I absolutely loved visiting Esslingen, it was the perfect day trip from Stuttgart and I would’ve liked to stay longer if I had the time. It’s a beautiful storybook town, full of half-timbered houses and surrounded by rolling vineyard-covered hills. It’s also known as Little Venice thanks to its winding canals! There are so many great things to do in Esslingen, from exploring its Old Town, visiting the castle or just relaxing in the park, here’s everything you need to know!
Table of contents
Head up the hills to the castle, explore the historic churches or just take in the beauty of the town! Here are all the best things to do in Esslingen to make the most of your trip.
AMAZING things to do in Esslingen: What to do and see
What you need to know
- Is Esslingen worth visiting? Absolutely! Esslingen is a beautiful town, it’s full of history and has some really interesting things to do and see.
- Where is Esslingen? Esslingen is in Baden-WĂĽrttemberg in southern Germany. It’s just east of Stuttgart.
- Are there many things to do in Esslingen? There are lots of things to do in Esslingen if you’re interested in exploring its history.
- How easy is it to get to Esslingen? If you’re coming from Stuttgart it’s only a ten-minute train ride away.
Map of attractions in Esslingen
How to use this map: Click on the markers for more information about each destination. The blue line shows the fastest walking route between each point. To save this map to your Google Maps, click the star in the top left corner.
Schelztorturm – Gate tower
Part of the original town fortifications and now home to an ice cream parlour, the Schelztorturm is one of the first sites you’ll see if you’re coming from the train station. You’ll notice the sculpture sticking out of the top of the tower, the ‘skywalker’, a man who appears to be losing his balance atop the tower.
Altes Rathaus – Old Town Hall
Built in the 15th century, the Old Town Hall in Esslingen stands as a focal point of the city. In 1586, its facade was renovated, transforming it with a Renaissance-style design. The whole building blends together Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance elements, giving it a distinct appearance.
The astronomical clock and intricate carvings add to the Town Hall’s charm which today hosts the local council.
Half-timbered buildings
Esslingen is well known for its half-timbered houses and buildings. Walking through its old town really does feel like you’re walking through a fairy tale book. The buildings range in age dating back from the 13th century to the 16th century and hunting them down is undeniably one of the best things to do in Esslingen.
Here are some of the top spots to check out:
- Webergasse 8 – The oldest half-timbered house in Germany (Dating back to around 1267!)
- Hafenmarkt 4 – 10 – The oldest row of half-timbered houses in Germany
- Marktplatz 2 – A former hospice and focal point of the marketplace
Marktplatz – Market square
The heart of the city paved with cobbled stones and surrounded by half-timbered buildings, the Esslingen Marktplatz is a must-visit. It hosts a weekly market every Thursday and Saturday, the Esslingen Medieval Market and, additionally, the cozy Christmas market. Lined with inviting cafés, the square is the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy some people-watching.
Esslinger Burg – Esslingen Castle
Towering over the town, a visit to the Esslinger Burg is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Esslingen. Dating back to around 1314, this historic fortress played a crucial role in the town’s defence, though it was never a royal residence. The uphill walk to the castle is a bit of a challenge however you’re treated to the best views of the town by far!
Vineyards
Vineyards have been a part of Esslingen’s landscape since as early as 778, making it one of the oldest wine-producing towns in the WĂĽrttemberg region. Today, around 82 hectares of vineyards surround the town, spread across the hillsides. There are lots of walking trails through the vineyards that also offer great views of the town, making it one of the best things to do in Esslingen.
For wine lovers, there are, of course, plenty of wine-tasting tours and experiences available!
KESSLER Sekt
Germany’s oldest sparkling wine cellar, a visit to KESSLER Sekt is one of the best things to do in Esslingen if you’re looking to taste some local wine! They offer cellar tours to learn more about the wine and its history and of course, there are plenty of samples to taste!
Tierpark Nymphaea – Nymphaea Zoo
If you’re an animal lover, a visit to Nymphaea Zoo has to be one of the best things to do in Esslingen. It’s a zoo on a smaller scale featuring a variety of less threatening albeit just as exciting species. You’ll find plenty of local and exotic birds alongside reptiles, rodents and farm animals. There are also lots of different fish to see in the aquarium and a few species of insects on display.
Frauenkirche – Church of Our Lady
One of the most impressive buildings to see in Esslingen is undoubtedly the Frauenkirche. Built between 1325 and 1560, this historic Gothic hall church is thought to be on of the oldest in southwest Germany. Be sure to get a good look at the outside as there are 63 gargoyles decorating the church! I love visiting old churches so this was definitely one of my favourite things to do in Esslingen!
Stadtkirche St. Dionys – Parish Church of St. Dionysius
A true landmark of Esslingen’s old town, records show a church has stood on this site since around 700 AD. St. Dionys Church, as seen today, was constructed between 1220 and 1315, with its stained glass windows believed to be among the oldest in Germany. One of its most recognisable features is the iconic bridge connecting the two towers, built for structural support when one of the towers began to tilt away.
Excavation museum
Below St. Dionys, you’ll find one of the most interesting things to do in Esslingen, the excavation museum. You can see remains of the original church and trace its history back 100s of years through artefacts that were uncovered during the excavation.
Franziskaner Kirche – Franciscan Church
Completing Esslingen’s trio of historic churches is the Franciscan Church. Construction began around 1270, and it soon became a centre of learning for local residents eager to embrace the teachings of the Franciscans. In 1320, its beautiful stained glass windows were added, depicting recognizable scenes from the Bible.
Exploring the town’s three main churches has to be on your list of things to do in Esslingen, it really gives you a taste of its history!
Villa Merkel – Art Gallery
If you’re an art lover, a visit to Villa Merkel is one of the best things to do in Esslingen for you! A cultural landmark in Esslingen, the site features changing exhibitions with a focus on contemporary art.
Maille Park
Nestled in the heart of town, Maille Park offers a peaceful stop off amidst the hustle and bustle of Esslingen. It’s a small park surrounded by two branches of the Neckar River with nice views of the surrounding town. It’s a popular spot with a lot of open lawn space, I stopped off here to read for a while and could have stayed here all day. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Esslingen if you’re looking to relax for a bit.
Wolfstor – Wolf Gate
Believed to have been built around 1220, Wolfstor is the oldest city gate tower within Esslingen. Look out for the two lion statues above the passageway, the Gate is actually named after them as they look more like wolves than lions!
Summary
I loved visiting Esslingen, it’s a beautiful little town full of character. If you’re searching for those German fairytale towns this should definitley be on your list!
