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Photo: Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH/ Werner Dieterich

Stuttgart Christmas Market

This year's Advent season once again sees the Stuttgart Christmas Market, which impresses millions of visitors year after year with its magical and impressive settings.

With over 200 different stalls, you'll find everything you need for a sensuous Christmas season, from biscuits and mulled wine to unique, handmade goods. On Schlossplatz in the city centre, you will also find Königstraße in the immediate vicinity. You can also shop on this popular shopping street - you are guaranteed to find something there.

It is only 25 minutes by car or S-Bahn from the airport.

The market takes place from 27/11/2024 to 23/12/2024

Stuttgart Christmas Market
Photo: Tourismus & Events Ludwigsburg

LUDWIGSBURG Christmas Market

Ludwigsburg, the city of baroque. This year, the unique Baroque Christmas Market will once again take place on the market square of the Ludwigsburg Residence Palace. Surrounded by the royal backdrop, you can find delicious delicacies and many unique goods and gift ideas from more than 140 exhibitors.

In addition to the Christmas market, a dreamy stroll through the fairytale garden and the winter-decorated palace garden is also recommended.

You can also explore the Residenzschloss on a guided tour and learn all the secrets of the castle.

It is only 35 minutes by car from the airport.

The market takes place from 26/11/2024 to 22/12/2024

Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
Photo: Maximilian Schwarz

Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market

Shortly before the 1st of Advent, the enchanting Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market starts with 200 stalls and around 500 cultural programme items. At the Esslingen Medieval Market you can marvel at handicrafts and get creative yourself, enjoy unfamiliar foods and let yourself be transported back in time many centuries to medieval music. Surrounded by the magnificent backdrop of medieval half-timbered houses, a very special Christmas world is created here. Young visitors can also look forward to exciting hands-on programmes.

The Esslingen Christmas Market takes place at the same time, where you can enjoy delicious food, ride on the nostalgia carousel or browse in the candle workshop. At the more than 80 stalls you will find classic Christmas decorations, nativity figures, light houses and many other handmade goods that make perfect Christmas gifts.

Only 25 minutes by car from the airport, bus line 122 takes you to Esslingen in around 40 minutes.

The market will take place from 26/11/2024 to 22/12/2024

Esslingen Christmas and Medieval Market
Photo: TMBW / Lengler

UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Le Corbusier Houses

Discover the fascinating buildings by architect Le Corbusier in the Weißenhofsiedlung in Stuttgart, which were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016. In a historic decision, the World Heritage Committee included 17 outstanding architectural masterpieces and urban ensembles by Le Corbusier. The Le Corbusier houses serve as groundbreaking examples of modern residential culture.

With this inclusion, there are now five World Heritage Sites in Baden-Württemberg, including the Cistercian monastery of Maulbronn, the monastery island of Reichenau, the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes and the prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps. The Weissenhofsiedlung is an unmissable sight, reflecting the architectural history of the 20th century and offering an insight into Le Corbusier's pioneering ideas.

The Weissenhof Museum in the Le Corbusier House is living proof of the continuing interest in Le Corbusier's work and has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since it opened in 2006.

Accessible by car or train in just 30 minutes from the airport.

Weissenhof Museum
Photo: Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH - Achim Mende

TELEVISION TOWER STUTTGART

The 217-metre high Stuttgart Television Tower gives you an unforgettable view of the region. 70 years ago it became the first tower to be constructed from reinforced concrete.

The Stuttgart Tower with its 150-metre high viewing platform was officially opened on 5 February 1956, and from that moment on became both a tourist site and a restaurant destination. It is among the most outstanding cultural monuments of the Stuttgart region.

Only 15 minutes by car from the airport.

Television Tower Stuttgart Opening hours and prices
Photo: Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH - Werner Dieterich

Schlossplatz Stuttgart

The palace square is the beating heart of Stuttgart. It is not just the setting for a variety of events and festivals such as the International Festival of Animated Film, it also invites you to come, relax and stay a little while.

The palace square was originally opened in the mid-19th century to be used by the local citizens. In the past, the kings of Württemberg resided in the palace and made use of the entire area. A variety of attractions, such as the Stuttgart Art Museum, are dotted around the palace square and can be reached comfortably on foot.

If you are more interested in shopping than culture, the area around the palace square is the place for you. As the longest continuous car-free pedestrian shopping zone in Europe, the 1.2-kilometre Königstraße passes directly by the palace square and the Königsbau, Stuttgart's oldest shopping arcade.

Approx. 25 minutes by S-Bahn from the airport.

Schlossplatz Stuttgart
Photo: Daimler AG

MERCEDES BENZ MUSEUM

Stuttgart is an essential place for automobile fans, as cars with all types of horsepower congregate here. The museums of both the car giants Daimler and Porsche are a must-see for any trip to Stuttgart. In the Mercedes-Benz Museum, 130 years of car history come together in one place, illustrated by the many cars exhibited. A racing car simulator ensures a special kind of driver experience.

However, for those interested in architecture too, the museum is well worth a visit.

Only 30 minutes by car from the airport.

Mercedes Benz Museum Opening hours and prices
Photo: Porsche AG

Porsche museum

A further car highlight of Stuttgart is the Porsche Museum; its external architecture alone is a real work of art. The same goes for the interior of the museum.

