Holidays in Stuttgart
and the surrounding area
The Stuttgart TV Tower
A true landmark of the region: the Stuttgart TV Tower offers a breathtaking view over the city and far beyond. Standing at 217 metres, 70 years ago it was the first tower in the world to be built from reinforced concrete. A historic achievement.
On 5 February 1956, what is now the Stuttgart region’s landmark was opened – featuring a viewing platform at a dizzying height of 150 metres. Since then, visitors have not only been able to enjoy the view, but the tower has also been well worth a visit for its culinary offerings. The tower is regarded as an important cultural monument of the region.
Good to know: The TV Tower is about a 15-minute drivefrom the airport.
Schlossplatz, Stuttgart
The heart of Stuttgart beats at Schlossplatz. Events and festivals take place here regularly – such as the International Animation Film Festival. At the same time, the square is a lovely place to relax and linger.
Good to know: Schlossplatz was only opened to the public in the mid-19th century. Before that, it was used exclusively by the Kings of Württemberg, who resided in the adjacent palace. Anyone strolling there today can still sense the echo of royal history.
There are many attractions around the Schlosspark that can be easily explored on foot – including the Stuttgart Art Museum.
If you’d rather go shopping, this is also the perfect place for you. Königstraße begins right on Schlossplatz – at 1.2 kilometres, it is the longest continuous, car-free shopping street in Europe. It runs alongside the Königsbau, Stuttgart’s oldest shopping arcade.
Getting there: From the airport, you can reach Schlossplatz by tram in around 30 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
For anyone with a passion for cars, Stuttgart is a must-visit destination: here, sheer horsepower meets over 130 years of motoring history. Two museums dedicated to the German car manufacturers Daimler and Porsche make a visit to the city a truly special experience.
At the Mercedes-Benz Museum, you can experience the history of the automobile in its entirety – with numerous vehicles on display that illustrate every era. A racing car simulator provides a truly special driving experience.
Good to know: Architecture enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy here. The striking building is well worth seeing from the outside too.
Getting there: The Mercedes-Benz Museum is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Porsche Museum
Another highlight of automotive culture in Stuttgart: the Porsche Museum impresses even from the outside with its extraordinary architecture – and this impression continues inside.
Visitors to the museum can explore the history of Porsche’s products and brand in chronological order. In addition, changing special exhibitions offer new insights every year. It’s well worth a visit – not just for Porsche fans.
Getting there: The Porsche Museum is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
TheStuttgart State Gallery is situated right in the heart of Stuttgart. It was opened in 1843 on the instructions of King Wilhelm I and is now one of Germany’s leading art museums. The collection comprises paintings, sculptures and prints from the Middle Ages to the present day, including an internationally renowned collection of Classical Modern art.
Photography is showcased in changing special exhibitions at ‘The Gällery’, the gallery’s dedicated exhibition space for historical photography and contemporary photographic art. The striking, colourful building is regarded as a masterpiece of postmodern architecture and is itself a cultural monument. Every year, the Staatsgalerie delights more than 250,000 visitors.
Getting there: The museum is about a 20-minute drive from the airport and around a 30-minute journey by S-Bahn.
Ludwigsburg Residential Palace
Ludwigsburg is a multifaceted Baroque town with a modern feel. Founded at the beginning of the 18th century, it today impressively blends history and the present. Magnificent palaces, idyllic gardens, bustling shopping streets and special festivals invite you to explore.
A highlight is Ludwigsburg Residential Palace – one of the largest surviving Baroque palaces in Europe. Three generations have contributed to its appearance, making a visit an exciting journey through different eras.
Getting there: By car, the palace is about 30 minutes’ drive from the airport.
Outletcity Metzingen
Europe’s largest outlet is just around 20 minutes from Stuttgart Airport: Outletcity Metzingen invites you to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience. Over 150 brands are represented here in flagship stores – with discounted prices ranging from luxury and premium to sports, jewellery, home and living.
Numerous restaurants and cafés are on hand for a break in between. Open squares and spacious outdoor areas, lovingly decorated to suit the season, round off the experience.
Good to know: Metzingen itself is a picturesque town with an old town and surrounding vineyards. This is where the success story of Hugo Boss began – a small tailor’s shop grew into a world-renowned company.
Getting there: A shuttle service connects the airport and Stuttgart city centre directly to Outletcity.
Europa-Park
Germany’s largest theme park offers a journey of discovery through 15 European countries in just one day. Each themed country delights visitors with its own attractions, extraordinary architecture and regional cuisine – an experience for all ages.
Good to know: If you’d like to allow more time, you can stay overnight in one of the themed hotels right next to Europa-Park. That way, you can continue your adventure the next day in a relaxed manner.
Getting there: Europa-Park is around 170 kilometres from Stuttgart Airport and is easily accessible by car via the A5 motorway. There is also a shuttle service that runs directly from the airport to the park without any stops.
Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is closely linked to the history of the Swabian counts, Prussian kings and German emperors. Originally built in the 11th century, the fortress was renovated in the 15th and 19th centuries. Today it stands majestically on the Zollerberg and opens its gates daily to visitors from all over the world.
A highlight is the sweeping panoramic view: on a clear day, it stretches up to 100 kilometres into the distance.
Visitors to the castle can explore, amongst other things, the magnificent Count’s Hall, the Blue Salon and the treasury housing the Prussian royal crown. For a break, the castle restaurant serves regional specialities to refuel. In summer, the cosy castle beer garden is also a great place to relax.
Getting there: Hohenzollern Castle is around 45 minutes’ drive from the airport.
Urach Waterfalls
A true natural wonder: the Urach Waterfalls are a spectacular sight and are considered the most beautiful waterfalls in the Swabian Alb. On the outskirts of Bad Urach, water from a karst spring plunges 37 metres into the depths – a fascinating spectacle in the heart of nature.
Good to know: From April to October, you can combine your visit with a stop at the waterfall hut. Here you can enjoy regional produce and treats.
Getting there: The Urach Waterfalls are about a 40-minute drive from the airport.
Esslingen
Esslingen – the former Free Imperial City – impresses with one of the oldest continuous rows of half-timbered houses in Germany and a fully preserved old town. Culture, culinary delights and nature amidst the vineyards and the Neckar Valley invite you to explore. The range of leisure activities on offer leaves nothing to be desired.
A leisurely stroll through the narrow alleyways reveals numerous sights: Esslingen Castle, old city gates, former administrative estates and impressive churches characterise the townscape.
Art and cultural venues such as the Württemberg State Theatre, galleries, museums, the LIMA literary puppet theatre, the Galgenstricke cabaret and the DICK-Areal offer a wide range of experiences.
Good to know: A glass of Kessler sparkling wine – from Germany’s oldest sparkling wine producer – is simply a must when visiting Esslingen.
Getting there: Esslingen is about a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Tübingen
Tübingen is considered to be one of the towns with the most beautiful medieval old towns in Germany – so say many who have taken the town to their hearts. The large university shapes the townscape and, with around 29,000 students from all over the world, creates a cosmopolitan, tolerant atmosphere with a global outlook. No wonder Tübingen is considered one of the most liveable cities in Germany. Visitors, too, can sense this special way of life.
The traditional punt boats on the River Neckar are a typical feature of Tübingen. They form part of the cityscape and remain an integral part of cultural life to this day – particularly around the jetty at the Hölderlin Tower.
Getting there: Tübingen is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
