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Stuttgart’s Hidden Gem: Arkansas Grand Prairie Museum

Published: September 15, 2024

by Mimi Goss

Have you ever wondered what makes Stuttgart, Arkansas, special? Nestled in the heart of the state, this charming city offers more than meets the eye. Known as the "Rice and Duck Capital of the World," Stuttgart boasts rich agricultural heritage and vibrant wildlife. One of the must-visit spots is the Arkansas Grand Prairie Museum , where you can learn about the region's farming history and see fascinating exhibits. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a unique getaway, Stuttgart has something for everyone. Ready to explore this hidden gem? Let's dive into what makes Stuttgart a standout destination.

Discovering Stuttgart's Hidden Gem

Stuttgart, Arkansas, may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about museums, but the Arkansas Grand Prairie Museum is a hidden gem worth exploring. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Grand Prairie region. Here are some must-see spots within the museum.

The Main Exhibit Hall

The Main Exhibit Hall is the heart of the Arkansas Grand Prairie Museum. It houses a variety of displays that showcase the rich history and culture of the region.

Agricultural Heritage : Learn about the farming techniques and equipment that have shaped the Grand Prairie's agricultural landscape. From vintage tractors to old plows, this exhibit offers a hands-on experience.

Native American Artifacts : Discover the tools, pottery, and other artifacts used by the Native American tribes who once inhabited the area. This exhibit provides a deep dive into their way of life and traditions.

Pioneer Life : Step back in time and see how the early settlers lived. The pioneer life exhibit includes a replica of a log cabin, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and tools.

The Wildlife Gallery

The Wildlife Gallery is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. It features a diverse collection of local flora and fauna, offering a closer look at the natural beauty of the Grand Prairie.

Bird Watching : The gallery includes a section dedicated to the region's bird species. Learn about the migratory patterns and habitats of various birds, and even try your hand at identifying them.

Wetlands Exhibit : Explore the unique ecosystem of the Grand Prairie's wetlands. This exhibit features interactive displays and models that explain the importance of wetlands to the local environment.

Insect Collection : Get up close and personal with the insects that call the Grand Prairie home. From butterflies to beetles, this collection showcases the diversity of the region's insect life.

The Outdoor Garden

The Outdoor Garden is a serene space where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Grand Prairie. It features a variety of native plants and flowers, as well as several interesting installations.

Butterfly Garden : Stroll through the butterfly garden and observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. The garden is designed to attract a variety of butterfly species, making it a colorful and lively spot.

Heritage Plants : Learn about the plants that have been cultivated in the Grand Prairie for generations. This section of the garden includes heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Sculpture Trail : The garden also features a trail lined with sculptures created by local artists. Each piece reflects the culture and history of the Grand Prairie, adding an artistic touch to the natural surroundings.

Special Events and Programs

The Arkansas Grand Prairie Museum hosts a variety of special events and educational programs throughout the year. These activities offer visitors a chance to engage with the museum's exhibits in new and exciting ways.

Workshops and Classes : Participate in hands-on workshops and classes that cover topics ranging from traditional crafts to modern agricultural techniques. These programs are designed for all ages and skill levels.

Seasonal Festivals : Attend one of the museum's seasonal festivals, which celebrate the culture and traditions of the Grand Prairie. These events often include live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Guided Tours : Take a guided tour of the museum to gain deeper insights into its exhibits. Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating stories and facts that bring the history of the Grand Prairie to life.

Final Thoughts on Stuttgart's Hidden Gem

Stuttgart, Arkansas, offers more than just duck hunting. The Arkansas Grand Prairie Museum stands as a testament to the region's rich agricultural history. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing early farming tools, vintage photographs, and even a replica of a 19th-century homestead. This museum provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the pioneers who shaped the Grand Prairie.

Stuttgart's charm extends beyond its museum. The city boasts friendly locals, delicious Southern cuisine, and beautiful natural landscapes. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just passing through, Stuttgart has something to offer.

