Stuttgart Schlossplatz

Stuttgart's Schlossplatz - a square full of surprises

Fancy a cozy spot in the sun, a refreshing drink in the greenery, accompanied by musical entertainment or the soothing sound of lapping water? All set against a historic baroque backdrop - what more could you want? It's a wonderful way to spend the summer. Where can you find all this? On the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart! Very close to our B&B Hotel Stuttgart Centre, in the heart of the Württemberg state capital, this green oasis is located directly on the famous Königstraße shopping street. Anyone who needs a break from shopping can recharge their batteries here. The popular meeting place for Stuttgart residents and visitors alike invites you to linger, meet friends and relax. B&B Hotels can tell you more about this central square and its events here.

Stuttgart's Schlossplatz is brand new?

New is relative, but still: the architecturally unique backdrop with green lawns, colorful flowerbeds and historic buildings such as the New Palace, Old Palace, the Queen Olga Building and the late neoclassical Royal Building has not been a popular destination for long! Although the square already existed in the early 18th century, it only became what it is today in the 1960s. Before that, the castle square was a dusty parade and parade ground that was less inviting to linger. Today, the extensive grounds with their rows of trees, fountains and regular events are one of the most beautiful squares in Europe where every visitor can take a break. Königstrasse - one of the longest shopping streets in Europe - runs through the baroque gardens with their intersecting paths and offers a wonderful floral splendor for tired shopping fans. 

What can you experience on Schlossplatz?

Schlossplatz is not just a meeting place for a cozy get-together, there is always something going on here all year round. Major events such as open-air concerts or live broadcasts are organized. The open-air film screenings of the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film take place at the end of April/beginning of May. The Stuttgart Children and Youth Festival is also an annual guest. This free festival focuses on sport, games, knowledge/technology, creativity, action/adventure, health and nutrition. Young sports enthusiasts can discover and try out various sports such as stacking, lacrosse, rugby and sailing. In the science section, they are introduced to scientific phenomena in a playful way. Children can also cook their own food, feel their way along a barefoot sensory trail or make bouncy castles wobble. Wheel & Wine is another highlight on the Schlossplatz. From October to January, curious visitors can take a seat in one of the 40 gondolas and let their gaze wander over the state capital from a height of 58 meters. The sea of lights is particularly enjoyable in the run-up to Christmas. Schlossplatz is also a feast for the eyes during the Advent season: illuminated sculptures, which have been providing a particularly successful pre-Christmas atmosphere since 2018, are definitely worth a visit. So even the gray winter becomes a colorful experience!

Do you know all the decorative elements on the square?

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Over the centuries, the Schlossplatz has been repeatedly redesigned with various monuments. Between the Schlossplatz fountain, the bandstand, the Jubilee Column, the stag and the lion, the monument to Duke Christoph von Württemberg or the monument to Johann Heinrich von Dannecker, which is probably the oldest monument?

The square was first decorated with the Württemberg heraldic animals stag and lion in 1823. This was commissioned by King Frederick I, who did not live to see its completion, and the anniversary column was erected in 1846. What was there to celebrate? The 25th anniversary of the reign and the 60th birthday of King Wilhelm I of Württemberg. However, he did not want to see a figure on the pedestal and so it was not until 17 years later that the Roman goddess of unity, Concordia, was placed on top. Today, the column has a proud height of around 33 meters. The fountain was added in 1863.

A little anecdote: in order to transport the large water bowls to their destination by rail, special wagons had to be built, bridge pillars demolished and a guardhouse at the King's Gate dismantled. The next time you cool off here on a hot summer's day, you will know how time-consuming the transportation was.The bandstand with its Moorish-decorated arches was built in 1871 and served as a stage for the Sunday military band for many years. At the end of the 19th century, the two monuments in honor of the Württemberg sculptor von Dannecker and the fourth reigning Duke Christoph von Württemberg were added.

What can you experience around Schlossplatz

If you pause for a moment on Schlossplatz and take a 360-degree look around, you will notice that the area is not only surrounded by magnificent historical buildings. Opposite the New Palace are the Königsbau-Passagen and close by is the art museum on Kleiner Schlossplatz, which looks quite modern in comparison. The glass cube, also known as a cube, displays works from the city's collection from the 19th century to contemporary art. Tip: On the top floor is the rooftop restaurant “Cube”, from where you have a wonderful view of the surrounding area. The Königsbau-Passagen is a shopping and business center with many pretty cafés, which visitors like to use when the Schlossplatz is covered in snow in winter. The Königsbau has always been a business, concert and ballroom venue. Today, the late classicist architecture is harmoniously combined with modern stores inside. Practical: The transport links to Schlossplatz are varied and simple: as part of the historic city center, it can be reached by almost all the streetcar and bus lines in the area. The most important stops are Schlossplatz and Charlottenplatz. Whether for an open-air concert, to relax, to store or to marvel, Schlossplatz and its surroundings offer locals and guests everything you would expect from a day trip. Have fun on your journey of discovery and see you soon at our B&B Hotels Stuttgart.