Germany from A to Z: Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a top destination for car fanatics. Although subject to opinion, it is widely accepted that the first automobile was invented by Karl Benz in Stuttgart in 1886. Visitors can learn about the inception and development of the car in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and the Porsche Museum takes guests on a journey through the history of the brand.

The kings of Württemberg once ruled in Stuttgart, and the many palaces in the area bear witness to this time. The New Palace is in the city center, and during summer the square is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. The building is now used by the state ministries of finance and education.

The buildings of Stuttgart's Weissenhof Estate are a feat of architecture. They were designed by the famous architects Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1927 as an exhibition on modern living. Both buildings by Le Corbusier (pictured) were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2016, together with several of his other works in seven different countries.

Stuttgart's theaters have something for everyone. There are six large, private theaters, around 20 smaller establishments and the multiple award-winning Stuttgart State Theater with opera, ballet and drama productions.

The city boasts 11 large museums, plus 30 smaller exhibition buildings and special collections. The Schweine Museum, for example, is about the art and cultural history of the pig. Among the classics is the Staatsgalerie with paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 21st century. The architecture is a wonder in itself — a postmodern building combined with traditional building elements.

Stuttgart lies in a valley surrounded by vineyards. The winemaking industry has more presence here than in any other big German city, and a number of hiking trails take visitors through the vineyards. The tradition dates back 1,000 years, and the wine-growing museum (Weinbaumuseum) provides information about viticultural and oenological history.

A glass of Swabian wine goes hand in hand with some hearty Swabian food. Maultaschen, for example, are pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach and parsley. Visitors can sample Swabian cuisine in one of Stuttgart's many restaurants or in a "Besenwirtschaft" — traditional Swabian wine taverns that operate without a license for a maximum of four months a year.

The ingredients for a traditional Swabian meal can be found in all their forms at Stuttgart Markthalle. Even the most discerning foodies will be in their element here, and top chefs also come here to buy their produce. It's worth a visit just to see the Art Nouveau architecture, which is now listed as a historical monument.

The people of Stuttgart certainly know how to eat and drink … and party! The Cannstatter Volksfest, which normally takes place twice a year in spring and fall, is a huge festival with tents, stalls and fairground rides. This year, both events were canceled due to the coronavirus restrictions.

The best place to view this "Swabian paradise" is from the TV tower. It soars 217 meters (712 feet) above the houses and vineyards, and on a good day you can see the mountains of the Swabian Jura. Looking out from the tower at sunset, it's easy to understand why many people still see Stuttgart as paradise on Earth.