Don't miss out on this hidden gem. Plan your visit to Stuttgart and experience the Arkansas Grand Prairie Museum for yourself. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the area's history and a heart full of memories.

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Things to do in Stuttgart

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Things to Do with Kids in Stuttgart, AR

• TripBuzz found 4 things to do with kids in or near Stuttgart, Arkansas.
• From Rice Bowl the to Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, the Stuttgart area offers 33 different types of family activities, including: Bowling, Movie Theaters, History Museums and Nature & Wildlife Areas.
• Located forty five miles outside of Little Rock, the city of Stuttgart has much to offer those who visit. Known as the rice and duck capital of the world, the city hosts many annual fairs, festivals and carnivals, drawing visitors from around the U.S. The Duck Festival is among it's most popular. Other attractions include museums, downtown shopping and local wildlife hunting.

Rice Bowl the

Museum of the arkansas grand prairie, stuttgart twin cinema, bayou meto state wildlife management area, toltec mounds state park, delta rivers nature center, pines mall 8 cinema, carmike cinemas, jack & jill funzone, thunder lanes bowling center.

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Things to Do in Stuttgart, AR

1. Esse Purse Museum

"I absolutely LOVED this museum! Our Uber driver recommended it to us on a girls trip ..." more

2. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

"The visitors center has a really well done museum with the information presented so i..." more

3. Kibb's Bar-B-Q

"What a find! We just wanted a small portion of any food and what we got was a peek i..." more

4. Open Season Sports Bar & Grill

"Food is always on point with great service. I love sitting in the sports bar for foot..." more

5. Flyway Brewing

"Traveling through the area and this place was recommended by a coworker! Staff was su..." more

6. The Old Mill

"This was a great stop during our trip. So many photographic opportunities. Too bad I'..." more

7. JJ Fish & Grill

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8. Junction Bridge

"Just a quick trip across the bridge. Convenient to the downtown area. The bride was ..." more

Best Restaurants in Stuttgart, AR

JJ Fish & Grill

"The gyro in lamb, the tzatziki sauce and naan are both made there." See all JJ Fish & Grill reviews

Kibb's Bar-B-Q

" Emma Kibb is a salt-of-the-earth kinda lady, and the BBQ is as sweet as she is!" See all Kibb's Bar-B-Q reviews

Ocko's Japanese Steakhouse

"Amazing sushi and their hibachi plates are delicious." See all Ocko's Japanese Steakhouse reviews

Lotus Blossom

"Now that I know there's a Thai menu , i'll ask for that next time." See all Lotus Blossom reviews

Open Season Sports Bar & Grill

"The seafood dip was delicious!" See all Open Season Sports Bar & Grill reviews

Sportsman's Drive-In

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Mr. Panchos

El Canaveral Mexican Restaurant

Nightlife in Stuttgart, AR

The Pantry Crest

"Best part of the meal was probably the Chocolate Salami - so good!" See all The Pantry Crest reviews

The Grumpy Rabbit

"My companions ordered biscuits and gravy, the swamp grits, and corned beef hash covered in top notch hollandaise sauce." See all The Grumpy Rabbit reviews

The Pantry Restaurant

"The charcuterie board, called The Pantry Board , is the greatest collection of delicious meats and cheeses ever assembled." See all The Pantry Restaurant reviews

Cypress Social

"At first I was hesitant to drive all the way to Maumelle , but Cypress Social is worth the trip." See all Cypress Social reviews

"My favorite is the Blueberry Bacon Burger it's a funky carnival of flavors in your mouth that keeps you coming back for more!" See all North Bar reviews

"It's a relaxed , casual place, but it has a very classy atmosphere." See all Ciao Baci reviews

The Rail Yard

"Being from Texas we found them on Yelp and saw the Rib Mary so we took our whole group of 20 there for that..." See all The Rail Yard reviews

Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro

"Hands down, Dizzy's has the best cheese dip in town and they don't have to add ground beef to make it great!" See all Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro reviews

Bruno's Little Italy

"We went with the seafood manicotti (the special) and chicken Vincenzo ." See all Bruno's Little Italy reviews

