Weekend & Day Trips from Stuttgart, Germany

1. Altensteig

Altensteig is a southern German town dating back to the Middle Ages. Several wood-framed buildings, more than 500 years old, still stand, including Altensteiger Schloss, a Medieval castle dating back to the 1200’s, the only one of its kind still standing in the Black Forest region. The castle is now home to a museum and a living history village where visitors can experience typical Black Forest trades, such as silversmithing and leather tanning. Outside the village, the Black Forest natural park offers 1.5 million acres of natural landscape, fishing, hiking, cycling and horseback riding. At the end of the day, try a glass of Riesling, a white wine local to the area.

Altensteig, Germany

2. Bad Urach

Bad Urach is a small town located at the foot of the Swabian Alps in southwest Germany. Classic timber trimmed buildings and cobblestone streets contribute to the small town Bavarian charm. The area is known for its spa and natural thermals. Hiking is among the most popular activities in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike to the Urach waterfall, which boasts a 120 foot drop. A more challenging hike takes visitors up a steep climb to the ruins of the Hohenurach castle, built in the 600’s. In town, visit the Royal Palace Bad Urach which dates back to the 1400’s, and is home to a large exhibits of sleighs.

Bad Urach, Germany

3. Bad Wilbad

Located within the hills of the Black Forest, the small spa town of Bad Wilbad has been a destination for healing and relaxing for over 600 years. Enjoy any number of spa facilities, each fed by natural thermal springs. Walk along a treetop path for views of the valley and forest. Adventurous travelers will enjoy the pedestrian bridge, a swaying suspension bridge, close to 200 feet above the forest floor. The Wildline Bridge connects to the treetop path and the fairytale trail. In the winter months, over 24 miles of trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are maintained throughout town.

Bad Wilbad, Bad Wilbad, Germany

4. Black Forest

Germany’s Black Forest is a southwestern region spanning over 1 million acres of land. The dense and dark forests offer a dramatic natural landscape of waterfalls, valleys, gorges, rivers and trees. The area is popular for hiking and outdoor activities, and many of the small towns have sprung up around natural thermals surrounded by spa resorts, some dating back to the early 19th century. Two of the larger Black Forest towns include Freiburg, a university town known to locals as the Black Forest capitol and Baden-Baden, a 19th century resort town. Located along the Oos River, Baden-Baden is home to the Gönneranlage rose garden, the Museum Frieder Burda, and the famous Casino Baden-Baden.

Black Forest, Germany

5. Blautopf

In southern Germany’s Swabian Alps is a small town called Blautopf where you’ll find Blautopf, a legendary crystal clear blue spring. Waters come to the surface here from an intricate underground cave system fed by rain and snow. The pool at Blautopf forms the headwaters of the Blau River, which eventually flows into the Danube. The funnel shaped spring is over 60 feet deep at its center point, and there’s no shortage of legends of mermaids and mischievous water sprites. Adjacent to the pool is an historic mill, including a blacksmith shop powered by the spring’s waters.

Blaubeuren, Germany

6. Dinkelsbuhl

Dinkelsbuhl is among several classic Bavarian towns located along Germany’s Romantic Road, a scenic roadway traversing the southern provinces of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Dinkelsbuhl is among the last remaining walled medieval towns and appears much as it did in the Middle Ages, with timbered buildings and cobblestone streets. Founded in the 8th century, the merchant town was known for cloth making and weaving. Visit St. George’s Minister, the grand 15th century church at the city’s center. Each July, the town celebrates the Festival of Kinderzeche, a children’s festival that dates back to Medieval times.

Dinkelsbuhl, Germany

7. Frankfurt

The German city of Frankfurt is located along the River Main. This historic city is the hometown of the famous German writer Goethe, whose 28th century home is now a museum. Most of the town was heavily damaged in World War II and has since been rebuilt, including the city’s center square, Altstadt , or Old Town. Located between the Emperors' Cathedral and Romer City Hall, Old Town is host to one of Germany’s most visited Christmas markets. Among the museums, visit the Cathedral Museum to see rare and intricate ecclesiastical artifacts, and the Jewish Museum for a history of Jewish communities in Frankfurt from the 12th to 20th century. Stroll the banks of the river and enjoy a walking and cycling path, parks and green spaces.

Frankfurt, Germany

8. Freiburg

Freiburg is a historic town in Germany’s Black Forest region. Cobblestone streets and miniature streams add to the town’s historic charm. The 13th century Gothic Freiburg Cathedral took nearly 300 years to complete and boasts a nearly 400-foot tall spire. A 750 year old three ton bell still rings in the cathedral today. The Cathedral Market in the heart of Freiburg’s old town overflows with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and baked breads. Walk off your meal with a stroll across the Wiwilí Bridge, a pedestrian fairway built in the late 1800’s, famously painted blue.

Freiburg , Germany

9. Heidelberg

Heidelberg is among Germany’s most visited towns. The university city is home to the famous 13th century Heidelberg Castle. Partially in ruins, and partially rebuilt after being demolished in the 1600’s, the castle is among the most important examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Tours are available of the castle and the extensive surrounding gardens. Step in to any of the historic churches, whose spires line the Heidelberg skyline. Annual events include the Heidelberg Christmas market, autumn’s Heidelberger Herbst craft market, and the Castle Illuminations which takes place three times yearly, lighting the castle with fireworks and spotlights.

10. Hohenzollern Castle

Germany’s Hohenzollern Castle is located just 30 miles south of Stuttgart. The Medieval castle, which is the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern family was destroyed and rebuilt several times, most recently with a distinct Gothic-Revival style. To visit, hike twenty minutes or take a shuttle from the parking lot to the castle’s entrance. Stroll the castle complex, or visit the interior rooms with a guide. The privately owned property was restored by the Hohenzollern descendents in the 19th century and houses the family’s art collection, silver, china and the crown of the Prussian King. The castle is host to numerous events, including a summer concert series, exhibitions, running races, and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

Hohenzollern Castle, Burg Hohenzollern, D-72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany, Phone: +49-0-74-71-24-28