Esslingen Travel Guide

Discover the culture and history of Esslingen, Germany with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to Esslingen, Germany

Located in the Stuttgart Region, Esslingen is a historic city in Germany’s state of Baden-Württemberg. This charming city boasts of impressive architecture, vibrant cultural scenes, and a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. With its medieval charm, Esslingen is a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in German culture. In this guide, you’ll discover top places to visit, food and drink specialties, accommodation options and everything else you need to know about Esslingen.

List of Places to Visit in Esslingen

From museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Esslingen has something to offer any kind of traveler. Here are some of the must-visit places in Esslingen:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Esslingen Old Town: The historical medieval town of Esslingen is a must-visit. The town is dotted with half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and attractive squares. Climb up the Burg Castle to experience a panoramic view of the city.
  2. Esslingen Museum: The Esslingen Museum houses art collections and displays historical artifacts of the city. It’s a great way to learn about the history and culture of Esslingen.
  3. Haaga Museum: A living museum located in the heart of the city that showcases local craftsmanship, housing, and lifestyles from as far back as 500 years ago.
  4. St. Dionysius Church: A breathtaking Gothic-style church built in the 15th century. Visit to admire the stunning architecture and take in the serene atmosphere.

Natural Attractions of Esslingen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Kessler Sekt-und Weinhaus: Take a tour of this champagne factory and learn about the champagne-making process. There’s also a wine tasting at the end where you can sample different types of champagne and wines.
  2. Esslingen City Forest: This is a perfect location for a picnic, hike, or bike ride in nature. The forest covers over 300 hectares and offers plenty of scenic views and leisure activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Esslingen

Esslingen has some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails in the region. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  1. The Neckar Valley Cycle Path: This route is an unforgettable bike ride that follows the river Neckar through stunning forests and countryside with numerous stopping points to explore towns and cities along the way.
  2. Schurwald Panorama Trail: This is an 8.5 km walk that takes you through a beautiful forest and offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes.
  3. Sengelberg Trail: A moderately tough hike that takes you to the highest point in Esslingen. It offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding villages.

Best Things to Do in Esslingen: Activities and Tours

  1. Explore Esslingen’s Old Town: Take some time to wander through the narrow streets and explore the half-timbered houses.
  2. Witness Esslingen’s Medieval Market: The medieval market is held annually in July and December and takes you back to the Middle Ages with its costumes, food, and entertainers.
  3. Wine Tasting: Baden-Württemberg is famous for producing high-quality wines that are exported worldwide. Don’t miss an opportunity to sample some of the best local wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Esslingen

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary to make the most of your Esslingen trip:

Day Activity
1 Explore the old town, take a walking tour of the city
2 Visit museums and historical places
3 Spend a day in the city forest, picnic and bike ride
4 Tour St. Dionysius Church and Burg Castle
5 Visit the Esslingen Champagne Factory and wine tastings
6 Hike the Schurwald Panorama Trail
7 Attend a local festival or event

Food and Drink Scene of Esslingen

Esslingen has a rich culinary scene that is worth exploring. Here are some must-try dishes and local drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Flammkuchen: A thin, crispy pizza-like dish that originated from the Alsace region of France.
  2. Maultaschen: A traditional Swabian dish filled with meat, vegetables, and herbs that is also known as Swabian ravioli.
  3. Zwiebelrostbraten: A classic German dish that consists of a beef steak and onions.

Local Beverages

  1. Beer: Esslingen has several local breweries that produce high-quality, delicious beer.
  2. Wine: Baden-Württemberg is known for its wine production, and Esslingen is no exception. Kessler Sekt-und Weinhaus is a great place to sample local champagne, sparkling wine, and other wines.

Where to Stay in Esslingen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Esslingen has plenty of accommodation options to suit any budget. From hotels to hostels and guesthouses, you’ll find something that fits your need and budget. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Hotel am Schillerpark: An affordable and cozy hotel located in the Old Town.
  2. Hostel Atelier: A budget-friendly, comfortable, and centrally located hostel perfect for travelers on a tight budget.
  3. Hotel am Charlottenplatz: A luxurious four-star hotel located in the heart of the city.

What to Buy in Esslingen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Esslingen has a range of souvenirs and local products that you can take home as a memento of your trip. Here are some options:

  1. Handcrafted pottery and ceramics: Esslingen is known for its handcrafted pottery and ceramics designs.
  2. Swabian Ravioli: You can find ready-made Swabian Ravioli at local markets and grocery stores.
  3. Esslinger Bären, The Esslingen Bears: An iconic local mascot that is featured on souvenirs and merchandise.

Local Culture and Customs of Esslingen

Esslingen shares many of the customs and traditions of other German cities. It’s important to respect the local culture and adhere to the local standards of behavior. Some customs include:

  • Punctuality: Germans are very punctual, and it’s important to always be on time.
  • Greeting: Germans often greet by shaking hands, so ensure you have a firm handshake.
  • Tipping: Tipping is expected in restaurants and cafes, usually between 10-15%.

Best Time to Visit Esslingen

The best time to visit Esslingen is during the summer months from June to August. The weather is mild, and there are plenty of outdoor events, such as festivals and concerts. The Christmas market in December is also a popular attraction that draws visitors from all over the world.

Do’s and Don’ts of Esslingen

Here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting Esslingen:

Do:

  1. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  2. Visit local festivals and events to experience the culture.
  3. Sample the local cuisine and drinks.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter or damage any historical buildings or artifacts.
  2. Don’t be too loud or disruptive in public spaces.
  3. Avoid discussing politics and religion with strangers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Esslingen

Esslingen is a safe city with low crime rates, and visitors can feel secure while exploring the city. However, it’s important to take precautions as you would in any major city such as keeping an eye out for pickpockets and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Health in Esslingen

Esslingen has several hospitals and medical facilities that provide quality healthcare services. Be sure to take out comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

Getting to Esslingen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Esslingen is conveniently located near the Stuttgart airport, making it easily accessible from other parts of Germany and Europe. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Esslingen

  1. Stuttgart Airport: The closest airport located about 10 miles from Esslingen.

Other Means of Transportation

  1. Train: There are regular train services from Stuttgart to Esslingen, with trains departing every 30 minutes.
  2. Bus: There are several bus services that run between Stuttgart and Esslingen.

How to Get Around in Esslingen

The best way to explore Esslingen is by foot, but you can also use public transportation. Esslingen has an excellent public transportation system consisting of buses and trains that cover most parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Esslingen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations that you can explore after your visit to Esslingen:

  1. Stuttgart: A vibrant and modern city that is known for its museums and galleries, it’s just a short train journey away.
  2. Tübingen: A picturesque university town with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to explore.
  3. Ulm: Located about 50 miles from Esslingen, Ulm is famous for the Ulm Minster, the world’s tallest church.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Esslingen offers something for everyone. With its charming old town, high-quality food and drinks, and a vibrant cultural scene, Esslingen should be on your itinerary when visiting Germany. Plan an unforgettable trip to Esslingen and experience all that this charming city has to offer.

Old Town Hall Old Town Hall