular weekend destination with a small palace (Bärenschlössle) that now serves as a beer garden.

20. See

    Schloss Solitude

    Solitude Palace

    The Solitude palace was built as a hunting lodge and summer residence in in 1769 and looks from the outside like a classical rococo palace. It is on a high plain outside Stuttgart and offers views to the north. During the opening hours there are guidance every 45 minutes. Ask for English guidance.

    €4/€2

21. See

    Schlossplatz

    Palace Square

    The Schlossplatz is the largest square in Stuttgart, right in the middle of the Mitte in front of the Neues Schloss. It was created as parade grounds for the palace, and is now a public green area with lawns, flowerbeds, twin fountains and a decorative bandstand. It immediately adjoins the Koenigstraße, and a number of key buildings can be accessed immediately from it. In warmer months, the Schlossplatz is always full of locals, students and tourists enjoying its relaxing atmosphere. It is also an event location.

22. See

    Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart

    Natural History Museum

    Two exhibitions: one features biology and evolution and the other features paleontology and archeology in two separate buildings (Schloss Rosenstein and Museum am Löwentor / about a 10-15min walk apart).

23. See

    Villa Reitzenstein

    Seat of the state government. The historical building and the park are occasionally accessible for the public. Registration required way in advance.

24. Do

    Visit the Ritter Sport Chocolate Museum

    Learn the history of Ritter Sport and visit the factory store. Can be combined with a hike in the nearby Schönbuch park or Siebenmühlen Tal

    Tue-Sun 11am to 6pm

25. See

    Weissenhof Estate

    Weißenhofsiedlung

    A world heritage listed housing estate built for exhibition in 1927, features residential buildings by such famous architects like Le Corbusier, Peter Behrens, Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. In two semi-detached houses designed by Le Corbusier, there is a museum dedicated to the area. The historical building is not suitable for people using wheelchairs.

    Tue-Fri 11:00-18:00; Sat Sun 10:00-18:00·normal ticket €5, reduced €2

26. See

    World of Trams Stuttgart

    Straßenbahnmuseum Stuttgart

    The museum houses 36 historic tram vehicles in its 1929 depot, and offers tram rides on Sundays on metre-gauge, museum tram route 23 with a panoramic portion having an 8.5% maximum grade.

    Wed Thu 10:00-16:00 museum only, Sun 10:00-18:00 museum & rides

27. See

    Württembergisches Landesmuseum

    Historical Art Museum

    The Landesmuseum is a direct descendant of a collection of local antiquities formed in 1862 by King Wilhelm I of Württemberg, and since 1948 has the Altes Schloss as its main seat. The museum's collections are a potpourri of archeological artifacts and works of art from different periods, mostly related in one way or another to the region. This includes a large collection of folk art. While the museum actually manages many locations across Stuttgart and the entirety of Baden-Württemberg, it is in the Altes Schloss where the main exhibitions take place. There are small permanent exhibitions of a cross-section of the museum's collections, and temporary themed exhibitions in the Schloss.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00·Permanent exhibition €5.50, temporary varies (around €12). The small permanent exhibition in the museum's foyer is free

28. Do

    Zoo Wilhelma

    zoological and botanical gardens

    Definitely a must for families. But watching monkeys and weird flowers in this old place can be fun for young adults, too. (Unless you feel pity for the locked up creatures.) Wilhelma is also worth visiting for its architecture and landscaping features - the core of Wilhelma is housed in a 19th-century palace and park landscape in the Moorish style, created for and named after the former king Wilhelm of Württemberg. In winter there is a special exhibition called Christmas Garden with beautifully illuminated sculptures.

29. See

    Burgruine Hofen

    Ruin of castle Hofen

    Remains of a castle from the 13th century.

    Free

30. Eat

    King's Palace

    Good Chinese restaurant

31. Eat

    Speisemeisterei

    Frank Oehler

    Another Michelin-starred restaurant in the Hohenheim palace.

32. See

    Wilhelmspalais

    King William's Palace

    (1834-1840)

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Stuttgart (CC BY-SA 4.0).