Sights and landmarks in Stuttgart

Sights and landmarks in Stuttgart

1. See

   Alte Kanzlei

   Old Chancellery

   The construction of the mighty monument on the northeast side of the Schiller Square lasted three years from 1542 to 1544. Only 22 years later, in 1566, the construction of the building has been extended. Nowadays the Old Chancellery would be comparable to the function of a town hall. Today the building is used as a restaurant and a bar.

2. 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.

3. See

   Birkenkopf

   Monte Scherbelino

   A debris mountain made of 15 million m³ of rubble from World War II as a memorial to everyone who died in the war. It is the highest point in Stuttgart.

4. See

   Bismarckturm

   A small tower (20 m) northwest of the city centre, not far from Killesberg Tower.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. See

   Burgholzturm

   Observation tower (27 m). Accessible in summer on the weekends. View of Bad Cannstatt and the Neckar Valley. Admission free.

8. See

   Calwer passage

   Small gallery with little stores (somewhat similar to Milan's famous gallery but a lot smaller). Right next to it is a building whose exterior is covered with plants.

9. See

   Fernsehturm Stuttgart

   The world's first TV tower constructed from reinforced concrete was built from 1954-1956. It is the prototype for all modern TV towers, and affords visitors a beautiful view over Stuttgart. The Stadtbahn U15 to Ruhbank (Fernsehturm) gives you a wonderful view of the city. Entrance is €7 per person and is worth it for the near-fairground quality of the ride in the lift to the top. There's a nice cafe at the top which serves fresh food and drinks.

10. 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

11. 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 Mondays·Admission free

12. 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.

13. See

    Grüner Heiner

    A small hill with a wind power station on top in an outskirt of Stuttgart.

    Free

14. See

    Hauptbahnhof

    Main Railway Station

    The Railway Station was built in 1920 as a terminus station. The 56-meter-high tower with its rotating and illuminated Mercedes-Benz is one of the most famous city landmarks. On top of the tower there is an exhibition of the most controversial infrastructure project in Germany called S21. The plan is to convert the main line terminus station into an underground through station by turning the tracks with a 90-degree angle to the present station. It's free to climb up and grants awesome views of Königstraße and the city.

15. 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

16. See

    Heslach waterfalls

    Heslacher Wasserfälle

    Set of small waterfalls that can be followed in a trail. Not far from Birkenkopf / Rotwildpark.

    Free

17. 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).

18. 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.

19. See

    Kernenturm

    Oberservation tower from 1896 with a barbecue area and a small kiosk.

20. 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.

21. See

    Killesbergturm

    Killesberg Tower

    A tower in the "Killesberg Park" (see also "green U" under Parks & Gardens), north of the city centre.

22. 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

23. See

    Kurpark in Bad Cannstatt

    Cannstatt owes the Bad (German for bath) in its name to numerous mineral water springs. To enable locals and visitors to enjoy them, a small but very peaceful Kurpark was arranged for in the 19th century, along with a large Kursaal (spa hall) building, which today is a restaurant and special event venue. Right next to it is the MineralBad-Cannstatt (Solebad Bad Cannstatt) spa-wellness-fitness complex with a large pool covered by an impressive glass dome. The Kurpark is divided into two parts Unterer (lower) Kurpark and Oberer (upper) Kurpark separated by Kursaal. The upper Kurpark provides a nice view of Bad Cannstatt. Close to Kurpark, around Uff-Kirchhoff, is the home of around 50 parrots (yellow headed amazons) that can be spotted throughout the year. They barely leave their trees (mainly platanus trees) but their distinctive cry can be heard from distance. It is the only population outside the Americas.

24. 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.

25. 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

26. See

    Linden-Museum

    ethnological museum

    The Museum is named after Karl von Linden, the president of the Württembergischer Verein für Handelsgeographie, who started the collection of various artifacts acquired from all corners of the world. The museum is housed in a purpose-built property from 1911, together with which it became a public property in 1973. There are permanent exhibitions devoted to all regions of the world except for Europe, as well as temporary thematic exhibitions. The on-site restaurant offers an exquisite menu in the evenings and a very affordable lunch menu on weekdays until 14:00.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·€4 for the permanent exhibition, around €12 for the temporary ones. Entry free for children under 12

27. 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.

28. 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

29. See

    Museum Hotel Silber

    Exhibition about the German secret police during World War II.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·Free

30. 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

31. 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.

32. 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.

33. 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

34. See

    Pragfriedhof-Krematorium

    A beautiful Jugendstil crematorium with occasional exhibitions about transience.

35. 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

36. See

    Rack Railway

    Zahnradbahn ("Zacke")

    Germany's only urban rack-railway. It uses modern cars like the light railway and offers a nice view. Connecting Marienplatz with Degerloch

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. See

    Santiago-De-Chile-Platz

    A scenic lookout with a Moai sculpture and stones donated by Chile

40. See

    Schellenturm

    Kastkellereiturm

    One of the few remains of the city wall from the mid-16th century.

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