Introduction
Tübingen, a charming university town in southwestern Germany, is nestled along the Neckar River in the state of Baden-Württemberg. With a history dating back over 900 years, this picturesque city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, featuring steep steps, narrow lanes, and pointed gabled houses. Home to the prestigious University of Tübingen, founded in 1477, the city boasts a vibrant academic atmosphere with nearly one-third of its 90,000 residents being students. Tübingen offers a blend of cultural attractions, including the imposing Hohentübingen Castle, the Gothic Stiftskirche, and numerous museums showcasing art and archaeology. The town's lively market square, crowned by the 15th-century Town Hall with its ornate astronomical clock, serves as a focal point for local life and events.
Interesting Facts about Tübingen
- Tübingen is home to one of Germany's oldest universities, Eberhard Karls Universität, founded in 1477 and associated with nine Nobel Prize winners.
- The city boasts an exceptionally preserved medieval old town with colourful half-timbered houses, narrowly escaping Second World War destruction.
- Tübingen's iconic Hölderlin Tower on the Neckar riverbank housed poet Friedrich Hölderlin during his final years.
- Every June, the Neckar River hosts the whimsical Stocherkahnrennen – a punting boat race featuring elaborately decorated vessels.
- The annual ChocolART festival transforms the city into Europe's largest open-air chocolate market each December.
- Locals speak the distinctive Swabian dialect, known for softening consonants and unique phrases like "Net gschimpft isch globt gnug".
- With nearly a third of its 90,000 residents being students, Tübingen has Germany's youngest average population.
- The city combines fairy-tale architecture with progressive environmental policies, including Germany's first vegan supermarket.
- Hohentübingen Castle houses 40,000-year-old UNESCO-listed Ice Age artefacts from the Swabian Jura caves.
- Tübingen's plane tree-lined Neckarinsel (river island) becomes an open-air cultural venue during summer months.
History
Tübingen's history stretches back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating to the 12th millennium BCE. The Romans left traces in CE 85 when they built a limes frontier wall at the Neckar River. The area was later populated by the Alamanni people in the 6th or 7th century. Tübingen first appears in official records in 1191, though the local castle, Hohentübingen, has records dating back to 1078 when it was besieged by Henry IV, king of Germany. The town's pivotal moment came in 1477 when Count Eberhard V (later the first Duke of Württemberg) founded the University of Tübingen, launching a building campaign that constructed more than 50 new structures in the next quarter-century and transforming it from a market town of local significance into one of the very first university cities of trans-regional importance.
Throughout the centuries, Tübingen developed as a centre of learning and culture. Between 1470 and 1483, St. George's Collegiate Church was built, and the university quickly became renowned as one of the most influential places of learning in the Holy Roman Empire, especially for theology. A Protestant faculty, Tübinger Stift, was established in 1535 in the former Augustinian monastery. The town weathered the Thirty Years' War, during which it was occupied by various forces and devastated by plague. In 1789, parts of the old town burned down but were later rebuilt in the original style. In 1798, the Allgemeine Zeitung, a leading newspaper in early 19th-century Germany, was founded in Tübingen by Johann Friedrich Cotta.
Today, Tübingen offers visitors the rare chance to experience an almost completely preserved Old Town of half-timbered houses, with more than 900 years of history evident in its steep steps, narrow lanes and pointed gabled houses. The university remains the heart and soul of the city, having produced brilliant minds, ingenious scientific achievements like the discovery of DNA, and nine Nobel Prize winners. The town's charming riverfront, dominated by the famous yellow Hölderlinturm (Hölderlin Tower), forms the picturesque "Neckarfront" alongside historic buildings like the 16th-century "Alte Aula" (old university auditorium), the "Burse," and "Evangelisches Stift." Just outside the town centre lies the Cistercian monastery of Bebenhausen, founded in the 12th century, offering another glimpse into the region's rich past.
