It's fairly hard to imagine that an extremely wealthy and influential family decided to dedicate a…read morecluster of housing, meant to mimic a small city, to those living in poverty in early 16th century Europe. Well, the Fugger family did just that and its 'experiment' in social housing has lasted for almost five hundred years. Visitors are able to view a 'model dwelling' decorated as it would have been during the genesis of this project. In an adjacent room a film (auf Deutsch) about the Fugger family and how it came to create the Fuggerei runs on a loop. Pamphlets at the entrance are offered in a multiplicity of languages (including Chinese and Japanese), so non-German speakers are also able to gain a solid understanding of what's what. The on-site WW II bunker is quite worth a visit. One sees how the Fuggerei was severely damaged during the war and how quickly and determinedly those in charge decided to rebuild. While I very much enjoyed visiting the Fuggerei, I was constantly aware of walking around a complex in which people live. One is cautioned to be respectful and to not 'take pictures'. It's hard not to look at the facades of all the buildings when one walks by them. Well, it's hard for me, at least. Being a fan of architecture, I walked the streets of Augsburg en route to the Fuggerei pretty much doing the same thing. I happened to walk past a small boy kicking a soccer ball around, presumably, the front of his Fugger flat. He scowled at me when I passed him. That's when I decided it was time for me to go. There is information regarding who is eligible to live at the Fuggerei (adherents to the Catholic faith) and how much one pays (0,88 euro annually & three prayers daily, apparently). What I wasn't able to find out was how one is picked to live on premises. Not that I'd qualify...

This is a must-see for any visitor to Augsburg. I learned so much about Augsburger history, German…read morehistory, European history, social history...HISTORY. The story of the Fuggerei - a "social settlement" started during the late Middle Ages/early Renaissance by Jakob Fugger to help the poor and disenfranchised get their feet back under them and become self-sufficient citizens during a time where social Darwinism and caste-like class stratification were ravaging Europe - is one that will touch your heart and provide leagues of depth to your big picture understanding of life. It doesn't take long to come here, but the impact will stay with you for life. Added benefit: Almost everything that's written down is also translated into English.

This place is definitely a MUST SEE while you're visiting or living here. Its open to walk around…read morein, in the summer. During winter, they lock it off so there is no access. You may drive right up to it, park and explore. In the summer, the "keep" is open for a small donation so you can see such amazing views. The rest of the area is open for Frei. This is one of my most favorite and unique places to come.

Don't miss this experience on your trip to Esslingen! Get the best views of the city here!…read more The "Berg" or fortresss in Esslingen is comprised of two towers and a long wall and can be seen from a distance when you're approaching the city from the hill. It's a nice workout to walk up, either by the steep stairs or the pathway up. At the top are gorgeous views of the city of Esslingen, an expansive grass area great for picnics or taking a break, and even a restaurant.

Esslingen castle is the most famous sightseeing in Esslingen am Neckar, favourite place to walking…read morefor tourists and inhabitants of the city as well. Place to relax and enjoy solitude in a tranquil environment only a few steps away from noisy city. I should mention that the way to the top of the hill is short but not so easy because of its quite steep rise (in my opinion). But from the very top of the hill you'll be rewarded by amazing view over Esslingen which is especially great at night!!!

Oh my god. This place is STUNNING. We went on a Friday afternoon, the sun was shining, the birds…read morewere chirping and the water was an incredible neon blue. I've never seen anything like it... Ethereal and mysterious and peaceful. The area was crowded, but not enormously so. We walked around the water for a bit, then grabbed a lite lunch at the little cafe on the water (not great, but what tourist restaurant is?). There are tons of little hikes in the area, but we just walked along the Blau river away from the town and discovered this super quiet walk through the forest. Such a magical day. If you're in the area, Blautopf is a must-do.

After a solo tour of Schloss Lichtenstein, we arrived at Burg Hohenzollern to find that they're in…read morefull Christmas Markets season. The place was crowded and lively and quite busy. You'll park in a lower parking lot adjacent to the gift shop. A shuttle van will bring you almost to the entrance of the castle. From there, it's a bit of a walk. It is barely handicapped accessible though the castle itself is not at all wheelchair friendly and many rooms require transiting a number of stairs. The current castle was built between 1846 and 1867 in a Gothic Revival style and influenced by the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. The exterior is regal, dominating the hill it resides on. Inside, each room is decorated with period furniture and artifacts that were owned by Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia. The vault in the basement contains the Crown of Wilhelm II and a uniform that belonged to King Frederick the Great. No photographs allowed in that room but the rest of the castle, absolutely. [Review 21244 overall - 248 in Germany - 209 of 2024.]

Beautiful castle! Pretty views from the top. But getting there from Stuttgart was really…read morebreathtaking as well. We took public transportation which is not recommended. It took 3 hours one way to get there by trains and bus. If you have a car it takes an hour. I would say it was worth it, but we were exhausted by the end of the day. The castle had a cafe that actually tasted pretty good.

Nighttime in Stuttgart and in November, the Christmas markets and Christmas decorations are in full…read moreswing. A little too cold to hang out for too long (Unless you're wearing a beer coat. You know what a beer coat is, right?) but plenty of time to enjoy the season! Schlossplatz is the largest open square in the city and dates back to the 1800's when it was built as a parade ground. There is a very crowded Christmas market here with security checking COVID passes at the entrance. A little too dense with people for me so we walked the square and took pictures. Absolutely perfect! [Review 16405 overall - 210 in Germany - 1912 of 2021.]

Went to Stuttgart for a day trip and went to Schlossplatz. It is a nice place to visit. Plenty of…read morecafes and beer gardens around the place. Was busy and loads of people hanging around the area. The weather was great & so was the atmosphere. Looking forward to going back there again