"Being that I'm 3 hours away, I'm kicking myself in the ass because that QuesaBirria was undeniably DELICIOUS." See all Camp Taco reviews

Samantha's Tap Room & Wood Grill

"The surf and turf queso was delicious, I highly recommend it, the steak in it was so tender!!" See all Samantha's Tap Room & Wood Grill reviews

ZAZA Fine Salad + Wood-Oven Pizza

"The pizza was tasty, the salad was out of this world, and the gelato was perfect." See all ZAZA Fine Salad + Wood-Oven Pizza reviews

Heights Taco & Tamale

"My favorite appetizer is their cheese dip , it has won awards in (nationwide, I believe) contests." See all Heights Taco & Tamale reviews

The Fold: Botanas & Bar

"Me and my family were visiting Arkansas from Oakland, Ca and made sure to visit The Fold before returning home." See all The Fold: Botanas & Bar reviews

Capital Bar and Grill

"The Capital Hotel has exquisite taste and the ambiance they have created is upscale, but not over-the-top, sophistication." See all Capital Bar and Grill reviews

Flying Saucer

"I had a roast beef hogie with this fabulous beer flavored ajous and my husband had the German plate !" See all Flying Saucer reviews

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21 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Stuttgart

Written by Michael Law and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jun 7, 2024

Stuttgart is 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, and sumptuous palaces draw visitors year-round.

The city is at its best in the summer when the public gardens are in full bloom and the surrounding hills are a carpet of green. Winter can also be a great time to visit, especially if you are visiting around the holidays when one of Europe's best Christmas markets springs to life. Any time of year you can enjoy the architectural attractions representing Baroque, Art Nouveau, Modernist, and contemporary styles.

Stuttgart's main attractions are close to one another and easily walkable. For those located a bit further out, the S-Bahn train system makes getting around effortless and it also connects the city center to the airport.

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

Schlossplatz

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The easiest way to start your exploration of Stuttgart is to begin at the Schlossplatz. This wonderful public square features the towering mid-19th century Jubilee Column and the Neues Schloss or New Palace (once home to former kings, it's now used by the state government). You'll also find you'll find a cast-iron bandstand (1871); a fountain; and pieces of modern sculpture.

Beautiful public gardens spring to life each summer. Come late November; the column is lit with Christmas lights, and a giant Ferris Wheel is erected in front of the palace when the Christmas Market begins.

The area around the Schlossplatz is filled with restaurants, shops, and museums, making it a pleasant place to stroll about with no particular destination in mind. Walk past the Neues Schloss to the northeast to find the expansive Oberer SchloBgarten with a large pond and towering trees. You'll also find the Staatstheater , which dates from the early 20 th century.

To the northwest is Königstrasse, a 1.2-kilometer-long pedestrian-only street full of European brand-name stores. This is one of Germany's longest and best shopping districts.

For the best view of the Schlossplatz , try this local's secret; walk in the Kuntsmusuem and take the elevator to the top floor, the same level as the CUBE restaurant. Walk to the floor-to-ceiling windows for incredible views, or even better, pop in for an espresso or light lunch at the restaurant, one of Stuttgart's more popular dining venues.

The Schlossplatz has its own metro stop and is easy to reach.

The Mercedes Benz Museum is more than a museum dedicated to vehicles, this huge museum (over 180,000 square feet) covers 130 years of automobile history and changes in society and world events, including both world wars. Cars, buses, and even the Popemobile and the SUV used in the movie Jurassic Park are on display, along with race cars and airplane engines.

The building itself is an attraction, an architectural marvel in the form of a double helix. As you walk up the long staircase to the entrance you can't help but be awed by how the eight-story-high circular wraparound design stands in stark contrast to the surrounding square and utilitarian buildings.

Start your tour by taking the elevator to the 8 th floor and then walking down the wide circular walkway with displays on each floor. Along the way, exhibits trace the development of the automobile engine from its humble beginnings when Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler first created it, right through to the 20 th century. The museum is also forward-looking as it provides commentary and exhibits on the next evolution of automobiles .

