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Tips to Explore Tübingen Like a Local - Things to do in Tübingen
- Jun 22
- 7 min read
Tübingen is a charming town located in the heart of Baden-Württemberg. Known as a student town thanks to its renowned university, it offers a lively atmosphere and a vibrant, youthful culture.
The city is also famous for its traditional punt rides along the Neckar River. Whether you're interested in history, culture, a serene natural setting, or getting lost in a maze of cobblestone streets,
Tübingen has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.
How to reach:
The main mode of transportation to Tübingen depends on where you're traveling from. The city is well-connected by train, bus, and road.
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By Air:
The city doesn’t have its own airport, but Stuttgart Airport is just 35 km from Tübingen. You can either take the Airport-Sprinter bus (Line 828) directly to Tübingen or take a taxi for a more convenient ride.
By Train:
Tübingen is well connected by Deutsche Bahn (DB) regional trains. You can reach Tübingen from anywhere in Germany or neighboring countries quite easily by train.
By Bus:
The Long-distance buses (like FlixBus) occasionally stop in Tübingen, but service is limited. The train is a more convenient option to reach Tübingen.
Where to stay:
1. Hotel Am Schloss:
The Hotel Am Schloss is located near the Hohentübingen Castle, and it offers a beautiful view of the old town.
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2. Domizil Tübingen:
Domizil Tübingen is a 4-star hotel located on the Neckar River. If you want to stay in a modern hotel with a view of the town, this is the next option.
3. Boutique Apartment / Airbnb:
Tübingen offers many different Airbnb and boutique apartments in the old town with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets just outside your door.
4. Other options to stay near Tübingen:
As we want to stay closer to Stuttgart, we can explore some towns near Stuttgart, so we stayed in Herrenberg, and it’s around 45 minutes from Tübingen Central train station.
How Many Days Are Enough for Tübingen?
If you're planning a day trip to Tübingen, it's possible to see the main tourist spots in one day. But if you really want to soak in the city's vibe, we suggest spending at least two days in Tübingen.
Things to do in Tübingen:
1. Start exploring Tübingen Old Town:
You can start your day by exploring the Old Town of Tübingen. Tübingen is a university town, so you will find a very happening and vibrant culture in the city. There are alleys with cobblestone streets, and we bet that you can get lost in the beauty of these streets.
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We were roaming around the Old Town streets. There are traditional restaurants, museums, and beautiful architecture that you can enjoy in the old town.
The old town of Tübingen was untouched during World War II, and you can see the traditional shops and vibrant cafés, which give a sneak peek of the past.
2. Tübingen Rathhaus:
The Rathaus of Tübingen will take you back to 1435 when it was constructed. The Rathaus has a Gothic architecture with an Alemannic half-timbered style.
In 1508, the story was added, and in 1511, an astronomical clock was installed. There are also restaurants in the surrounding area where you can sit and enjoy the view.
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3. Marktplatz:
The Marktplatz used to be a center of trade in 1191, and nowadays, it has a Renaissance fountain with a Neptune statue. There are colorful half-timbered houses, and it has a vibrant vibe and a gathering place to hang out.
4. Hohentübingen Castle:
The Castle was constructed in 1037 and gives an impression of the rich history of Tübingen and its location on the hilltop. You can take a stroll, and now, the castle is a part of the University of Tübingen.
We enjoyed beautiful panoramic views of Tübingen and the surrounding landscapes from the castle.
5. Museum of archaeological and cultural artifacts:
Near the castle, you can also visit the museum of archaeological and cultural artifacts. We have been to the museum and explored the rich archaeology of the city.
You can also explore the DNA room where the DNA was discovered for the first time.
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6. Punting on the Neckar River:
You are already familiar with punts in Oxford and Cambridge, but did you know that you can also experience this in Tübingen? There, it’s a traditional flat boat known as a Stocherkahn.
It has a long pole, and the captain manually uses it to navigate the boat. They may even offer you a chance to try sailing the boat yourself.
The boat sails in front of the colorful waterfront houses, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful views and serene nature.
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7. Neckarinsel:
Neckarinsel is an Island in the Neckar River and is known for its serene and calming environment. It has a pathway lined with trees over centuries old, and it’s known as Platanenallee.
You can find many people enjoying the good weather and taking a break from their busy lives.
8. Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church):
Stiftskirche is a Gothic church, and its magnificent tower can be seen as a town skyline. The church was built in the 15th century a accommodate the relocation of the collegiate chapter from Sindelfingen.
It’s also a resting place for members of the House of Württemberg, including Duke Eberhard I and Duke Ulrich. There is also a performance of chorales from the church tower that happens on Sundays.
9. Boating:
The city also offers pedal boats and rowboats to rent near the Neckar Bridge. These boats allow you to explore the river at your own pace, offering picturesque views of the city's architecture and natural beauty.
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Most boating activities are centered around the Neckar River near the Eberhardsbrücke (Eberhard Bridge) and the Neckarinsel (Neckar Island). The area is easily accessible on foot from Tübingen's city center.
10. Cultural Festivals and Events:
The city also hosts various events throughout the year. If you're visiting in June, you can enjoy a punting boat race called the Stocherkahnrennen. There are also many open-air concerts during the warmer months. In December, the city comes alive with a charming Christmas market.
11. Hiking and Nature Trails:
The town of Tübingen is surrounded by lush forest and gentle hills. You can also hike on different trails and bike in nature. The Schönbuch Nature Park is also for nature enthusiasts, where you can take a stroll and find different picturesque picnic spots.
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12. Enjoy the food:
You can also enjoy the traditional Swabian cuisine, including Maultaschen (Swabian dumplings) and Käsespätzle (cheese noodles). There are also many restaurants located on the Nektar where you can enjoy the food with a view.
13. Stadtmuseum (City Museum):
The City Museum is located in the center of the old town. The museum reflects the culture and the history of the city and how it’s evolved over the centuries.
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14. Iconic Steam Engine Train Ride:
If you haven’t experienced the traditional Steam Engine Train Ride, this is a must-visit ride in Tübingen. The train runs between Tübingen Hbf to Sigmaringen railway. It’s a scenic ride and the steam train takes you to the nearby towns - you can also enjoy the view of famous Hohenzollern Castle.
The train runs on the selected days, and you can check the schedule here.
15. Schindhaubasistunnel:
The Tübingen Tunnel, also known as Schindhaubasistunnel, has vibrant street art and murals, making it a surprising place to visit.
16. Österberg (Osterberg Hill):
If you want to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Neckar River and old town rooftops, you can climb up to Österberg and enjoy the sunset.
17. Walk Along the Neckar and Steinlach Point:
It’s also highly recommended to walk along the Neckar River and enjoy the view of punting boats, riverside cafés, or the famous Hölderlinturm. You can also go to Steinlach Point, where the Steinlach stream meets the Neckar River. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy nature and have a picnic.
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18. Visiting Bebenhausen Abbey:
You can also visit Bebenhausen Abbey, which is around 20 minutes from Tübingen central train station. The Abbey is located in the Schönbuch forest, which is a well-preserved medieval complex with Gothic architecture.
Ending Note:
Tübingen is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway. You can also visit nearby towns like Reutlingen and Herrenberg. If you love shopping, Metzingen is a must-visit for its famous outlet stores. Additionally, you can visit Hohenzollern Castle and enjoy an iconic tour of this historic landmark.
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