| . |
Dates of visit:
December 13, 2003 -
December 28, 2003
We rate this trip a:
Trip Highlights:
 Palaces/Cathedrals
Historic sights
Holiday festivities
Concerts
Seasonal foods
Gluhwein
German foods
Train travel
Walk to markets
Somewhat Expensive
|
|
| Stuttgart - Portrait of a City
|
 Stuttgart is a city full of charming contrasts. With a population of 580,000, it is firstly an economic metropolis and secondly a large city which boasts the largest area of parks and open spaces in Germany. Stuttgart companies are known throughout the world: Daimler-Chrysler, Bosch or Porsche are names that are synonymous with Swabian inventiveness and successful entrepreneurship, and characterize Stuttgart as an attractive industrial location. With its two universities, the institutes of the Max Planck and Fraunhofer Associations, the Aerospace Research Institute and the Academies for Art and Music, Stuttgart is also an internationally renowned scientific location.
Stuttgart has a long tradition as a publishing center. More than 150 book and magazine publishing companies are domiciled in the state capital of Baden-Wurttemberg.
Stuttgart has a fascinating and unique geographical location. Nestling delightfully in the Neckar Valley, it is surrounded by forests and vineyards that extend right into the city center. Wine was grown on the slopes right up to the 19th century Remnants of the past include the famous Stuttgart "Staffele" which create the special atmosphere of the city. Stuttgart still has more than 300 "Staffele ".
For non-locals, "Staffele" are steps that lead up to hills from the valley through vineyards and make the vineyards passable. The old vineyard steps are now beautiful paths full of secrets and romantic idyllic spots. Incidentally, wine was for many centuries the main source of income of Stuttgart residents. At times, it was said that more wine actually flowed in the city than water. Even today, the state capital of Baden-Wurttemberg is still the largest winegrowing community in Germany.
The “Altes Schloss” (Old Palace) is a formidable mediaeval building that bears witness to the reigns of the first counts and dukes of Wurttemberg. Situated close by, the, Neues Schloss" (New Palace) is an imposing edifice worthy of a Baroque prince. Duke Carl Eugen obtained it from his subjects through sheer defiance in 1746.
|
|
|
| Site Gallery - City of Stuttgart & Christmas Market
|
| City of Stuttgart |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Stuttgart Christmas Market |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Site Gallery - Mercedes-Benz Auto Museum
|
| Mercedes-Benz Auto Museum |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=link}
){kind=link}