If you are looking for that perfect photo to post on your social media, wait until you reach the ground floor and shoot upwards past the cars on pedestals. If you're looking to grab a bite after your tour, Bertha's restaurant on the ground floor is excellent.

One thing to note about a visit here is that the museum is located a fair distance from the train station . The route is well marked, but count on about a 15-minute walk. Free lockers (with somewhat complicated locks) are provided, and they are located to the far right of the main entrance.

Address: Mercedesstraße 100, Stuttgart

Porsche's vehicles, with their sexy lines and powerful engines, have been aspirational cars for generations. If you want your own dose of inspiration, head to the Porsche Museum where the company's history and cars are on display at this world-class museum.

Take the long elevator ride up to the museum floor and be prepared to be awed. 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.

Just follow the arrows and wind your way upwards through the museum from the earliest models to the most current production vehicle. Displays are informative and, in some cases, interactive. 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.

You can sit in some of the vehicles to experience the feeling of being in the driver's seat of these expensive vehicles. In fact, you can have your photo taken in one of the cars on display . Photos are printed off and free for you to take with you.

The museum is easily accessible with its own train station just steps from the main entrance .

Address: Porscheplatz 1, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

Located only a ten-minute train ride from downtown Stuttgart , Esslingen is an easy trip and well worth the effort. The city has a medieval village area with a fairy tale feeling about it. Half-timbered houses dating from the 13 th to the 16 th centuries, sloping streets, massive gothic churches, and Town Hall with its glockenspiel (a clock where moving figures perform) are all part of the attraction. The Burg, a castle on the hill, provides impressive views of the vine-draped hills and the Neckar river.

As you wander through the cobblestone streets, be sure to take a break and grab a bite at one of the town's numerous restaurants famous for the local Swabian cuisine featuring unique dishes, including Maultashen and Spätzle.

Esslingen is also home to one of Germany's most unique, and some say best, medieval Christmas markets . Instead of standard Christmas market booths, the Esslingen version requires that all the vendors create booths using items only available at that time and that the vendors dress in period costumes. The whole scene is like stepping back 700 years in time, drawing you into a festive, yesteryear atmosphere.

Finding the medieval town center is easy; exit the train station and walk straight until you come to the pedestrian-only street, take a right and then an immediate left on Bahnhofstrasse street.

A trip here can easily be combined with a stop-in at the Mercedes Benz Museum, they are on the same transit line , S1.

Ludwigsburg Palace is the perfect place to start if you've never been to a Baroque Palace. Duke Carl Eugen of Wurttemburg had a bit of a chip on his shoulder about keeping up with his peers and went on a quest to turn a former hunting lodge into a grand palace. Along the way, he hired the best artists, painters, masons, and other tradesmen to create one of Germany's largest and loveliest palaces .

Highlights include the grand Marble Hall, with magnificent chandeliers and ceiling fresco frescoes by Matthaus Gunter of clouds against blue giving the impression of an open sky; and the oldest preserved palace theater in Europe . This lovely small theater contains fully functioning stage machinery and sets dating from the 18 th and 19 th centuries.

The palace grounds are also impressive, with well-tended gardens (separate admission) and the smaller but more ornate Schloss Favorite Palace located on a hill nearby (separate admission).

Note that the palace can only be visited on a one-hour guided tour , and English tours are only at specific times.

Be sure to take a short stroll from the palace to the town of Ludwigsburg, one of the best small towns in Germany . The historical city center is a delightful example of a well-preserved city center and full of interesting shops and restaurants. From late November until just before Christmas this is the scene of a Baroque Christmas Market , and in the autumn, the palace grounds host a popular Pumpkin Festival .

Ludwigsburg is North of Stuttgart and the palace is about a 20-minute walk from the train station through the center of the city. Alternatively, just hop on bus 421 and get off at the Ludwigsburg Residenzschloss, about a six-minute ride. If you take a taxi from the train station be sure to tell or show them the Residenzschloss entry or you may end up at the gardens and be faced with a long walk around to the main entrance.

