11 Amazing Things to Do in Tübingen Germany in One Day (2024)
Want to visit a charming small town in Germany? Look no further than Tübingen! This beautiful university city is located just 30km (19 miles) south of the major city of Stuttgart and is perfect for a day trip or even an overnight stay. And while Tubingen is the textbook definition of a quaint fairytale town, there is no shortage of wonderful things to see and do around the city. To help you make the most of your trip, here is my ultimate guide for 11 amazing things to do in Tubingen, Germany in one day!
11 Things to Do in Tübingen Germany in One Day (2024)
This itinerary is made with walking distance in mind and can be comfortably completed on foot. However, if you get tired, you can always rest on one of the many benches throughout the city or opt for public transit via the bus to reach some of the spots!
Oh, and if you don’t want to deal with navigating the city or simply want to learn about the city more in-depth, you can opt for a private walking tour of Tubingen! I didn’t personally take this exact tour. But, in a way, I did…😅 My childhood friend lives in Tubingen and spent 4 days showing me all around the city, so technically I got all the inside scoop from a local guide. 🤩 😉
✅🇩🇪 Check rates & availability for this private walking tour of Tubingen!
1. Walk Through the Old Botanical Gardens
To start your day with a little burst of Serotonin, I recommend heading to the University of Tubingen’s old botanical gardens. The history of the garden goes as far back as 1535 when medicinal plants were initially planted. Since then, the botanical garden has evolved to feature over 12,000 different plant species.
As you stroll throughout, you’ll find several greenhouses dedicated to plants of a certain type of climate. For example, they have a desert house, a rainforest house, and an aquatic plants section. They also have specific collections and gardens, such as a Japanese garden and a Swabian collection. And to help you understand everything you’re observing, there are signs with information in both German and English.
Thus, if you love beautiful flowers and spending time in green spaces, this is definitely the place for you! The gardens are free to visit and open daily from sunrise to sunset.
🌸 NOTE: There are two botanical gardens in Tubingen. The one located closer to the city center is called, “Alter Botanische Garten.” You want to go to the other one that’s on the hill.
2. Tour Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
After exploring the Botanical Gardens, start walking towards the center of the city. Along the way, you’ll be able to see several of the buildings that make up the Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen.
Something to note about the University of Tubingen is that it doesn’t have a proper campus. Instead, the university’s buildings are spread throughout the city, often concentrated together based on certain fields of study. Therefore, you’ll likely not be able to see all of the university’s buildings. Nonetheless, it’s still worth taking the time to appreciate the architecture and history steeped within the university.
Today, the University of Tubingen is a public research university that is globally recognized in various fields. Some of these areas include plant biology, medicine, law, ancient cultures, theology, and most recently, their newer artificial intelligence program. In fact, 13 Nobel Laureates have been associated with the university!
3. Marvel at the iconic view from Eberhards Bridge
The next stop is one of the most iconic and most pictured views of Tubingen — “Eberhardsbrücke” or “Neckarbrücke“. In English, it’s referred to as The Eberhard Bridge and crosses over the Neckar River. To most visitors, this is easily one of the most beautiful places in Tubingen and will simply take your breath away.
The bridge serves as a lovely lookout point for people watching and admiring the ancient houses painted in stunning pastel shades. And if you visit in the spring or summer, you’ll notice that each side of the bridge is adorned with lots of blossoming flowers. I highly recommend making time to see this charming spot as it will steal your heart.
4. Go Punting Along the River Necker
When you’re done taking in the gorgeous view from Eberhard Bridge, you’ll probably be ready to give your feet a little break. This is the perfect time to go punting or “Stocherkähne fahrten” along the Neckar River! For anyone unfamiliar with punting, it involves a long narrow boat called a Stocherkähne that can carry up to 20 people. The boat is powered by someone standing on the end and utilizing a long pole to push the boat through the water.
And in Tubingen, punting is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years! In fact, on the second Thursday of every June, all the Stocherkähne in the city are on the Neckar River! Different groups and fraternities from the university compete against one another in a race.
The different teams also dress up in costumes and everyone in the city lines the Neckar River to witness this popular event. I was fortunate enough to time my visit to coincide with this insane spectacle and let me tell you, it’s a sight to see! The slowest team must drink a giant cup of fish oil and is responsible for organizing the event the following year.
If you miss the annual event, you can still partake in the tradition by going on your own punting adventure. Punt Viaverde offers rides for 70 euros an hour. I know this can be expensive, but it becomes much more affordable if you can go with a friend or two.
