Stuttgart: Sleek design, soul-stirring history and green escapes

There’s no better place to learn all about the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand then its hometown of Stuttgart. The Mercedes-Benz Museum as well as their Daimler AG headquarters are both located in the city. The museum building was designed by UN Studio and has a really unique structure of three overlapping circles in the shape of a Wankel engine. You’ll see so many exhibits and artifacts in the museum, including over 160 vehicles - some of which house their earliest motor engines. You can choose to go on one of their two expert-led tours or explore the facility on your own with a free audio tour provided by the museum.

Address: Mercedesstraße 100, 70372 Stuttgart, Germany, Phone: +49-71-11-73-00-00

The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, having over two million visitors each year. The botanical gardens opened first in 1919 and the first animal exhibit was added in 1951 - both are housed on the grounds of a historic castle. Today, there are over 6,000 species of plants brought in from all over the world, and over 11,500 animals who consider the zoo to be their home. Visitors, especially the younger ones, love meeting the elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, peacocks, antelopes, and all the other animals there.

Address: Wilhelma 13, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, Phone: +49-71-15-40-20

The Stuttgart City Library, properly named the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart, is one of the largest libraries in the city. The public library originally opened in 1965 and was located in the Wilhelmspalais but is now housed in a gorgeous building that was designed by Eun Young Yi. Just walking around the library is such an amazing experience. They also host an array of readings, picture book shows, workshops, lectures, podium discussions, expert discussions, concerts, exhibitions, and much more for visitors of all ages throughout the year. If you plan in advance, you can schedule a docent-led tour of the library to learn about its facilities and history, or even try out the video walk tour on your very own smartphone.

Address: Mailänder Platz 1, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany, Phone: +49-711-21-69-11-00

The Württemberg Mausoleum, or Sepulchral Chapel, is a memorial that was built for Catherine Pavlovna of Russia, who was the second wife of William I of Wurttemberg. Both of their remains, as well as their daughter’s, are all housed in the mausoleum. The mausoleum was used as a place of worship for the Russian Orthodox Church between 1825 and 1899; it is still used for service every Pentecost. The architecture of the mausoleum will take your breath away; every aspect such as the domed roof, pillared porticos, and the sandstone circular structure reflect a unique neoclassical style. Surrounding the chapel, you’ll see stunning views of acre after acre of vineyards as well as picturesque panoramas of the River Neckar.

Address: Württembergstraße 340, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany, Phone: +49-711-33-71-49

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Schloss Solitude, or Castle Solitude, is a hunting retreat that was constructed in the 1760s under the commission of the Duke of Wurttemberg, Charles Eugene. From the castle, you’ll be able to see amazing views of the surrounding town as well as the towns of Ludwigsburg, Korntal, and Weilimdorf. Over the years, the castle has been used as a private residence, a school and orphanage, and a university to study arts alongside military practices before it as abandoned and fell into disrepair. The Federal Republic of Germany renovated the castle and the frescoes in the 1980s and later made it an autonomous dorm for artists and professionals. Together, they organized concerts and several other events. Today, visitors will be able to explore the castle on a guided tour and see where so much of the area’s rich history took place. You’ll also find the Graevenitz Museum on site, where you will see the works of renowned Stuttgart sculptor Fritz von Graevenitz.

Address: Solitude 1, 70197 Stuttgart, Germany, Phone: +49-71-13-51-47-72

Rubble Hill, locally known as Birkenkopf, is literally a hill that is made up of rubble - rubble which remained from World War II. The pile of the city’s ruins from such a historic event is just so unique and magnifies all of the interesting things that have taken place there. Visitors today will find Birkenkopf a wonderful place to explore the outdoors. Much of the rubble has slowly been covered by greener pastures and surrounded by lush forests, though you’ll still be able to see a lot of stone slab remnants at the top of the hill. You’ll find trails winding through the hills which are perfect for walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Address: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland

Evangelische Johannesgemeinde, or the Protestant Church of St John, is a gorgeous place of worship that was built in the late 1860s by renowned German architect, Christian Friedrich von Leins. Present day visitors will get to see a slightly more modern version of the original Gothic Revival style structure as it was nearly destroyed during WWII; the main church building was preserved and reconstructed while the Gothic vaults were replaced with modern ones. You may notice that one of the towers is still incomplete - this was done intentionally as a war memorial of sorts. Inside, you’ll be able to see an extensive collection of art and other treasures which the church has compiled over the years.

St. John’s Church, Address: Gutenbergstraße 16, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany, Phone: +49-711-62-80-19

Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg, or the House of History, is a modern museum of sorts that is filled with interactive exhibits and displays explaining the last few centuries of regional history. It is the first state museum in all of Germany dedicated to its political and historical past. Visitors have come from far and wide to explore this museum since it opened in 2002. The general architecture and decor of the building really stands out in addition to the exhibits; for example, the imposing main staircase and glazed foyer are absolutely gorgeous. There are over 1,500 original exhibits and it’s best to explore them through one of the museum’s public guided tours so that you can really make the most of your visit.

Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 16, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany, Phone: +49-71-12-12-39-89

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Exploring Neckar Park is one of the top things visitors like to do when in Stuttgart, Germany. The outdoor space spans over 136 acres and is filled with an array of different entertainment arenas and dining establishments. They often host several festivals and events there, making it an amazing place for you to meet the locals, really indulge in the culture, and try out all the different foods and drinks which are popular in the region. It’s also a great place for you to bring along a picnic lunch, throw a frisbee around with friends, and just relax outdoors for the day.

Address: 70372 Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Höhenpark Killesberg, or Killesbergpark, is a 123-acre urban public park that can be found right in the heart of Stuttgart. The park has a rich history which dates back to 1939, when it was originally home to a renowned horticultural show; it continues to host horticultural events on a regular basis to this day including the popular IGA garden festival and Bundesgartenschau. If you’re there around July, the park hosts the popular Lichterfest Stuttgart every year. It’s a stunning sight to see as there will be tons of decorations, thousands of lanterns, lots of activities for the entire family, live music performances, and even a vibrant fireworks show.

Address: Stresemannstraße, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany