Schwäbisch Gmünd and Aalen

Schwäbisch Gmünd

Schwäbisch Gmünd and Aalen lie on the “short” road from Stuttgart to Nuremberg. Here the Swabian Alb ends, passing into the hilly Swabia, with deep winding valleys in which tributaries of the Neckar flow – three tributaries begin near Aalen. Previous generations fully appreciated the landscape: the Romans and medieval Swabians left in the region the remains of ancient Roman fortresses and a chain of half-timbered towns with city walls.
The region is suitable for excursions from Stuttgart or Ulm or for short holidays.

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From Ulm to Ellwangen. Albtrauf and Bavarian Swabia

Swabian Alb Albtrauf Schwäbische Alb

Let’s see what is interesting in the Swabian hinterland. Swabians live both in Bavaria (Bavarian Swabia region) and in most of Baden-Württemberg. On this map, it will be an extension of the Swabian Alb – an upland that abruptly breaks off towards Stuttgart – and its spur Albtrauf, passing into the Danube valley.

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Bad Urach Waterfall

Bad Urach Waterfall / Bad Urach Wasserfall

Bad Urach – is a small spa town near the outlet town Metzingen. Suitable for day trips from Stuttgart (train) or in conjunction with something else. In the city itself there is an old center, a small palace, a thermal pool. There is a ruine of fortress on the hill. But most of people walk to the waterfall.

There are quite high hills around, limestone, eaten away by holes. With the stream, 5 kg of lime and God knows what else is carried out per day. So you shouldn’t drink the water, despite all its transparent stream appeal.

The Bad Urach waterfall is the third highest of those German ones that are outside the Alps (the first two are in the Black Forest), only 87 m.

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Esslingen Old town and map

Esslingen old town / Esslingen Altstadt

Esslingen is located in the Neckar Valley near Stuttgart. Behind it the Neckar becomes unnavigable upstream, and from Stuttgart to Esslingen endless factories, plants and power plants stretch along the river.

Therefore, despite the fact that the old city itself is pretty, you can easily replace it with another one. You can find the same well-preserved half-timbered house in less industrial places: in Tübingen, Bad Wimpfen, Besigheim, not to mention the Black Forest.

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Ludwigsburg palace and gardens

Ludwigsburg palace and gardens / Ludwigsburg Schloss

Ludwigsburg palace and gardens are not so well known. However, apart from Wilhelma, this is the most interesting place in the region. It is a must-see if you are staying in Stuttgart. In this post we see Ludwigsburg palace, gardens around, Favorit park up to Monrepos palace. I tell also about Ludwigsburg pumpkin festival.

Be sure to check if there are any extra activities. The city hosts a street music festival, while the park hosts musical fireworks and a great pumpkin festival.

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Stuttgart zoo Wilhelma. Flowers

Stuttgart Wilhelma

The zoo-botanical garden, unique in Germany, was built in Stuttgart in the middle of the 19th century for King William (Wilhelm) 1 of Württemberg. Therefore the name Wilhelma. About 9000 thousand animals are represented. Greenhouses are open to the public: among the most important are collections of orchids, magnolias (March), camellias (winter).

It would seem that over the years we have studied Wilhelma inside and out. And nevertheless, each visit brings at least small, but discoveries.

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What to see in Stuttgart

Stuttgart sehenswürdigkeiten

Apart from Wilhelma, Stuttgart does not have many top sights or architecture. The city was badly damaged during the Second World War.

But if you happen to be here for a couple of days, you will not regret it. Stuttgart is a pretty city with a lot of parks and high hills all around. Children, and many adults alike, will be delighted with Wilhelma. Adults – with plenty of shops concentrated in the center and the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Without tiring yourself too much, you can explore the small center and relax in the thermal pool in the evening.

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