Plus, this is a great way to see the city from a new perspective. ViaVerde even offers packages where you can enjoy a delicious barbecue on the water that includes region-specific foods and a dessert. Thus, if you have the money to spare, punting is an experience you won’t want to miss out on!
5. Stroll Through Neckarinsel
After punting, or if you don’t have the chance to go punting, I recommend strolling through Neckarinsel. This is a 2/3-mile artificial river island located in the middle of the Neckar River. As you walk down the main path, you’ll notice plane trees lining the pathways. This is formally referred to as a plane tree avenue.
The best part about Neckarinsel is that there are plenty of benches to rest on, making it a peaceful spot to relax or have an afternoon picnic. You may even spot the local swans and ducks hanging out near the waterfront.
In addition, if you’re feeling up for it, you can even go for a swim (weather permitting of course)! There are designated swimming areas on the island that are patrolled by lifeguards in the summer months. Ultimately, it’s the perfect place to take a break from all the sightseeing and just enjoy the fresh air.
6. See Hohentübingen Castle
When you’re ready to continue with your tour of Tubingen, head to the west end of Neckarinsel. From there, you can cross the Neckar River and make your way to Hohentübingen Castle next. The castle is believed to have been built during the 11th century and is located on a mountain overlooking the city. As such, I hope you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes because it’s literally an uphill battle. Luckily, it’s only a 10-minute uphill climb, so you should make it without breaking into too heavy of a sweat.
Hohentübingen Castle features a large courtyard as well as a castle gate. Though, in its heyday, it served as a medieval castle, palace, and fortress all rolled into one. Nowadays, you can explore a few different rooms that have been turned into museums. For example, there’s an exhibition on the first discovery of DNA in the first labs of the University of Tubingen. There are also often events held at the castle such as concerts or plays.
One thing in particular that I recommend doing is observing the architecture along Unteres Schlosstor. This is the famous gate portal to the castle and it’s an absolute work of art. And, if you make your way up to the top of the castle, you’ll be able to enjoy the best panoramic view of the city and its signature red roofs. Trust me, when I say it’s worth making the trek up. Seeing the city from this vantage point was one of the greatest highlights of my trip.
7. Check Out the Ancient Culture Museum
While you’re at Hohentübingen Castle, something you may be interested in checking out is the Ancient Culture Museum. The museum is located in the castle’s former stable and it houses an impressive collection of artifacts ranging from the Paleolithic times to the Romans.
One of the most unique things about this museum is that it houses one of the largest wine barrels in Germany. The barrel was originally built in 1549 and can hold approximately 84,000 liters of liquid! For this reason, it’s aptly called the “large barrel.” There is also an ancient Egypt collection with various mummies, statues, and everyday objects on display.
However, one thing to note is that there aren’t many English translations, so it may be worth skipping if you don’t think you’ll enjoy the experience as much with English translations. All in all, it’s a pretty cool museum if you’re into history or archaeology.
8. Wander around Marktplatz
Once you’re ready to head back down, walk towards Tubingen’s Marktplatz, or Market Square. I know I keep saying this, but Marktplatz is another favorite place of mine within the city. Several historical buildings and half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries line the perimeter of the square. Miraculously, these buildings were not destroyed by bombings during WWI or WWII, so they still embody that old European style and charm.
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, there is a farmers market held in Marktplatz that allows visitors and locals alike to shop locally. Vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade jams and jellies to an assortment of handcrafted souvenirs. And, in the center of this cobblestone square is a remarkable Renaissance fountain that displays Neptune and a trident.
You may even be lucky enough to experience one of the small festivals often held in Marktplatz. They normally include live entertainment and everyone in the city comes together, creating joyous energy. It’s definitely worth taking some time to wander around and take everything in.
9. Admire the Architecture of Rathaus
While Tubingen’s Rathaus is technically part of Marktplatz, the city’s town hall is so striking that it deserves its own spot on this list. The building’s facade is adorned with an impressive astronomical clock that was built in 1511. And, if you look closely at the facade, you’ll also notice various baroque elements as well as allegories to prudence and justice – reminders of the guiding principles for council members.
Behind Tubingen’s Rathaus, is their Ratskeller, which is essentially a restaurant or pub. In many German towns, it’s common for the city hall to have a dedicated pub or restaurant in the basement of the Rathaus. Think of it as a convenient tavern for after-hours drinks and food! 🤠
Rathaus is one of the not-to-miss centerpieces of Tubingen’s bustling square and I highly recommend taking a moment to admire all the intricate details that went into this functional work of art.
