Killesberg Park (Höhenpark Killesberg) is one of the most popular parks in Stuttgart. Covering 123 acres there’s no shortage of things to see and do, whether you want to ride a miniature train, see some farm animals or just want to wander around the gardens. This place is pretty big, so here’s my guide to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!
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KillesbergPark dates back to around 1939 with its landscape changing and evolving over time into the great urban green space it is today. It features lots of special events throughout the year so be sure to check to see if there’s anything exciting happening during your visit!
Killesberg Park in Stuttgart: Everything you need to know
What you need to know
- Is Killesberg Park on a hill? The park sits on a hill, it’s mostly gentle inclines with very few steep sections which are easily avoidable.
- Where is Killesberg Park? It’s just outside of the city centre area and is super quick and easy to get to
- Are dogs allowed? Yes!
How to get there
Killesberg Park isn’t directly in the city centre, but it’s really close. I’d recommend taking the U-Bahn but it’s also pretty easy to drive to!
- By public transport: Take the U5 to Killesberg. Alternatively take the U6, U7 or U15 to Löwentorbrücke and walk through Wartberg Park to get there.
- On foot: It’s around a 46-minute walk from the city centre and is going to involve some hills, so I’d recommend catching the U-Bahn or driving!
- By Car: There are parking places on the streets around the park though it can be hard to find a free spot in busy times. There are also a couple of parking garages nearby including Parkhaus Killesberghöhe.
Opening times
Killesberg Park is open 24 hours a day year round!
Entry fee
Killesberg Park is free to visit!
What to do in Killesberg Park
Killesberg Park is huge with so much to explore. Among the themed garden areas, fountains, ponds and hedges there’s a whole host of playgrounds, outdoor theatres and swimming pools. Here are some of the park’s highlights:
Petting zoo
Killesberg Park also has a small petting zoo that you can visit. You’ll find pigs, donkeys, chickens, llamas and sheep hanging around in enclosures. If you’d like to feed the animals, there are small vending machines where you can purchase animal feed.
Railway
Another well-loved attraction in Killesberg Park is the narrow-gauge railway (the Killesbergbahn). The train takes you along a 2.1km track around the park and runs between March and early November. Opened in 1939 the railway features both diesel and steam locomotives.
Tickets are priced at 3€ for an adult and 1.50€ for 3-6 year olds for a single ride.
Swimming pool
Killesberg Park has its own outdoor swimming pool, the Höhenfreibad Killesberg. The pool has two springboard diving boards as well as a 4.5m diving platform. It has a large area with both swimming + non-swimming sections and even has a wave machine. It’s a huge hit in the summer and also features setups for beach volleyball and table tennis.
The pool costs 4.50€ for an adult and 2.70€ for a reduced-price ticket and is open till 8:30 pm between June and August and 7:30 pm during the first week of September.
Killesberg Tower
Arguably the most iconic feature of Killesberg Park is the Killesberg Tower (Killesbergturm). Standing 40 meters tall, the tower offers great views of the city and surrounding areas. Its spiral design creates four observation platforms at heights of 8, 16, 24, and 31 meters, perfect for those who, like me, aren’t great with heights but still want to try it! While there’s no staff stationed at the tower, a small voluntary donation is appreciated if you choose to climb it.
The tower opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes around dusk or during bad weather.
Outdoor Theatres
There are a couple of spots you can go to in Killesberg Park if you want to see some live performances:
- Freilichtbühne Killesberg – The park’s main outdoor stage, it hosts a wide variety of music performances over the summer months. Be sure to check the website and book any tickets in advance as it draws big crowds!
- Eliszis Jahrmarktstheater – Part of the fun fair that takes over part of the park from March, these shows feature clowns, puppets etc. and are generally aimed towards children.
Funfair
Starting in late March, Eliszi’s Jahrmarkttheater transforms a section of Killesberg Park into a small historic funfair. This nostalgic attraction features an antique merry-go-round, a swing ride, and a few old-fashioned stalls, shows, and games. It’s something different and is a lot of fun if you’re visiting with children!
Facilities in Killesberg Park
Killesberg Park is well kitted out for you to be able to spend a good amount of time there. There are several restaurants and cafes as well as a beer garden. There are also a few toilet blocks and 4 different playgrounds.
Most areas of the park are accessible but it does have a few hilly areas that some people may struggle with.
Summary
I absolutely loved Killesberg Park, all the different things to see and do really made it stand out for me. You can easily spend a couple of hours here, especially if you’re with children. If you’re in Stuttgart, I highly recommend stopping by, particularly during the summer!
