OVERVIEW
Beautifully set in the Swabian Mountains and at the edge of the Black Forest Stuttgart is the home of Mercedes Benz. Hardly suprising that one of the best visited museums is the Mercedes Benz Museum.
The Baden-Württemberg metropolis has a wide range of sights to offer - be it the four castles, the famous Weissenhof estate or the television tower. The most notable feature of Stuttgart, however, is its friendly atmosphere and hospitality. The city's charms do not unfold immediately to the visitor. They remain concealed, waiting to be discovered.
One of these charms is its wide range of shops: exclusive stores, boutiques, modern malls and, of course, the well-known department stores entice the visitor with a wide and attractive range of products. Then there are the cafés - some extravagant, others more chic or sparsely decorated. Street cafés in the summer, some offering a beautiful view of the city, and a whole host of international restaurants and bars add to Stuttgart's gastronomical appeal.
For those who prefer peace and tranquillity, the extensive parks offer the ideal opportunity for walks and relaxation. The city's vineyards will spoil you in a different way. Their wines are not just popular here. The region's long wine-growing tradition is carefully documented in a museum.
Stuttgart can be easily seen on foot and urban trekkers may want to take in the City Circuit walk which begins at the Central Train Station (allow about two hours) and the two-hour Historic Stuttgart walk which starts at the Altes Schloss at Schillerplatz. Yellow signs direct the walker to many modern and historical areas. The Mineralbad Leuze Berg and other spas offer a wide variety of therapeutic pools and health facilities. 100 mi/160 km south of Frankfurt .
SIGHTS
Ludwigsburg Palace
Ludwigsburg Palace and the botanical gardens are worth a visit too.
Rathaus
While in Stuttgart listen for the Swabian music from the glockenspiel at the Rathaus (city hall)
Schillerplatz
Schillerplatz Square and its Collegiate Church the Alte Staatsgalerie (collection of Rembrandts Rubens and others) and the Neue Staatsgalerie (20th-century art collection) ais definately worth a visit.
the Old Palace
Already within the 13th century a water moated palace existed here, which in the 14th century became the head seat of the Counts of Würtemberg. In the middle of the 16th century extensive renovations were undertaken by Christoph and Ludwig, the owners at the time. The result of the renovations was a Renissance style palace, with a new spectacular Inner Courtyard. In the 18th century the water filled moat surrounding the palace was finally removed, resulting in the structure that existed up until the second world war, within which the palace was damaged quite serverly. Thereafter the palace was reconstructed into the splendid spacious palace that stands there today.
GETTING AROUND
The public transport system includes buses, trams, the metro (U-Bahn) and city tram (S-Bahn). Sight are rather scattered, so you might think about a 24-hour-ticket which is available for two different zones. If it is getting late, you can use the Night bus.. they run only on saturdays and Sundays and depart at 1.15 am and 2.30 am from the Schloßplatz (New Palace grounds).
GETTING THERE
The airport ca be contacted by phone: 0711 / 948-33 88 or by clicking Stuttgart airport
The train station is right in the city centre. Information on trains can be obtained 24h per day at 01805 / 996633 (0,24 DM / Min). The bus station is behind the train station. The airport bus service #A runs every twenty minutes between 5.00-midnight.
NOTICE
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