10. Take In St. George’s Collegiate Church
From Marktplatz, walk about 2 minutes to reach another one of the city’s most notable landmarks, St. George’s Collegiate Church or the Stiftskirche. The church is a late Gothic structure dating as far back as 1470. Not only is the architecture stunning, but it’s also one of the first churches to convert to Martin Luther’s first protestant church.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful wood carvings, colorful stained glass windows, and an incredible altar painting from the 16th century. But in my opinion, the best part about St. George’s Collegiate Church is the tower. For just 1.5 euros, you can walk up all 350 steps to reach the top of the tower. The views from up there are nothing short of captivating. You can see for miles in every direction and get a unique view of Tubingen’s Rathaus roof.
Something worth noting is that the University of Tubingen’s original lecture hall is right next to the church. It’s the yellow building that’s to the right side of the entrance to the church.
And, the building directly in front of the church entrance is a student dorm. This is where Germany’s most famous poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lived for a few months. You’ll even find a plaque underneath one window that says in German, “Goethe threw up here,” which is pretty funny.
11. Watch the Sunset from Osterberg
Lastly, if you still have energy within you, I highly recommend capping off the day by watching the sunset from Tubingen’s Osterberg or the hillside. You can input Osterberg into Google Maps and it will take you to the nearby area and then you can hike around for a nice spot. However, to go directly to the trail that the picture is taken from, you can follow my directions below.
When you’re coming from St. George’s Collegiate Church, you will want to head in the direction of the University of Tubingen’s Library. It takes about 10 minutes to reach a pathway called Wilhelm-Schussen-Weg. You’ll want to hike for about 5 – 10 minutes up to the top of this pathway. When you reach the top, there’s a fork in the road, and you will want to turn left on Matthias-Koch-Weg.
This street deadends pretty quickly and becomes a dirt path that wraps around a lush green hillside. The path doesn’t stretch on for very long, so I suggest making yourself comfortable in the grass.
🍷 Side Note: You also may want to grab a glass of wine or beer along the way if the opportunity presents itself :’)
From there, you can sit back, pour yourself a glass of wine if you grabbed any, and watch as the sun sets behind the hills surrounding the city. This is what I believe to be the best way to celebrate the end of your tour of Tubingen and cement the beauty of this small yet magical city!
Where to Stay in Tubingen
If you’re considering spending a night or two in Tubingen and looking for places to stay, here is my top recommendation based on my experiences.
📍Hotel Am Schloss
Location: This superb hotel is located just a couple of hundred meters away from the historic Schloss Hohentübingen castle and offers a hillside view of Tubingen’s Old Town. It’s also within a 2-minute walk of the exuberant Marktplatz and within a 10-minute walk of several of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Honestly, the location doesn’t get much better than this.
Amenities: In terms of amenities, the hotel has a sundeck, terrace, restaurant that serves excellent regional meals that align with the season, a delicious breakfast buffet, and more services available for an extra charge. The rooms are well-furnished and have a modern/contemporary style. It’s a welcome contrast to the older historic atmosphere of the surrounding area.
Why it’s worth it: Aside from the hotel’s prime location, the service is impeccable. From the second you walk in, the staff makes you feel extremely welcome and goes above and beyond to ensure you have the best stay possible. The rooms are more than comfortable, and I believe the bathrooms have been recently renovated. Ultimately, the hotel is everything you could ask for and more.
✅ 🏨 Check rates & availability at the delightful Hotel Am Schloss
Or, feel free to use the map below to explore other housing options! The prices are up to date and the pin represents Marktplatz, which is the center of the city 🙂
Best Time to Visit Tubingen
The best time to visit Tubingen is definitely in the spring or summer months. Specifically, May to August is when the weather is ideal, the flowers are blooming, and the city looks most picturesque. Occasionally, there are days when it might be rainy, but that’s the case with most of Germany. So as long as you pack an umbrella or a raincoat, you should be all good!
Plus, during these months, Tubingen hosts some of its famous festivals and most popular outdoor events. You can really see the city come alive during this time and there’s always something fun to do.
☔️ Check out the compact yet durable umbrella I always travel with!
