Escape to the great outdoor gems surrounding Stuttgart

By Bardia Khajenoori U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart

Due to the uncertain conditions surrounding COVID-19 and the possibility of changing restrictions, this month’s Culture Corner focuses on parks and other outdoor areas in Stuttgart where the entire family can get outside and enjoy the fresh spring air.

MUSEUMS

The Staatsgalerie’s home is itself a work of art. Its new building, seen here, was tied for fifth in a 2010 survey to find the most important structures completed in the previous 40 years.

Stuttgart offers a diverse museum landscape covering everything from cars, art, and local history to dinosaurs, wine, and streetcars to name just a few.

Open rain or shine, though typically not on Mondays, they offer unique experiences and welcome respite from unpleasant weather. As of press time, museums in Stuttgart are open by prior appointment, but this may change.

For descriptions of more than a dozen museums in the Stuttgart area, visit stuttgartcitizen.com

PLAYGROUNDS

There are numerous playgrounds in and around the city for children of all ages, including in the urban center (for example, on Kronprizstrasse), in parks, in forests, and along the Neckar River. Nearly all Biergartens, when open, will have large playground areas as well. Search “spielplatz” in your preferred mapping application to find one, if needed.

PARKS

Wilhelma

With unique architecture and manicured gardens, animals aren’t the only attraction at Wilhelma.

The only combination zoo and botanical garden in Germany, Wilhelma has its origins as a royal bathhouse but is now home to nearly 1,200 animal species, making it one of the most diverse zoos worldwide.

Should the zoo be closed, certain animals in mostly-outdoor enclosures (such as camels, bison, and alpacas) can be seen from the other side of the fence, at the north edges of Rosenstein Park.

Killesberg

Killesberg seen from top of Killesbergturm

This 123-acre hillside park hosts, between its numerous grassy lawns, a free-standing observation tower, swimming pool (Freibad), mini train system (the Killesbergbahn), petting zoo, playgrounds, historic fairground area with antique rides, and more.

Schlossgarten

An open-air relaxation event takes place in one of the lawns of the Unterer Schlossgarten.

Officially divided into three parts, this 600-yearold park area stretches from Schlossplatz to Bad Cannstatt, where it meets Rosenstein Park and continues the “Green U” — a corridor of about five miles of interconnected parks in the city center.

The “Unterer Schlossgarten” (nearest to the U-Bahn stops of Stöckach, Metzstrasse, and Mineralbäder) has playgrounds, a mini “mountain biking” area for children, lakes, grilling areas, biergartens, and tree-covered pathways.

Stuttgart’s largest lake was created during the canalization of the Neckar River in 1935, and the rolling hills and wide open green spaces surrounding it are one of the area’s most picturesque leisure spots. Although boats can be rented to go on the water, swimming is not permitted.

Max-Eyth-See

Weissenburgpark

The Bopser U-Bahn stop provides the easiest transit connection to this park, which is known for its panoramic viewing platform near an open-air cafe and historic “Teehaus.” A picnic would be welladvised, but come early if you hope to find a spot on the lawn ahead of sunset.

Karlshöhe

Playground near Karlshöhe

This park, on a ridge in the west of the city, offers a fantastic vantage point as well as a popular biergarten. Nearby is the Städtisches Lapidarium.

Städtisches Lapidarium

A cross between a park and an open-air museum, the Lapidarium hosts a collection of numerous stone works (including sculptures and architecture) in a garden environment.

While potentially a bit boring for younger children, it’s an urban oasis of peace and relaxation. Free to enter, but open only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the “warm season” — double check opening hours before going. Its location at the foot of Karlshöhe makes it worth a visit if nearby.

Chinese Garden

Despite its relatively central location, the tranquility of the Chinese Garden can take you out of the city bustle for at least a few minutes.

While small and best included as part of an itinerary that includes other stops in the city center, the free Chinese Garden is a unique and tranquil retreat about 15 minutes’ walk from the main station.

Birkenkopf

Also known to locals as Monte Scherbelino, “rubble hill” is the tallest point in Stuttgart and owes part of its height to over 130 feet of debris cleared from the bombed-out city after World War II. At the top, a considerable amount is left exposed; a stunning view meets a somber reminder.

Hohenheim Gardens & State Arboretum

The University of Hohenheim, founded on a basis of agricultural and natural science research, maintains 74-acres of parks and gardens — including giant trees and more than 8,000 different species of plants. Less than five minutes’ drive from Kelley Barracks, or about a half hour’s walk.

Bärenschlössle/Rotwildpark

Less a “park” than a protected forest and nature reserve, this expanse near Patch Barracks has numerous trails to discover, three lakes to walk along, and a “bear castle” to offer a rest with a view.

Grabkapelle

Württemberg/Grabkapelle: Looking out toward Untertürkheim and the city center from the Württemberg Mausoleum over the vineyards of Rotenberg, Stuttgart.

Visible from miles away at the top of Württemberg hill and nestled amongst a sea of vineyards, this mausoleum houses the tombs of the area’s longest serving and most influential king, Wilhelm I of Württemberg, and Grand Duchess Katharina Pawlowna. The immediate area has excellent hiking opportunities and panoramic vistas.

OUTDOOR POOLS

The city of Stuttgart operates five open-air swimming pools which attract families with a variety of bathing options and wide swathes of green space. Numerous others are run by other towns and cities in the area.

As of press time, it’s unknown when they will open (traditionally, the season begins in late April or early May) or under what conditions.

In summer 2020, Stuttgart’s freibäder and others used pre-registration systems by which tickets were purchased in advance for morning or afternoon timeslots, with no in-person ticket sales available.

Some payment systems allow credit cards while others require a German IBAN, or bank account identification number. Both on-post financial institutions provide IBANs to their account holders. If you are unsure of yours, get in touch with them for assistance.

HIKING

The topography of the Stuttgart area lends itself to fantastic hiking opportunities for every level of interest and difficulty.

While a search of the web will lead to hundreds of potential routes, one particularly well-known hiking trail in the city center is the Blaustrümpflerweg. This route of under-five [walking] miles, spanning both forest and city streets, can be completed in under three hours at a brisk pace and provides a unique way to explore part of the southern and western parts of the city.

Seilbahn: A historic, nearly century-old cable car links Südheimer Platz to the forest cemetery and a hilltop with a number of urban hiking routes. Kids, especially, might enjoy the unique ride.

It also involves the use of Stuttgart’s two unique public transit offerings — the historic wooden cable car (Seilbahn) between Südheimer Platz and the Waldfriedhof (Forest Cemetery), and the rack railway, or “Zacke,” which offers stunning views of the city between the Pfaffenweg and Wielandshöhe stops as it connects Degerloch with Marienplatz on a steep incline. Children may find these especially exciting. A regular public transit ticket allows use of these services as well as all other regular services.