A chronological product and brand history awaits the visitor along with several special exhibitions every year. A worthwhile visit, not just for Porsche fans!

Only 30 minutes by car from the airport.

Porsche Museum Opening hours and prices

Museum Hegel-Haus

In the heart of Stuttgart, the Museum Hegel-Haus stands as a relic of past eras, infused with the spirit of the renowned German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. It is home to the world’s only museum solely dedicated to Hegel and is also the birthplace of this great thinker. This uniquely authentic location offers an innovative and diverse museum experience, making Hegel’s personality and life journey tangible and accessible in various dimensions.

The multimedia installation “Hegel for Beginners” marks the start of every visit. Floor-to-ceiling projections and the latest 3D technology blur the lines between multimedia and reality. Through vivid scenes, visitors immerse themselves in Hegel's biography and philosophy. 

Only 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by S-Bahn from the airport.

Museum Hegel-Haus
Photo: Tourismus & Events Ludwigsburg

RESIDENCE PALACE LUDWIGSBURG

Ludwigsburg is an attractive, modern, vibrant baroque city. Founded in the early 18th century, the city today is a place where history and the present meet: Magnificent castles, romantic gardens, bustling shopping streets and sensational festivals are waiting to be explored.

Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is one of Europe's largest remaining baroque palaces. Its unique style owes itself to design by three different generations. This turns a visit to the palace into an exciting journey through time.

Only 30 minutes by car from the airport.

Residence Place Ludwigsburg Opening hours and prices
Photo: Outletcity Metzingen

Outletcity Metzingen

Discover Europe’s largest outlet, just 20 minutes from Stuttgart Airport. Outletcity Metzingen offers visitors more than 150 brands in flagship stores with reduced prices - from luxury and premium to sports, jewellery and home & living. A variety of restaurants and cafés for shopping breaks as well as large outdoor areas and squares that are seasonally decorated turn visits into experiences.

The picturesque town of Metzingen with its historic centre and surrounding vineyards is where Hugo Boss had opened his tailor shop which developed into a world-famous company.

A shuttle service is operated from the airport as well as from Stuttgart downtown.

Outletcity Metzingen Opening hours Shuttle service
Photo: Europa-Park

Europa-Park

At Germany's largest theme park visitors can discover 15 European countries in just one day. Each of them entices with different attractions, exemplary architecture and regional gastronomy. The best entertainment for all ages!

If a one-day visit is too short, there is the option of spending a relaxing night at one of the adjoining themed hotels and heading again to the Europa-Park adventure the following day with renewed energy.

The Europa-Park is approx. 170km from Stuttgart Airport and reachable by car via the A5. In addition, there is a non-stop shuttle service from the airport to Europa-Park.

Europa-Park Opening hours and prices
Photo: TMBW / Mende

CASTLE HOHENZOLLERN

Swabian counts, kings of Prussia and even German emperors have their roots at Hohenzollern Castle. The fortress dates back to the 11th century and was reconstructed in the 15th and 19th century. Located on the conical Zoller mountain – a 45-minute car ride south of Stuttgart airport – it offers majestic panoramic views stretching up to 100 kilometres.

Among other things, visitors can see the magnificent Counts’ Hall, the Blue Salon and the Treasure Chamber with the Prussian royal crown. The castle restaurant offers regional specialities and in the summer runs the cosy castle beer garden.

Only 45 minutes by car from the airport.

Castle Hohenzollern Opening hours and prices
Photo: SMG - Achim Mende

URACH WATERFALLS

The Urach waterfall offers a unique sight for nature lovers. At the outskirts of Bad Urach lies the most beautiful waterfall in the Swabian Alps.

It rises from the Karst spring, crashing down free-fall from a height of 37 metres. From April to October visitors can, along with the spectacle of nature, enjoy regional products and delicacies in the waterfall cabin.

Only 40 minutes by car from the airport.

Urach Waterfalls
Photo: Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH

Esslingen

The former Free Imperial City harbours treasures such as the oldest row of half-timbered houses in Germany and a well-preserved medieval old town. Culture, culinary delights, nature at its best between Weinbergen and Neckartal, as well as an attractive range of activities. A leisurely shopping spree through narrow alleys and impressive attractions such as the Esslinger Castle, old city gates, early courtyards and imposing churches are highlights of the city.

All leisure wishes will be fulfilled with established art and culture institutions such as the Württemberg Regional Theatre, galleries and museums, the literary marionette theatre LIMA, the Galgenstricke cabaret or a visit to the DICK area. Not to be forgotten: A visit to Germany's oldest sparkling wine cellar in Esslingen for a glass of Kessler sparkling wine.

Only 15 minutes by car from the airport.

Esslingen City Information
Photo: TMBW / Mende

Tübingen

Lovers of this city claim that it has one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Germany and the large university with almost 29,000 students from around the globe contributes to a welcoming, cosmopolitan and tolerant atmosphere. So it's no surprise that Tübingen is regarded as one of Germany's most attractive cities to live in. The people of Tübingen enjoy life here, and that feeling spreads to visitors too.

Moored in front of the Hölderlinturm tower on the river Neckar, the punts are inextricably linked with the image of the city and still represent part of the general cultural heritage.

Only 30 minutes by car from the airport.

Tübingen City Information
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