Parks and the outdoors in Stuttgart

38 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Stuttgart.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Drink
Biddy Earlys
A good place to go where everyone speaks English is Biddy Earlys, an Irish pub just west of the city centre/Königstraße, a 5-minute walk from the major public transport station "Stadtmitte" (S-Bahn, Stadtbahn). Keep a sharp eye because the entry is a mere doorway wide which leads down the stairs to the basement. Good bands on the weekends. €2-3 cover, €4 on weekends (plus a bag charge if you have a backpack). Everybody always welcome and you don't have to apologise for your poor German here! They show Premier League Championship and other British football here, you can celebrate or commiserate with only a handful of other drinkers.
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
See
Bohnenviertel
The Bohnenviertel is the only preserved part of Stuttgart's old town, having miraculously survived to the present day largely intact. Built mainly in the 14th century, it used to house the poorer part of the population, who fed mainly on beans which were grown all around the quarter in gardens and even hanging from the houses' walls, hence the name meaning "bean quarter". Today, the Bohnenviertel is thriving on artisanry and small, old-style retail, as well as gastronomy and red light district.
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
See
Gottlieb Daimler Memorial
Gottlieb-Daimler-Gedächtnisstätte
Stuttgart in general claims to be the birthplace of the automobile, but if you want to see the actual place where it was born, head to the Kurpark in Bad Cannstatt, where the garden house that Gottlieb Daimler converted into his workshop still stands. There he and Wilhelm Maybach worked in the latter half of the 19th century on combustion engines and motorised vehicles they have eventually so successfully developed. Today, it houses an exhibition maintained by Mercedes-Benz Classic that tells the story of the early days of the Daimler motor car company.
Tue-Fri 14:00-17:00, Sat Sun and holidays 11:00-17:00, closed on MondaysAdmission free
See
Grabkapelle Württemberg
Sepulchral Chapel on the Württemberg
The Württemberg Mausoleum stands in Rotenberg on the peak of the Württemberg Hill overlooking the Neckar river. The memorial was built for Catherine Pavlovna of Russia, the second wife of William I of Württemberg. The remains of William I and his daughter Maria Friederike Charlotte of Württemberg are also housed in the mausoleum. The mausoleum was constructed between 1820 and 1824 based on a design drafted by Giovanni Salucci.
See
Heslach waterfalls
Heslacher Wasserfälle
Set of small waterfalls that can be followed in a trail. Not far from Birkenkopf / Rotwildpark.
Free
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).
See
Karlshöhe
A hill that separates the western and southern city. Walk uphill 10 minutes southern from S-Bahn-Station "Feuersee" through a park (via Senefelder Str, right to Reinsburgstr, left to Jean-Améry-Weg). Have an outlook and enjoy the beer garden.
See
Killesberg Park
Höhenpark Killesberg
. 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.
See
Killesbergturm
Killesberg Tower
A tower in the "Killesberg Park" (see also "green U" under Parks & Gardens), north of the city centre.
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)
See
Max-Eyth See
Small lake next to the Neckar river. Popular for jogging, sailing, fishing and BBQs at the weekend. Also small boats can be rent. Swimming is not permitted.
Do
Motorworld Region Stuttgart in Böblingen
This is a location where people can store their valuable cars safely and allow the public to see them at the same time in a safe environment. Customers can rent glass boxes to keep their classic car in pristine condition. Workshops with qualified mechanics that are specialised in maintenance, repair and restoration of vintage and classic cars, car dealerships: Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Bentley, Harley-Davidson, restaurant, cigar lounge, hotel, event location, outside location, playground nearby.
free entry to walk round, guided tour at extra costs.
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
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.
See
Qingyin garden
Garten der schönen Melodie
A small Chinese garden, with a pond, ornamental walls and a mini-pagoda included, hidden on one of the hills close to the Hauptbahnhof.
09:00 till dusk or 20:00, whichever comes sooner
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.
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.
Do
Schwaben-Park
Amusement park and zoo mainly for younger kids. Close-by are a few lakes (Ebnisee, Aichstrutsee) that allow swimming and camping
See
Sculpture Park
A small park showcasing sculptures from quasi-local artist Otto Hajek that spent big parts of his life in Stuttgart. At the end of the park is the ruin of the Hasenberg tower that was intentionally destroyed by the Germans in WW2.
Do
Ship roundtrips on river Neckar
Neckar Käptn
Enjoy liner trips on the Neckar, roundtrips or event trips. Or charter a complete ship just for you. Season is from Easter till end of October. For the conditions see the website. Beverage and food is offered on the ships.
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).
See
Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
State Gallery
There are two exhibitions in different buildings. "Alte Staatsgalerie" ("Old": Art from 1500 to 1900) and "Neue Staatgalerie" ("New": Modern art). You can walk inside from one exhibition to the other. The permanent exhibits are free on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Drink
The Sky Beach
On top of the Kaufhof department store close to the main railway station. All sandy roof top bar. Opened only in summer time.
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.
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
Do
Walk the wine trail
The Stuttgart wine trail. The Obertürkheim - Uhlbach - Rotenberg - Untertürkheim trail includes a viniculture museum, the Grabkapelle Württemberg (Burial chapel Württemberg) and restaurants where you can try the local wine. There are signs explaning the different types of wine that are grown. Along the (partly steep) path, you will find (sub)mediterranean plants such as pine trees, almonds, kiwis and dwarf palms.
See
Wartbergpark
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.
See
Weißenburgpark
Teehaus
A hill opposite to the Karlshöhe. Easy approach: it is a short hop from Station "Bopser" (U5, U6, U7). Outlook and nice Jugendstil-restaurant and beer garden (closes at 23:00)
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.
Do Not mapped
Biking
The city lies in a basin of a hilly region the Stuttgarters call "Kessel", literally "cauldron", and between the lowest part of the city and the highest part of the city are 250 m of altitude. There is a lot of car traffic, and routes for bikes are not well developed. Biking in the outlying areas of Stuttgart, e.g. in the Neckar Valley or the Schönbuch (just south of the city) is very nice. Stuttgart is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe. There are many paths through the surrounding forests which are in very good shape. There is an official downhill track called the Woodpecker's trail from Degerloch.
Do Not mapped
Blaustrümpfler Trail
7.5km trail within the city limits including a few panoramic lookouts
See
Japan garden
Japanischer Garten
and the including its villa from the mid-19th century.
Drink
Perkins Park
Also a posh club outside the city centre.
See
Stuttgart Cable Car
an old cable car running to the forest cemetery
See
Wernhaldenpark
Small park with many sequoia trees from the 19th century.
Do Not mapped
Schelmenklinge
Forest water playground for kids.

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