This year, I spent my Easter in Stuttgart – a city known for its automobile industry and rich history. My stay here was planned, albeit rather last-minute, and I had five days to explore the city. Although it was my first visit to Stuttgart, I had already felt a connection to this city before. Originally, a day trip was planned in 2022, which never materialized. But this time, I had enough time to experience Stuttgart in all its glory. Experiences and Discoveries in Stuttgart made my stay unforgettable.
The Journey: A Road Trip through Erfurt
My journey began with a road trip from Berlin to Stuttgart via Würzburg, with a stopover in Erfurt. Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is a city full of history and well-preserved architecture. Although I only spent a short time there, it was still a rewarding stopover. I explored the picturesque old town, visited attractions like the citadel, and even went to Erfurt Airport, a small but interesting place for aviation enthusiasts like myself.
Arrival in Stuttgart: The Modern Europaviertel
Upon finally arriving in Stuttgart, I was greeted by the modern Europaviertel. A district built on the former Stuttgart freight yard. Here, numerous hotels, office buildings, and the imposing Milaneo shopping center are located. The pedestrian-friendly environment and well-developed public transportation made it easy for me to navigate this city, although the signage of the public transport network was initially a bit unfamiliar.
Exploring the City: Stuttgart 21 and More
My exploration led me to Stuttgart’s central station, where the effects of the construction project Stuttgart 21 were clearly visible. I even took the opportunity to participate in an open construction site day to gain insight into this controversial project. After that, I strolled through the pedestrian zone of the city center, passing landmarks such as the Old Castle and the Market Square. A highlight was certainly the visit to the Castle Garden, where I took a well-deserved break and enjoyed the beauty of this green oasis in the heart of the city.
Experience Automobile Culture: Mercedes and Porsche
Another highlight of my stay was visiting the Mercedes-Benz Museum. This fascinating museum provides a comprehensive insight into the history of the brand and its visionary concepts for the future. A special experience was the spiral exhibition space, which took me from the beginnings of the automotive industry to the latest innovations. And since Stuttgart is also the home of Porsche, a visit to the Porsche Museum was a must. Although smaller than the Mercedes-Benz Museum, this museum also offered interesting insights into the history and vehicles of this iconic brand.
The Final Hours: A Visit to the Zoo and the Park
On the last day of my stay, I explored the north of the city, including the Killesberg Park. Despite the suboptimal weather, I enjoyed strolling through these green oases and observing the diverse wildlife. Moreover, Killesberg Park offered a breathtaking view of the city from the Killesberg Tower, a perfect conclusion to my stay in Stuttgart.
Return with Layovers
The return journey to Berlin took me through Jena and Leipzig, where I made brief stops to explore these two cities. Despite the short time in Jena, I enjoyed experiencing the atmosphere of this city and trying a genuine Thuringian Rostbratwurst. In Leipzig, I was particularly impressed by the visit to the airport, where I could even see an Antonov 124-100, a rare experience that rounded off my trip perfectly.
Conclusion: My Unforgettable Easter in Stuttgart
Overall, my Easter in Stuttgart was an unforgettable experience, full of discoveries and experiences. From the fascinating architecture of the Europaviertel to the exciting museums and green oases of the city, Stuttgart offered me a diverse and unique experience. I’m already looking forward to my next visit and exploring even more of this fascinating city. Until next time, Stuttgart!
