Discover these 5 excursion destinations around Stuttgart

Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is far more than just car industry and city hustle and bustle. Nestled between gentle vineyards, dense forests and historic small towns, Stuttgart is ideally suited as a starting point for varied day trips. Thanks to the excellently developed public transport network – whether by S-Bahn, regional train or bus – many worthwhile places can be reached in less than an hour. So if you spend a few days in the city, you can set off in the morning, enjoy the day in the green or in picturesque old towns and return relaxed in the evening.

Here are five particularly rewarding excursion destinations around Stuttgart that you can comfortably discover entirely without a car.

Ludwigsburg: Baroque City & Garden Art

Just around 15 minutes by S-Bahn from Stuttgart lies Ludwigsburg – a city that attracts visitors from all over the world with its magnificent baroque palace and artistically laid-out gardens.

Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is one of the largest preserved baroque palaces in Germany. On a guided tour, you'll learn more about the time of the dukes and kings of Württemberg and can stroll through opulent halls, ornate staircases and historic kitchens. Directly adjacent lies "Blühende Barock" (Blooming Baroque), a huge garden complex with themed gardens, fountains, sculptures and the popular Fairy Tale Garden, where scenes from well-known fairy tales are lovingly staged – a highlight not just for families.

A stroll through Favoritepark offers variety: here fallow deer live freely between old trees – right in the middle of the city. Those who prefer water and romance should visit Monrepos Lake Palace, a small pleasure palace by the lake, which is wonderful for a small boat tour or a picnic.

Tip: Ludwigsburg is also a city of festivals. From the pumpkin days in autumn to the Christmas market in winter – there's something to discover here all year round.

Esslingen am Neckar: Half-Timbered Buildings & Medieval Flair

Just a quarter of an hour by S-Bahn (Line S1) from Stuttgart lies Esslingen am Neckar, one of the most beautiful old towns in southern Germany.

Already on your first stroll through the narrow lanes, you'll sense the history: over 200 well-preserved half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and medieval squares characterise the townscape. Particularly worth seeing are the Old Town Hall with its artistic astronomical clock and the picturesque Kielmeyerhaus.

An ascent via the Burgstaffel leads up to Esslingen Castle with the distinctive Dicken Turm (Thick Tower). From up here, you'll have a fantastic view over the roofs of the town and the Neckar valley.

Those who love wine are in exactly the right place: in the slopes around Esslingen grow some of the oldest vines in Württemberg. The Esslingen Wine Experience Trail leads through the vineyards, past viewpoints and cosy Besenwirtschaften (traditional wine taverns), where you can sample local drops.

Tip: Combine culture with enjoyment! In the cosy wine taverns of the old town, you can wonderfully round off the day before comfortably travelling back to Stuttgart by train.

Weinstadt in the Remstal: Nature, Wine & Views

Around 25 minutes from Stuttgart lies Weinstadt, a union of several wine villages in the idyllic Remstal. The name says it all: everywhere, vineyards, hiking trails and viewpoints characterise the landscape.

A particularly beautiful viewpoint is Karlstein above Beutelsbach. From here, you have a breathtaking view over the Remstal all the way to Stuttgart. Ideal for a small hike or a stroll through the vines.

In autumn, when the grape harvest begins, Weinstadt is particularly lively: in the many Besenwirtschaften (temporary wine taverns), regional dishes and young wines are served – an authentic piece of Swabian culture.

Weinstadt is also ideal for active holidaymakers. Numerous cycling and hiking trails lead through the valleys and ridges of the Remstal. A popular tour is the Remstal Cycle Circuit, which passes through Weinstadt, Kernen and Waiblingen.

Tip: Pack yourself a picnic and enjoy the sunset between the vines. Weinstadt offers a wonderful combination of exercise, nature and enjoyment.

Tübingen: Student Flair & Romance on the Neckar

A bit further south, but still easily reachable, lies Tübingen, a charming university town, which can be reached by regional train in around 50 minutes.

The old town with its colourful half-timbered houses, small boutiques and cosy cafés stretches up the slope to Hohentübingen Castle. From up here, you have a fantastic view over the town and the Neckar valley. The castle itself houses an exciting museum with exhibits on archaeology, natural history and art history.

An absolute highlight is a ride on a Stocherkahn (punt) on the Neckar – especially in summer. The long wooden boats are used by students and locals alike to enjoy the town from the water.

Those who prefer it a bit quieter should stroll through the University of Tübingen Botanical Garden or walk up the Österberg to enjoy the view of the old town.

Tip: Tübingen has a young, lively flair. Numerous pubs, street music and small markets create a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for a day trip with culture, nature and student vibes.

Swabian Jura & Hohenzollern Castle: History & Panorama

For all those who love nature and history, an excursion to Hohenzollern Castle is a must. It lies around 65 kilometres south of Stuttgart and can be reached by regional train and bus in about 1.5 hours.

The majestic Hohenzollern Castle towers on an 855-metre-high mountain peak near Hechingen and is one of the most impressive castles in Germany. From above, a spectacular view opens up over the hilly landscape of the Swabian Jura.

Inside, opulent halls, old paintings, the Hohenzollern treasury and an insight into the life of the Prussian kings await you. On the terrace, you can enjoy the view with coffee and cake – a place that combines history and nature in an impressive way.

Those who have more time can take small hikes in the surrounding area, for example on the Zollernalb Panorama Trail or through the nearby Killertal. The region is known for its clear views and the almost fairy-tale-like landscape.

Tip: Combine the visit with a stroll along the Traufgang "Zollernburg-Panorama", one of the most beautiful premium hiking trails in the region.

Accommodation Tip: a&o Stuttgart City

If you'd like to extend your stay or take several day trips, a&o Stuttgart City is the ideal starting point.

The hotel and hostel is centrally located in Stuttgart and offers excellent connections to public transport. From here, you're at the main station in just a few minutes and can comfortably set off in any direction – whether to Ludwigsburg, Esslingen, Tübingen or the Swabian Jura.

a&o Stuttgart City offers modern rooms, friendly common areas, free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for city travellers, backpackers or families. In addition, many of the city's sights, such as Königstraße (King's Street), Schlossplatz (Palace Square) or the State Museum, are within walking distance.

So Varied is Stuttgart's Surroundings

Whether baroque palace gardens, medieval old towns, sunny vineyards or fairy-tale castles – the region around Stuttgart is incredibly diverse. And the best part: all the destinations presented can be reached comfortably and sustainably by public transport.

With Ludwigsburg, Esslingen, Weinstadt, Tübingen and Hohenzollern Castle, you have a perfect mix of culture, history, nature and enjoyment. Whether you're planning a day trip or staying several days – with an overnight stay in Stuttgart, you have the ideal starting point for discoveries throughout Baden-Württemberg.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Stuttgart!