Main Attractions
Old Town (Altstadt)
The medieval city centre is characterised by narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and colourful facades. The Market Square (Marktplatz) forms the heart of the Old Town, featuring the historic Town Hall (Rathaus) with its intricate frescoes and astronomical clock. The Rathaus was painted in 1877 to commemorate the university's 400th anniversary.
A vibrant market takes place in the Marktplatz on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings (7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.), offering fresh regional produce. On Saturdays, many of the same stalls can be found around the Jakobus Church from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hohentübingen Castle
Perched on a hilltop (Spitzberg hill, 372m), this Renaissance castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. The castle features four wings and a round tower, with first mentions dating back to 1078. Originally home to the Counts of Württemberg, ownership was transferred to the university in 1816.
From the castle grounds, visitors can enjoy views of all sides of the city, including the old town and the Neckar River. A large DNA sculpture in the castle's square commemorates Friedrich Miescher, who discovered DNA in 1869.
Hölderlin Tower (Hölderlinturm)
This significant historical site is named after the renowned poet Friedrich Hölderlin, who resided here from 1807 until his death in 1843. The tower's base was part of the medieval city wall along the northern Neckar bank, with its history extending back to the 13th century. The tower offers stunning views of the town and river.
Eberhard Karls University
Founded in 1477, this is one of Germany's oldest universities. The campus is worth exploring, with various historic buildings spread throughout the town. Since 1816, the university has occupied parts of Hohentübingen Castle.
Bebenhausen Monastery and Palace
Located just outside Tübingen in a peaceful valley, Bebenhausen Monastery is one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in southern Germany. Founded between 1180 and 1183, it later became a royal hunting palace for the kings of Württemberg. The monastery complex includes a church, main monastery building, abbot's residence, guesthouse, and infirmary, all surrounded by walls and towers. The palace features 19th-century interiors inspired by Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Wilhelmstraße
This lively street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an excellent place to enjoy a coffee or meal while watching the world go by.
Top Museums
Stadtmuseum Tübingen
The Stadtmuseum Tübingen is housed in a magnificent 500-year-old former granary situated in the heart of Tübingen's historic old town. This architectural gem serves as the perfect backdrop for exploring the city's rich 600-year history. The museum spans four floors, each offering unique insights into Tübingen's past and cultural significance.
The permanent exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the city's evolution over six centuries, allowing visitors to trace the development of this charming university town through carefully curated artefacts and displays. One of the museum's most treasured collections is dedicated to Lotte Reiniger, the world-famous silhouette artist and animation pioneer, showcasing her extraordinary artistic contributions that revolutionised the world of silhouette art.
A particularly poignant section of the museum is the "Room of Memories," which focuses on the National Socialist era. Designed as an interactive "serious game" for up to four people, this space resembles an attic where visitors can discover authentic stories connected to the Nazi period by searching through historical objects. The museum also features a cutting-edge VR station that transports visitors to a historic house built by Swabian settlers in the Caucasus, offering a virtual journey through time and space.
Throughout the year, the Stadtmuseum hosts several changing exhibitions covering a diverse range of topics related to Tübingen, ensuring there's always something new to discover. Rather than limiting itself to purely historical displays, the museum embraces its location in a university town by presenting exhibitions that appeal to varied interests and intellectual pursuits.
Kunsthalle Tübingen
The Kunsthalle Tübingen, established in 1971, stands as an internationally renowned venue for temporary exhibitions. This single-story building is architecturally distinctive with its skylight design, creating optimal lighting conditions that enhance the viewing experience of the artworks on display.
The gallery specialises in presenting both monographic exhibitions featuring art from the 20th and 21st centuries and thematic exhibitions that explore broader social issues. These carefully curated displays illustrate visual cross-references and intellectual relationships spanning different eras, offering visitors fresh perspectives on human development and artistic expression.
Throughout its history, the Kunsthalle has hosted exhibitions by some of the most influential figures in modern art, including Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, and Auguste Renoir. The museum's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic styles and movements ensures that each visit provides a unique and enriching experience.
Under the direction of Dr. Nicole Fritz, the Kunsthalle places particular emphasis on making art accessible and meaningful to as wide an audience as possible. The gallery employs interactive, participatory, and cross-generational communication strategies as part of its "museum for everyone" approach. With its attractive setting and café, the Kunsthalle offers visitors a sensual space to experience and contemplate art, complementing Tübingen's educational landscape with a venue that fosters heightened feelings and awareness.
Museum of Ancient Cultures at Hohentübingen Castle
The Museum of Ancient Cultures, part of the Museum of the University of Tübingen (MUT), is housed in the impressive Hohentübingen Castle. Established in 2006 as a central institution of the University of Tübingen, the MUT oversees approximately 70 university collections, preserving them for future generations and making them accessible for research, teaching, and public education.
Spanning an impressive 2,000 square metres, the museum displays around 4,600 exhibits from seven archaeological collections of the University of Tübingen, covering approximately 40,000 years of human cultural history. Among its most celebrated treasures is the "Tübingen Hoplite," a bronze statuette of an Olympic champion that has become emblematic of the museum.
The Collection of Early Prehistory houses some of the world's oldest known artworks, including the famous Ice Age figurines carved from mammoth ivory, such as the renowned Vogelherd horse. Dating back approximately 40,000 years, these artefacts represent the earliest artistic expressions of humankind and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Ice Age Art".
Other remarkable collections include the Egyptian Collection, which features an impressive array of funerary items including mummy masks, coffins, and grave goods. The highlight of this section is the offering chamber of Seschemnefer III from Giza, a rare and exceptionally well-preserved ancient Egyptian sacrificial chamber.
The museum also houses the Collection of Late Prehistory, showcasing exhibits from the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings" on Lake Federsee and Iron Age objects from Celtic settlements. Additionally, visitors can explore the collection of Mesopotamian cuneiform texts, which spans 5,000 years of ancient Near Eastern script development.
During the winter months, visitors can view what is considered the oldest giant wine barrel in the world, preserved in the cellar of Hohentübingen Castle.
Hölderlin's Tower
Hölderlin's Tower (Hölderlinturm) is a significant historical site in Tübingen dedicated to the renowned German poet Friedrich Hölderlin. This iconic tower served as Hölderlin's residence from 3 May 1807 until his death in 1843, making it a place of profound literary significance.
The tower stands as a testament to Tübingen's rich literary heritage and offers visitors insight into the life and works of one of Germany's most celebrated poets. For literature enthusiasts and those interested in German Romanticism, Hölderlin's Tower provides a tangible connection to the poet's world and creative environment.
The historical significance of the tower extends beyond its association with Hölderlin, as it forms part of the architectural landscape that has shaped Tübingen's distinctive character over centuries. Its location along the picturesque Neckar riverfront adds to its charm and makes it an essential stop on any cultural tour of the city.
Boxenstop Tübingen
Boxenstop Tübingen offers a refreshing departure from traditional art and history museums, presenting instead a fascinating collection dedicated to automobiles and toys. This unique museum showcases the private collection of Rainer and Ute Klink, providing visitors with a glimpse into the evolution of transportation and recreational objects through the decades.
The museum appeals to a diverse audience, from car enthusiasts fascinated by the development of automotive design and technology to families with children delighted by the extensive toy collection. The carefully curated exhibits illustrate how these objects reflect broader social and technological changes throughout history.
Boxenstop's distinctive focus makes it an engaging complement to Tübingen's more traditional cultural institutions, adding variety to the city's museum landscape and offering a more playful perspective on material culture and design history.
Bebenhausen Abbey
Located just outside Tübingen's town centre, Bebenhausen Abbey stands as a magnificent example of medieval monastic architecture. Founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, this well-preserved complex offers visitors a glimpse into monastic life and medieval craftsmanship.
The abbey features several architectural highlights, including the elegant Blue Hall and Green Hall, a beautiful cloister, and a refined refectory. Each space reflects the spiritual and practical considerations that shaped monastic design, with details that speak to both religious devotion and everyday functionality.
Wandering through Bebenhausen Abbey allows visitors to step back in time and appreciate the serene atmosphere that has persisted for centuries. The abbey's historical significance extends beyond its religious function, as it also played important roles in the region's political and cultural development throughout its long history.
Museum WorldCultures
As another component of the Museum of the University of Tübingen (MUT), the Museum WorldCultures houses ethnological collections that transport visitors to distant regions of the globe. The museum's exhibits focus particularly on cultural artefacts from the South Seas and the Amazon region, offering insights into indigenous traditions, craftsmanship, and worldviews.
The collections showcase the diversity of human cultural expression through carefully preserved objects that illustrate how different societies have adapted to their environments and developed unique artistic traditions. Through these exhibits, visitors gain appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity of cultures that may be geographically distant but share in the universal human drive toward artistic and practical innovation.
The Museum WorldCultures contributes to Tübingen's reputation as a centre of academic excellence and global awareness, reflecting the university's long-standing commitment to understanding human societies in all their complexity and diversity.
Bohnenberger Observatory
The Bohnenberger Observatory, located at Hohentübingen Castle, represents an important chapter in the history of astronomical science. This restored observatory, built in 1814, offers visitors insight into the astronomical work that has been conducted at the castle since 1752.
Named after astronomer Johann Gottlieb Friedrich von Bohnenberger, the observatory stands as a testament to Tübingen's contributions to scientific advancement during the Enlightenment period. The facility houses historical astronomical instruments that illustrate how scientists of earlier centuries observed and measured celestial phenomena.
Visiting the Bohnenberger Observatory provides a fascinating glimpse into the development of astronomical science and the methods used to study the cosmos before the advent of modern technology. The observatory's location within Hohentübingen Castle connects it to the broader narrative of the university's scientific heritage.
Castle Laboratory
Situated in the former castle kitchen at Hohentübingen Castle, the Castle Laboratory exhibition celebrates the pioneering work of biochemists who conducted groundbreaking research at the University of Tübingen. This interactive display highlights the contributions of scientists such as Carl Sigwart and Felix Hoppe-Seyler, the latter famous for naming haemoglobin.
The exhibition demonstrates how the University of Tübingen has been at the forefront of scientific innovation for centuries, with discoveries that have shaped our understanding of biochemistry and human physiology. Through engaging displays and hands-on elements, visitors can appreciate the methodical process of scientific discovery and the patience required for breakthrough research.
The Castle Laboratory serves as a reminder of how academic institutions like the University of Tübingen have contributed to human knowledge and wellbeing through sustained scientific inquiry and experimental innovation.
Local Cuisine
Tübingen offers a delightful array of traditional Swabian cuisine that reflects the region's rich culinary heritage. The local speciality is Spätzle, soft egg noodles whose name derives from the Swabian word for "little sparrow", often served with cheese (Käsespätzle) or accompanying meat dishes. Another regional favourite is Maultaschen, meat-filled ravioli that pairs wonderfully with the hearty soups common in Baden-Württemberg cuisine. Visitors should also sample Schupfnudeln, potato dumplings, and the famous Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake), which legend claims originated in Tübingen despite being associated with the Black Forest region. For an authentic dining experience, establishments like Weinstube Forelle and Gasthaus Bären come highly recommended by locals, offering traditional dishes prepared with fresh, regional ingredients in cosy, gemütlich settings. The town's culinary scene balances time-honoured Swabian comfort food with international influences, making it a delightful destination for food enthusiasts.
Shopping
Tübingen offers a diverse shopping experience in its charming old town centre. The market square hosts a bustling market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday (7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) and Saturday (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. around Jakobus Church), selling fresh regional produce. The old town features a mix of shops including banks, supermarkets, family-run specialty stores, boutiques and antique shops. For vintage enthusiasts, several second-hand shops like Unikat Vintage, La Seconda, and Second-Hand-Zentrum offer quality clothing at reasonable prices. Most shops open between 8:00-10:00 a.m. and close between 6:00-8:00 p.m., with supermarkets staying open until 8:00-10:00 p.m. (one on Schleifmühlenweg opens until midnight). Note that shops in Germany typically close on Sundays and public holidays, with exceptions being bakeries, florists, and petrol stations with convenience stores. Residential neighbourhoods also have shops for basic needs, while hypermarkets can be found along Reutlinger Str. and in nearby Kirchentellinsfurt.
Nature in and around Tübingen
Tübingen and its surroundings offer a diverse range of natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The Schönbuch Nature Park, located between Tübingen, Reutlingen, Böblingen and Herrenberg, is the oldest nature park in Baden-Württemberg and serves as the green lung of the central Neckar region. It features an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, nature trails, and family-friendly areas. The Swabian Alb, with its rolling hills, provides numerous hiking opportunities, including the Früchtetrauf hiking region, known for trails that wind through orchards and vineyards. The area also boasts the Geopark and biosphere area of the Swabian Jura, where visitors can explore unique caves, meteor craters, and learn about local geology. Additionally, the region around Tübingen offers a variety of educational trails, such as the Rotwild-Erlebnispfad and the geological trail in Kirnbach, catering to different interests and abilities.
Neckar River and Neckarinsel
The Neckar River flows through Tübingen, offering several ways to enjoy the waterfront:
- Neckarinsel: This nearly one-kilometre-long island was created in 1910/1911 and serves as a popular public green space. The eastern half features a 200-year-old avenue of plane trees (Platanenallee), while the western section contains the so-called "Seufzerwäldchen" (Sighing Grove) with winding forest paths.
- Punting: A traditional activity where long, narrow wooden boats are propelled using poles. This tradition was introduced by Tübingen students in the 20th century, inspired by Oxford and Cambridge. One-hour tours can be booked at the Tübingen tourist office next to the Eberhardsbrücke.
- Neckarfront: Take a stroll along this riverside promenade lined with colourfully frescoed buildings that reflect in the water.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of the University of Tübingen is open 365 days a year with free admission. It showcases diverse plant species from different regions of the world, featuring special collections and recreated natural habitats from high mountains to tropical rainforests. The garden offers monthly public lectures, guided tours, and exhibitions.
Getting There & Around
Getting to and around Tübingen is straightforward with several transport options available. The city is accessible by train via Tübingen Hauptbahnhof, by bus from various cities, or by car at the intersection of the B27 and B28 main roads. The nearest airport is Stuttgart Airport, approximately 35km away, with direct bus connections (line 828) to Tübingen costing €7,15. Once in Tübingen, the excellent bus network is often the easiest way to navigate the city, with one-way tickets costing €2,40 and day tickets €4,30. Notably, bus service is free on Saturdays to encourage car-free visits. For those staying longer, a monthly ticket costs €72,40 (2024) and is transferrable. After 7 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays, up to four additional people can travel with you at no extra charge. The old town centre is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, making walking and cycling pleasant alternatives for shorter distances, while driving is less practical due to limited streets and expensive parking in the centre.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tübingen is from late spring to early autumn, particularly between May and September. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summer sees Tübingen come alive with events such as the Stocherkahnrennen, a traditional punting race on the Neckar River held in June. Autumn, especially September and October, is also a favourable time to visit, offering mild weather and beautiful fall foliage. To avoid the largest crowds whilst still enjoying good weather, consider planning your trip during the shoulder months of May and September. These months provide a balance of pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to experience local events, ensuring an optimal time to explore Tübingen's charming streets, historic architecture, and vibrant university atmosphere.
