Attractions Nearby Stuttgart, Day Trips and Excursions

(Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)

The excellence of the German road system makes day trips and excursions to near and not-so near destinations a pleasure. There are many enticing attractions to see close to Stuttgart, both in Baden-Wurttemberg and neighbouring states.

A hire car is the best way to travel to attractions outside of Stuttgart and gives the freedom to change an itinerary at will to take in even more of what Germany has to offer. Day trips to Heidelberg, Ludwigsburg and Tubingen come highly recommended, as do excursions to the French city of Strasbourg.

Heidelberg

The attractive city of Heidelberg lies along the Neckar River, a little over an hour's drive north-west of Stuttgart. With its picturesque Old Town, castle, ancient university and plentiful heritage buildings, it's a great day trip. Tourists planning to take an excursion to this enticing city can expect to find attractions such as the Bergbahn mountain railway, the Bridge Gate (Breckentor), Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss), the Old Bridge (Alte Brucke), the Palais Boissereé and the Heidelberg Art Gallery (Heidelberger Kunstverein), while just a short drive away is the magnificent Schwetzingen Castle (Schloss Schwetzingen).

Naturpark Schonbuch

Address: Neckar Valley, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0711 602 262
This nature reserve is the largest such in the region, with its swathes of unspoiled forest providing a unique habitat containing a high number of flora and fauna species. Great for hiking, biking or walking as well as less energetic recreational opportunities, the Naturpark Schonbuch is also home to an ancient Cistercian monastery and several prehistoric sites.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Strasbourg

Address: Alsace, Northern France, FR
Located in Alsace, right on the border with Germany, Strasbourg's beautiful Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has belonged variously to Germany, France and the Holy Roman Empire, and has been a free city several times during its long history. Its architecture, city squares, parks, gardens and museums all make for a great day trip, with the best being centred around the Grande Ile (Grand Island) area. Popular Strasbourg attractions of note include the Cathedrale Notre Dame, the Palais d'Europe, the Palais Rohan, the Parlement Européen (European Parliament) and the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art).

Ludwigsburg

Ludwigsburg has a comparatively short history, but for splendid architecture, it's well worth a visit. Located only 16 km / 10 miles north of Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg's massive white stone palace was built by Duke Eberhard Ludwig von Wurttemberg as a country residence at the beginning of the 18th century. The Residenzschloss estate is believed to have been inspired by the Palace of Versailles and boasts some 18 buildings and a staggering total of 450 rooms. Other fantastic structures include the moated Monrepos Castle and Ludwig's highly ornate Hunting Lodge.

The Black Forest and Baden-Baden

A drive through the beautiful Black Forest is an ideal excursion, especially when it leads to the world-famous spa resort of Baden-Baden. This sophisticated town and its curative waters have been famous since the Roman Era. The heart of Baden-Baden lies on the western side of the Oos River and is dominated by the Kurhaus cultural centre. Many of the most-visited attractions reside within the Old Town area, such as the Neues Schloss (New Castle), the Rosenneuheitengarten (Rose Novelty Garden), the Stadtmuseum (City Museum) and the Trinkhalle (Pump Room).

Schwabisch Hall

Address: Schwabisch Hall, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, DE
The small and perfectly formed town of Schwabisch Hall is located approximately 95 km / 59 miles to the north-east of Stuttgart and within the Valley of the River Kocher. Schwabisch Hall is well-known for its open-air theatre and beautiful historical buildings, many of which line the river banks and add much character to the town. Specific attractions in 'Hall' include the Rathaus (Town Hall), Stadtkirche St. Michael, the Hallish-Frankisches Museum and various old fortifications. Close by is the former Benedictine monastery of Comburg and the open-air Hohenloher Freilandmuseum.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Swabian Franconian Forest

Address: Swabia, Germany, DE
This area is known for two natural wonders - the forest itself and the fertility of the soil, which holds the numerous local vineyards and orchards. A perfect escape from the city, the Swabian Franconian Forest also features a number of scenic lakes, old mills and cultural sites.

Tubingen

The university town of Tubingen is packed with character and picture-postcard medieval castles, which don't come much more attractive. Tubingen lies some 40 km / 25 miles to the south of Stuttgart and makes for a popular excursion, with its cobblestone alleyways, part-timbered buildings and riverside pubs. For some fine views of the red rooftops within the Old Town (Altstadt), head to the university's Schloss Hohentubingen. Also worth visiting in Tubingen is the Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church), which boasts Gothic-style architecture dating back to the latter part of the 15th century.