But, if you’re looking to save some money, shoulder season months like September or October can also be a great time to visit Tubingen. The weather is still pleasant this time of year and most tourists have gone home. As a result, hotels and restaurants are much less crowded, and your trip might be both cheaper and more enjoyable.
Where Is Tubingen in Germany?
Tubingen is located in the southwestern part of Germany. Specifically, in central Baden-Wurttemberg, if you’re familiar with the 16 German states. For anyone unfamiliar with the 16 German states or who prefers using other major cities as landmarks like I do… Tubingen is about 35 minutes to an hour away from Stuttgart, depending on your choice of transportation.
How to Get to Tubingen in Germany
Depending on your starting location, there are a few different ways to get to Tubingen.
By Plane
If you plan on flying into or around Germany, the closest international airport to Tubingen is the Stuttgart International Airport. From the Stuttgart airport, the 828 bus line regularly goes between Tubingen and the airport and takes about 35 minutes to reach the city. You just need to buy a ticket from the counter at the bus transit terminal. It only costs a few euros, so it’s the cheapest way to get to Tubingen from Stuttgart International Airport.
✈️ PRO TIP: Use both Skyscanner and StudentUniverse to find the best flight deals!
This is also how I arrived in Tubingen the first time I visited my friend who lives in the city. And if I can figure it you without knowing any German, you definitely can too! That said, you also have the option of getting a taxi, but this can be quite expensive.
By Bus or Train
In the event you’re not flying into the Stuttgart International Airport, you can access Tubingen via train or bus. Germany’s public transportation network is fantastic and well-connected throughout Germany. Therefore, it’s always a good option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of an airport or are coming from a city that doesn’t have an airport nearby.
When my friend and I visited Munich, we took the bus from Tubingen to Munich and the Train from Munich back to Tubingen. There were no issues and everything operated in an incredibly timely manner, which was a pleasant change of pace from other countries’ public transit networks. 😌
I recommend using Omio to book your trains and buses as they are the best platform for sourcing all transportation options within Europe. They are my go-to platform and in the 5 years I’ve been using them, I’ve only ever had one issue (you can read about my experiences with Omio here)! 🤞
✅ 🚌 Click to book your bus or train ride based on where you are
And if it’s your first time using the platform, use this link to receive $11 off your first booking!
By Car
Another great way to get to Tubingen is by car. This is ideal if you want to see the countryside, explore Germany on your own schedule, or make a few spontaneous stops along the way. I won’t try to guide you on how to Tubingen by car since Google Maps will do a far better job than me, but I’ll give you a few reference points. From Munich, Frankfurt, and Zurich, it’s only a 2.5-hour car ride to Tubingen. So, if you’re looking for a fun little adventure, consider renting a car to get to Tubingen.
✅ 🚙 Click to check rental car prices based on where you are.
Visiting Tubingen: FAQ
Tubingen is most famous for being the home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe – Eberhard Karls University. The university was originally established in 1477 and has been attracting students from all across the globe ever since. Today, ~1/3 of Tubingen’s population is students, giving the city a lively and vibrant atmosphere. And, with a median age of 39.11 years, Tubingen is the youngest city in all of Germany. Thus, you likely won’t feel out of place if you don’t fit into the traditional “student” demographic!
If you’re ready to travel off the beaten path, then yes — I believe Tubingen is well worth visiting! Between the enchanting setting of the River Neckar, surrounding forests, and vineyards to the bright red roofs, cobblestone streets, and bright half-timbered houses, this city feels straight out of a fairytale. It’s a place where you can appreciate the beauty of old-world Europe! So, for these reasons, and honestly more, witnessing the magic of Tübingen is 100% worth it, even if only for a day!
Since Tubingen is a quaint town, you can do most of the things to do in Tubingen with just a day trip. However, if you can spare the time, I believe it’s worth staying an extra night or two to appreciate everything the city offers! I stayed for four days and loved leisurely roaming the cobblestone streets, participating in the festivals, shopping at the local market, and hiking nearby trails. Plus, having that extra time in Tubingen meant I didn’t have to be constantly on the go, which felt immensely rejuvenating!
Wrap-Up: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Tubingen Germany in One Day (2024)
There you have it! 11 amazing things to do in Tubingen Germany in one day… Or over a few days because it’s worth taking the time to immerse yourself in the local culture, even for a quick moment. From the vibrant half-timbered houses and the incredible sweeping views of the city to the lively Martkplatz, Tubingen is truly a hidden gem in Germany! I hope this post has inspired you to put it on your future travel list.