Address: Schlossstraße 30, Ludwigsburg

Overlooking one side of Schlossplatz is the massive Altes Schloss or Old Castle which houses the impressive Wuttemburg State Museum. This is a worthy diversion even if you aren't a big fan of museums. Compact and easily toured, the museum has some interesting displays that tend to impress rather than overwhelm.

One of the museum's highlights is the historical artifacts from the dawn of mankind. Looking at these ancient works makes you pause and wonder what our generation will leave behind that will be equally as impressive in its own way.

Especially interesting are rare artifacts tracing prehistoric inhabitants of the caves in the Swabian mountains, including the world's oldest human artworks .

Another highlight is the famous Wuttemburg treasure of gold and silver and rare medieval artwork . This area of Europe has been fought over, conquered, and reconquered over the ages, and it's fascinating to think that the Romans were once in charge here.

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.

The museum has a large, airy, and bright seating area perfect for a rest, even if you don't tour the facility.

Address: Schillerplatz 6, Stuttgart

Read More: Top-Rated Castles in Germany

Stuttgart is one of the best places to enjoy Christmas Markets in Germany . When the days get short, and the temperatures drop, locals and tourists head to the city's historical center and surrounding areas to enjoy the lights and festivities of these special places.

In Stuttgart, nearly 300 vendors line the narrow streets off the Schlossplatz selling all manner of Christmas ornaments, crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts, food, and hot drinks. 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.

The market has been operating in some sort of form in this location for over 300 years. Today it's still a popular gathering spot for friends and families out for a stroll past the wonderfully decorated cabins. To make the most of your visit, grab a hot beverage from one stall, a sausage on a bun from another, and cap it off with a chocolate treat from another. It's best not to have any particular destination in mind; go with the flow and see where your feet take you.

Most of the market is down the side streets and in the Marktplatz and Schillerplatz , but a portion is located right on the Schlossplatz. Here, you'll find a roller-skating rink, rides for the children, and a giant Ferris Wheel by the Jubilee Column. To get the best free view of the scene, take the elevator up to the 4 th floor of the Kunstmuseum (the one that looks like a glass box). The elevator is to your right, near the gift shop.

Locals suggest strolling the entire market but afterwards set yourself up in the Schillerplatz with a hot drink and a bite to eat. This compact area is packed with some of the best food and drink vendors and has the most tables (a rarity!), a very festive atmosphere, and is surrounded by historical buildings.

The Stuttgart Christmas Market starts around the 27 th of November each year and runs until December 23 rd .

Esslingen Christmas Market

There are many Christmas markets in and around Stuttgart, but the most unique one is in Esslingen. The market is located in the old town center of Esslingen and is different from other markets in the area. You'll find 180 booths in two separate areas, a traditional section similar to Stuttgart or Ludwigsburg, and a medieval section where everything is designed to look like it's from the Middle Ages .

The medieval section is an absolute must-see, filled with booths made from materials commonly used during that era. The booths boast timbered structures and canvas tops, while the booth keepers are dressed in period costumes. As you wander through the market, you'll hear minstrels playing 700-year-old tunes and encounter multiple stages offering performances by magicians, theater groups, and eclectic entertainers, including fire eaters. You'll also have the opportunity to witness traditional crafts like blacksmithing, glass blowing, felting, and woodworking being demonstrated, with their wares available for purchase.

At night torches provide an eerie sort of festive feel to the place and it's not difficult to imagine yourself back in time. The market is a delight to photograph and experience.

The Esslingen Christmas Market runs from the 3rd week of November to December 21st.

Ludwigsburg's Christmas market

Ludwigsburg's Christmas Market has a Baroque theme , just like the rest of the Old Town and the nearby palaces. Set in the main square, this compact and orderly market is easy to navigate and perfect for those looking for a smaller, less crowded event.

