As the capital of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart offers no shortage of exciting things to do. However, if you’re looking to explore outside the city you’re in luck—this region is full of great places to visit. Located in the southwest of Germany, Stuttgart is the gateway to the magical Black Forest, fairytale towns, and many beautiful outdoor areas. Here’s my list of some of the best day trips from Stuttgart!
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From breathtaking castles to beautiful storybook towns, there are so many great day trips from Stuttgart. You can even head into France! While it’s great to stay in the city, you’re missing out if you don’t head out on even one trip!
The best day trips from Stuttgart: Where you should go
What you need to know
- Where can I go from Stuttgart by train? Most day trips from Stuttgart can be reached by train. I’ve added onto each section whether they’re easy to get to using public transport or not! A couple are definitely more suited to a road trip.
- What are the best day trips from Stuttgart? This depends on what you’re interested in. There’s such a wide range of places to visit, I’ve listed the highlights below!
Esslingen am Neckar – For pretty timbered houses
With over 1000 years of history to explore in its medieval old town, Esslingen is one of the best day trips from Stuttgart if you’re looking for a fairytale town. The town centre is crisscrossed by canals (known as Little Venice), where you can watch people row leisurely past parks that line the banks. Renowned for its beautiful timbered houses and historic buildings, a visit to Esslingen feels like you’re stepping back in time.
- Vineyards: Esslingen is nestled among hills covered in vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. Winding through these vineyards are hiking trails that offer great views out over the town.
- Esslingen Castle: While it’s a bit of a climb to reach, the effort is well worth it for more great views of the town. Although there isn’t a lot to do once you’re up there you can wander around the gardens and courtyards and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant.
Ludwigsburg Palace – A royal palace
I’ve never not been blown away by a palace in Germany and Ludwigsburg is no exception. Nicknamed the ‘Versailles of Swabia‘, this baroque masterpiece exudes grandeur at every turn. Take a tour inside to see Europe’s oldest royal theatre and the incredible throne room or wander through the gardens to uncover the fairytale trail and even spot flamingos in the aviary!
- Gardens: Ludwigsburg Palace gardens are huge. Walk along the fairytale trail to discover Rapunzel’s tower perched atop a hill, visit the aviary to chat with the parrots, or just wander through the beautiful flower beds, fountains and themed areas.
Bad Wildbad – A trip into the Black Forest
If you’re looking to explore the Black Forest, a visit to Bad Wildbad is one of the best day trips from Stuttgart! Nestled in a picturesque gorge and surrounded by dense forest, this pretty town feels like it’s been plucked straight from a postcard. Head up the Sommerberg Mountain for lots of forest adventure activities or stay in the town and unwind at one of its famous spas.
- Sommerberg Mountain: Hop on the funicular railway up the mountain to reach Sommerberg. Here, you can take the treetop walk, walk along the fairytale trail, cross a 60m high suspension bridge above the trees, and find lots of hiking trails through the forest.
Tübingen – Painted houses by the river
Tübingen is another storybook town that shouldn’t be missed. Renowned for its pretty painted houses and beautiful Old Town, Tübingen embodies the charm of a classic historic German town. Its winding alleys and cobbled streets are lined with picturesque buildings looking like something straight out of a fairy tale. Sail down the river, explore cathedrals, browse markets and wander around the botanical gardens at one of the most idyllic day trips from Stuttgart.
- Hohentübingen Castle: Once the residence of the lords of Tübingen, the castle now houses part of the university. Inside, you’ll find an impressive archaeological museum, but even if museums aren’t your thing, the castle is worth a visit for the stunning views of the town below.
Hohenzollern Castle – An unbelievable caslte
You have to see Hohenzollern to truly appreciate its grandeur. I’ve been to a lot of castles in Germany, but this is one of the most impressive. Perched atop Mount Hohenzollern, the castle commands the skyline with its majesty and size. During your visit, you can tour some of the rooms, explore the cellars, and see a collection of family treasures. You’re also able to walk along the bastion for unreal panoramic views. Hohenzollern has to be one of the most unmissable day trips from Stuttgart!
Schorndorf – For classic historic Germany
Another pretty town filled with timbered buildings, Schorndorf is another great pick if you’re looking for that fairytale vibe. It’s full of charm with its market square and old town looking like a scene from a storybook.
