Day Trips from Stuttgart

Set off from Stuttgart, and the famous Black Forest awaits. Peppered with charming villages, castles telling tales of times long gone, and bridges that have stood tall as the gatekeepers of the Neckar River for centuries, it’s a magical wonderland seemingly plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Embark on day trips from Stuttgart and discover more of this unforgettable corner of Germany.

Hohenzollern Castle

Just an hour south of Stuttgart, your eyes will be immediately drawn to a castle that you’ll swear fell straight out of a Disney movie. Watch Hohenzollern Castle’s five-pointed turrets emerge from the clouds as you approach, sitting atop its perch on a rugged crag and reaching out above the treetops.

Scale Mount Zoller, on which the castle sits, to take a step back in time. Imagine yourself following in the footsteps of the kings, queens, and countesses who walked through its grand setting as far back as the 15th century. Tour the staterooms and Blue Salon, or set off on one of the guided tours that dive deep into the back stories of the armor stored in the Treasure Chamber and the curious role a decorated snuff box once played in saving the life of Frederick the Great.

To this day, the castle is occupied with Prince George Frederick calling it home. Once you finish exploring, make sure you soak up the views the prince enjoys, looking out across the Black Forest region as it stretches for miles before you.

Tübingen

A modest university town, Tübingen’s friendly mix of students and locals gives it a sense of small-town charm that’s only heightened by the natural beauty of the surrounding area. What makes it an exceptional place to visit is its medieval center, with cobbled alleys, traditional taverns, and gabled buildings that let you dream of days long gone.

The students and academics fuel a vigorous cultural life here, with three different theaters and over a dozen choirs - a feat in itself for a town with a population of less than 100,000. Set on the banks of the Neckar, the city avoided the worst of World War II, which means the buildings in the old town are remarkably well preserved, giving it something of a unique edge. Park and proceed on foot to fully appreciate the half-timbered houses, the warren of alleys and alluring nooks. You’ll encounter old churches, quaint cafes brimming with locals and, on top of it all, a 16th-century castle with picture-perfect turrets reaching for the clouds.

The town is awash with history, with notable scientists (DNA was discovered here in 1869) and theologians calling the town home throughout the years. Most famous among its former residents is perhaps Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a writer and statesman whose work had a tremendous impact on German culture.

It’s a fantastic place to stock up on wines, too, since the surrounding countryside is crawling with vines. The beer garden at Neckarmuller is always thriving with Swabian food, and micro-brewed ales are waiting to be enjoyed responsibly. For something more substantial, head for the Hotel am Schloss and its restaurant, Mauganeschtle. A filling menu of German classics includes crispy pike perch and local ravioli with fillings of veal or trout.

Ulm

Ulm, just over an hour to the south-east of Stuttgart, is a remarkable, record-breaking place. On first impressions, this town on the Danube appears to be just another pretty German destination. But a glance back into its history paints an entirely different picture, giving Ulm an edge over its near neighbors thanks to its seemingly endless supply of fascinating tales.

Start with Münster and its majestic cathedral. Building work started here in 1377, but only finished in the 19th century. The towering steeple measures just under 530 feet, making it the tallest in the world. Photograph it from every angle before heading inside. The view from the top of the tower is sensational - but you’re going to have to work for it. Conquer the 768 stone steps and you’ll be treated to a view like no other. Watch the Danube meander gently and gaze across miles of unspoiled greenery.

Another record breaker, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the Schiefes Haus – crooked house – which was built in 1406. Boasting the rather amusing title of the most crooked building in the world, it’s actually still a hotel to this day. Take some time to get pictures of its mesmerizing tilt, which almost defies the laws of physics. Don’t worry, you won’t fall out of bed if you decide to stay the night.

There’s a lot more to Ulm on top of all this – the 14th-century Rathaus in Marktplatz, the Picassos at Museum Ulm, the riverside cafes, and the galleries all come together to give the town a sort of old-world charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.

There’s also a celebration of the town’s most famous son, too. Outside the Zeughaus you’ll find a fountain and monument dedicated to Ulm’s very own Albert Einstein. Featuring a snail, a rocket, and Einstein himself, it’s a playful and thoughtful tribute that pays homage to the iconic figure.

Heidelberg

Such is Heidelberg’s repute and beauty that it’s a favorite destination for people who have traveled across the world to see this gorgeous city. Where to start? The hilltop castle lying in ruins but still handsome? The streets of the Altstadt, bedecked with baroque beauty? Or maybe the countless bookshops peppering this UNESCO City of Literature?

Negotiate the crowds and do all three to ensure you get the perfect picture of Heidelberg. With a vast range of sights to explore, this ancient place – home to Germany’s oldest university – never fails to delight - even at its busiest.

Schloss Heidelberg is undoubtedly one of the main attractions. Take time to wander through the interior, transporting yourself back through the centuries. But make sure you’re back outside when the sun goes down. When darkness descends, the castle is bathed in a gentle light that makes it shine like a historical beacon, visible from every corner of the town.

The university, which dates back to 1386, is open to visitors. Go to Universitätsplatz and navigate your way through the mix of ancient and modern buildings, seeing how the university has managed to cling to its roots while modernizing in recent years. Next, the town’s oldest and grandest church, Heiliggeistkirche, finished in the mid-15th century, can’t be missed. Its intricate design makes it one of the region’s most beautiful. Finally, spend some time in the superb Kurpfälzisches Museum, a stunning step back in time that offers up Roman remains, beams hailing from a third-century bridge and a range of exhibits from local artists.

Thanks to the huge number of visitors, the restaurant scene here is booming. Try to get a table at Café Knosel, the city’s oldest. It’s been serving locals and students since the 19th century. One of Heidelberg’s food specialties, the studentenkuss – student’s kiss – was invented here in 1863. Don’t leave without trying this gorgeous combination of chocolate, waffle and nougat cream.

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