Over 160 booths sell Christmas decorations, glove puppets, music boxes, and other treasures. Warm drinks are on offer along with traditional market food, but what sets Ludwigsburg apart from other markets is the local cuisine of Holzofendinnede - a German take on tarte flambé cooked in a wood-fired oven, and Schupfnuden (potato noodles). For those with a sweet tooth the gingerbread served hot from the oven is the perfect snack on a cold December night

The Ludwigsburg Christmas market runs from the 3rd week of November until December 22nd.

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Although this is one of Europe's largest zoological parks , visitors from North America could be forgiven for thinking that it feels small, and compared to what you find in San Diego or other major centers, it is. What is most impressive is the Neo-Moorish architecture, a good selection of unique animals, and stunning botanical gardens .

The zoological park is a fantastic family outing. Be sure to catch one of the animal feedings and keeper talks that take place roughly every hour. Something that's always a hit with the kids is the elephant bathing; times change frequently, so check out the schedule at the elephant house.

The African Apes complex is also worth a visit; home to gorillas and bonobos, this facility is one of the best in Europe. Other highlights include areas devoted to the tropics, South America, and Animals of prey.

Each December the zoo comes alive at night with festive decorations , light shows, fiery water features, and booths selling warm drinks, savory favorites, and sugary treats guaranteed to send your kids into the stratosphere.

The Wilhelma Zoological and Botanic Garden was created as a private royal retreat for the Swabian King Wilhelm I. 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 Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden is easily accessible with its own train stop.

Address: Wilhelma 13, Stuttgart

The world's first television tower would be interesting enough, but the 217-meter-tall ((710 ft)) Fernsehturm Stuttgart has the added attraction of observation decks and a 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.

This attraction can be a fun diversion for families but appeals to everyone. Ride the elevator to the top and enjoy the 360-degree views from one or both observation decks. See if you can spot Stuttgart's historical city center with the Neues Schloss or the Black Forest off in the distance.

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.

A café serves light lunches, coffee, and other beverages.

The grounds around the Fernsehturm are forested and crisscrossed with walking trails . For the kids, several play structures are located near the tower's base.

Getting to the tower is also half the fun, take the U15 train for a scenic ride up the hill through some of Stuttgart's less-visited neighborhoods. You can also take the U-7 or U-8, subway line or the #70 bus to the Ruhbank stop.

Address: Jahnstraße 120, Stuttgart

Existing in some form in this location since 1300 , Stuttgart Market Hall is the place in the city to get the best fruit, vegetables, spices, breads, meats, and cheeses. Housed in a wonderfully restored 20th-century building complete with a stunning glass ceiling, the market bustles with shoppers searching for tasty treats.

Some locals claim the market has the best bakery in the city. It's best if you check it out yourself! On the second floor, the wonderful Italian restaurant serves authentic dishes. Try to get a table on the terrace overlooking the market.

The market is located behind the Old Castle ; pop in here after visiting the Wurttemburg State Museum.

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

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 of 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.

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.

The museum has a well-regarded restaurant on its top floor called CUBE with floor-to-ceiling windows providing amazing views out over the Schlossplatz.

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 27 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 grand 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 has a lot to offer to its visitors, and deciding what to see and when can be a bit overwhelming. If you only have a day to spend, you might want to start by exploring the central city with its beautiful plazas and parks. For lunch, you could try the Market Hall, and in the afternoon, you could visit either the Porsche or Mercedes Benz museums.

Not interested in cars? No problem, you can skip the auto museums and go shopping along Konigstrasse, or check out the high-end stores near the Markethall. In the evening, you can have dinner at a local restaurant that serves delicious Swabian cuisine.

If you've got two days, do all the above, then layer on a day trip to the medieval town of Esslingen with a stop at the Mercedes Benz Museum on the way. Three days allows you to do everything and then add on a trip out to the palaces of Ludwigsburg with a lunch in the Old Town followed by a visit to Stuttgart's Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden in the afternoon.

No matter what you choose to do, getting around on public train transport is easy and inexpensive.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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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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

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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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