- Schorndorf Castle: A former stronghold, today the castle houses the city’s district court. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and courtyards which are free to explore.
- Schorndorf Marketplace: Lined with beautiful buildings, churches and, surprisingly, sculptures, Schordorf Marketplace is the bustling heart of the town.
Lichtenstein Castle – The ‘Shining Stone’ Castle
Perched on a cliff edge, Lichtenstein is one of Germany’s most picturesque and unique castles. Its smaller size and striking towers exude charm and romance, giving it a magical feel. Inside, the castle perfectly captures the essence of a medieval stronghold, with its beautiful interiors adding to its historic allure. This is another one of the best day trips from Stuttgart if you’re keen on exploring castles!
Triberg waterfalls – Some of Germany’s highest waterfalls
One of the Black Forest’s landmarks, the Triberg Waterfalls is some of the highest in Germany. The falls are around 163m tall and splash through several cascades. There are plenty of trails and viewing points around the area to view them as well as a bridge going over them. Head into Triberg once you’re done seeing the waterfalls where you can also visit the Black Forest Museum. This is another one of the best day trips from Stuttgart if you want to explore the Black Forest!
Heidelberg – One of Germany’s most beautiful cities
Perched on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is well known as one of Germany’s most picturesque cities. Home to the country’s oldest university and the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, the city is full of charm. The Old Town is, of course, filled with beautiful historic buildings, and has even inspired writers like Mark Twain. Given its popularity, Heidelberg is undoubtedly one of the best day trips Stuttgart has to offer.
- Heidelberg Castle: Overlooking the city below, Heidelberg Castle’s history dates back to the 1200s. Take a tour of the inside, wander around the gardens and visit the World’s largest wine barrel in the cellar!
- Philosopher’s Walk: Cross the river from the Old Town to walk along the Philosopher’s Walk for great views of the city. The trail does take you up some hills but the view from the top is well worth it!
Ulm – The former imperial city
Steeped in history and home to the tallest church tower in the world, Ulm is another one of the most popular day trips from Stuttgart. Its history dates back to the 800s and through the years has played host to emperors as an imperial city and became an important trade route. Today Ulm is a great mix of old and new as the city welcomes new, modern architectural builds while still retaining its historical sites.
- Ulm Minster: The tallest church in the world, the Ulm Minster dominates the city’s skyline. The tower reaches up to 161m and yes, you can climb it! There are two viewing platforms, both offering fantastic views of the city and surrounding area.
- Wiblingen Abbey: A historic monastery that’s also home to one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Wiblingen Abbey is a great spot to visit in Ulm.
Strasbourg – A French day trip
The great thing about being in Stuttgart is that you’re also close to France and Switzerland which means you can even spend the day in another country! Just across the border, you’ll find a charming town along the Ill River where French and German influences have blended to create a town full of culture. Hit up a French bakery before wandering through streets lined with classic German timbered buildings before climbing the cathedral tower for great views of the city!
- Cathedral Notre Dame: A gothic masterpiece, the Strasbourg Cathedral has to be seen to be believed. Climb the tower, see the stained glass windows and don’t miss the astronomical clock show just after midday!
Munich – The Bavarian capital
If you’re enjoying your time in Stuttgart you’ll love Munich. Full of Bavarian flair, Munich is full of historic sites as well as one of the largest inter-city parks in the world. As Germany’s third-largest city, Munich offers so much to see and do. Explore its historic market, watch surfers in the park, visit a royal palace, or relax in the former Olympic Park. I absolutely love Munich and highly recommend it as one of the best day trips from Stuttgart!
- Munich Residence: The largest inter-city palace in Germany, the Munich Residence is well worth visiting. The interiors have been lavishly restored, bringing the palace to life and letting you imagine life as a royal.
- English Garden: The English Garden is huge, you could easily spend half a sunny day here. Watch the surfers on the Eisbach River, grab a bit to eat at the Chinese Tower and even watch traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies.
Summary
There are so many amazing places to visit from Stuttgart. With no shortage of fairytale towns and incredible castles, you’re sure to have a magical day out wherever you venture!
