Author’s Note: Fresh off a trip to Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor, I’m reeling and already excited for my next trip. My cousin Christyn, an adventurer in her own right who climbed Kilimanjaro on her 28th birthday in February, is now working and living in Bann, Germany, so we’ve been making plans for a German Road Trip. I started doing research and was floored at the wealth of options we have in a country I’ve already gotten to know, through Cologne’s Carnaval to a chilly, sans-camera trip to Berlin. I’ve long been fascinated with German history and have loved beer and sausage, growing up close to Milwaukee. I devour books on the country regularly. So when Live Like a German contacted me about collaborating and helping out with my trip, I couldn’t say nein. My requisites for a trip to Germany? Castles, countryside and currywurst, which make Tübingen their first choice for my trip.
A trip to Germany is a must for any world traveler. While in this wondrous country there are a few towns that are a must see, and Tübingen is one of them. Its stunning surroundings, coupled with its authenticity due to surviving wartime unscathed, make it a town that remains historically intact.
Although Tübingen is traditionally known for its university – about one in every ten students attends classes there – there are many interesting things for tourists to experience.
Hohentübingen Castle
No town is complete without a castle. Hohentübingen castle is first noted in the 11th century and is now a part of Tübingen University. Feel free to explore around the castle and afterwards gain more information about its history in the castle museum.
Holzmarkt
In German, markplatz is a word for market place. The Holzmarkt , one of the two in Tübingen, is in front of the Collegiate Church, the town’s landmark and another fine place to see in this town. Depending on the time of year you may be able to experience vendors selling seasonal specialties that you can enjoy. Markplatz is a place one can also sit in an outdoor cafe and also enjoy the view of the town hall and the ambience of the quaint town.
Rathaus
The Rathaus is Tübingen’s stunning town hall and is another piece of history, built in 1435 and being continually expanded. Its Astronomical Clock is something to watch. Go inside the Rathaus and take a ride on the elevator to get great views of the city, or just relax outside, take in its beauty and watch the locals and tourists walking by.
Holderlinturm
There once lived a poet that was not so famous when he was alive called Friedrich Holderlin, who lived in Tübingen. After his death his works became widely known in Germany and are in fact considered to be some of best writings produced in the country. You can tour his 13th century home, Holderlinturm, and the tower where he lived for 36 years, slowly going insane. The house is great to see which nice views of the Neckar River. There is a museum on site with more information on the writer’s life.
Cistercian Monastery
Another place that should make your itinerary while in this town is the Cistercian Monastery (Zisterzienzerkloster), a well-preserved medieval monastery that can be accessed by a short nature walk. There is an admission to go inside, but just the walk outside with its spectacular surroundings of the structures may suffice.
This Germany related travel article has been written by Bettina Kraft, who likes to write Germany related travel articles on Live Like a German, a site for exploring Germany, learning more about its culture and language, and finding a great Germany vacation rental or holiday apartment. Bettina likes to help visitors from all over the world to experience Germany in a different, more personal way, and to make it easy for them to do so by providing detailed travel tips and advise.
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I’ve always wanted to go to Germany. When I studied abroad, I was never able to make it, so I’m hoping to this next year when I’ll be teaching in Spain. I can’t say I’ve heard of Tübingen before, but it definitely sounds like a city to check out, especially since university towns are traditionally very fun!
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It was one of the first places I wanted to visit when I moved here! Luckily, I had a German roommate and a close German friend, and now both of my cousins work at bases there! I’m trying for Oktoberfest, too, but T-town looks so cute!
I’d love to go to Oktoberfest. The city where I went to college in the U.S. had the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S., but I can imagine that in comparison Germany’s makes that look small.
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Mmmm, reminds me of Heidelberg which I visited last year.
The Neckar River also runs through it. Pretty little town!
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Right? My cousin lives in a small town, and it almost makes me wish the Novio would have gotten a promotion to work in Geilenkirchen!
This makes me wish we had time to take a trip there! Looks beautiful.
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Ah, I got the impression you were still abroad, just in Munich! How is the transition back home going?
Dang! On our recent trip to Israel we made some new friends, who have invited us to spend a month at their home in Cologne. Your post has not only made me jealous, but I want to go NOW!
Yes! Cologne is great! I would definitely try and make it there, and I can put you in touch with a friend. Send me an email!! Been enjoying your Israel posts loads!
I think Tübingen is one of the most relaxed towns in southern Germany – good job of you selling it to the world out there =)
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Thanks, Anja! I’m glad to know that such towns exist, as trip planning in such a big country can get overwhelming!
I’ve really been wanting to visit there – me and a friend are trying to pick a weekend and combine it with our first couchsurfing experience
Let me know if you’re in the Karlsruhe area on your roadtrip!
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I’ve been fascinated by Germany for a long time and read anything I can about the people, culture and history. I also love castles and Hohentübingen looks amazing. Definitly a place I’d love to visit. Of course that photo of the cityscape is just stunning. Very enticing!
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I’m pretty sure I am going to try and live in Germany one of these days and i’ll definitely love to see this place! Thanks for the info and photos.
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Hi there, many thanks!! You’re more than welcome to drop me an email: sunshineandsiestas [at] gmail [dot] com. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Great post Bettina! I was on a hunt for an article about traveling to Germany, and came across your post. I especially liked how you provide historical context about the exciting places to visit!
Actually, I just put together an infographic about “10 Must Do’s in Black Forest”. Let me know if you’d like to check it out. If you have any ideas about Black Forest in particular, I’d like to know! -Leah