Discover a German gem on a trip to Stuttgart
Ideal for a weekend city break, the pretty capital of the south-westerly state of Baden-Württemberg – a short hop from London – has lots for you to explore
When it comes to planning a city break in Germany, look more closely at the south; at Stuttgart. It’s never been easier to visit: British Airways flies to Stuttgart every day of the week from London Heathrow (usually offering two departures). This is a journey of just over an hour and a half. What’s more, with British Airways Holidays, you can book your flights and hotel all in one place.
CULTURAL HUB
At the heart of it is the old town (Altstadt), a kernel of cobbled streets and medieval magnificence, where the turrets and towers of the castle (Altes Schloss) have been the centrepiece since the 10th century.
The story continues at the State Gallery, which splits into two: the Alte (Old) gallery, a feast of German painting from as early as the 14th century, and its Neue (New) counterpart, where Dalí and Picasso hold court.
Stuttgart is also a motorist’s paradise; one of the great epicentres of the German car industry. Both the Porsche Museum and the Mercedes-Benz Museum serve up their respective brands with aplomb – spotlights shining on a wealth of classic vehicles.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Chief among Stuttgart’s parks and gardens is the Wilhelmam, inset – a botanical wonderland where global plant life blooms and blossoms in a series of greenhouses. This fertile spread extends beyond the city, onto the surrounding hillsides. Here, Riesling, Silvaner, Kerner and Trollinger grapes thrive in the soft sunshine. Taste the end results via producers like the Vintage Winery, on the city’s doorstep – or out at the wine museum on its eastern outskirts in Uhlbach. There are several major attractions within day-trip reach from Stuttgart. Sample the Baroque majesty of
Ludwigsburg Palace, an eight-mile train ride north. Visit Tübingen, a small city, 25 miles to the south, which sits prettily on the Neckar and Ammer rivers. Explore the grand Gothic pile that is Hohenzollern Castle, 20 miles further on in the same direction, peacocking on its hilltop above Hechingen.
FRESH PRODUCE
Stuttgart demands plenty of attention of its own. It would be remiss not to shop for local produce in its Market hall, or to neglect the Swabian dishes – such as maultaschen (pasta parcels filled with meat) and Schwäbischer Zwiebelrostbraten (Swabian roast beef with onions) – in its restaurants.
If you are in town in September and October, you are in time for the beer celebration that is Cannstatter Volksfest, and then during the festive period, the annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas market, above, is a must.
Alternatively, Stuttgart will be one of the host cities for this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 football bonanza, staging five matches (including the home nation’s clash with Hungary) in June and July.