As I was staying nearby for two weeks in Heidelberg, I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit some of the bigger cities close by, such as Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
The only two tings I knew about Stuttgart were a) it was the home of Mercedes-Benz, and b) the main train station seems to be in a constant state of construction Hell.
Staying in Heidelberg, Stuttgart was only an hour or so away by train, and I dedicated a whole day to see the city and set off first thing on a Saturday morning.
Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof
Arriving at Hauptbahnhof (main train station) Stuttgart, where it is currently undergoing a massive renovation project, and it's almost a building site, with only the platforms, and a long tunnel to the amenities accessible.
The station has the usual: Starbucks, Nordsee, bakery, lockers, toilets, information office, etc, and the S- and U-Bahn are accessible underground, and it doesn't matter which escalators one takes, they all lead to the same area.
To get away from the station, it is likely one has to take the S or U Bahn as the only things that are nearby that are walking distance due to the Autobahn is Schlossplatz and shopping precinct, but they are beautiful and worth a visit.
The station has the usual: Starbucks, Nordsee, bakery, lockers, toilets, information office, etc, and the S- and U-Bahn are accessible underground, and it doesn't matter which escalators one takes, they all lead to the same area.
To get away from the station, it is likely one has to take the S or U Bahn as the only things that are nearby that are walking distance due to the Autobahn is Schlossplatz and shopping precinct, but they are beautiful and worth a visit.
The Mercedes-Benz Arena & Museum
Was für ein tolles Museum !!
The Mercedes-Benz Museum has been recommended to me by many car lovers, so when given the opportunity to visit Stuttgart, it was top of my list, and I was far from disappointed.
From the Hauptbahnhof, there is a direct U-Bahn to the Mercedes-Benz Arena & Museum, and before visiting the museum, I wanted to have a wander to see the homeground to VfB Stuttgart. From the outside it was quite impressive, and is only a slight detour between the U-Bahn station and the museum.
The museum provides interactive audio guides in many languages for visitors, which adds to the whole experience as it is not only an experience for the eyes. The museum is full of audio recordings activated when in close proximity to photos, facts, cars, and videos; delivering an abundance of brilliant facts, such as technological features of a given car, social impact, and general information.
The museum is six floors of installations, big and small; and visitors start from the top and work their way down a spiraling stream of automotive history.
At the top and start, visitors are taken back to 1886 to follow the journey of Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, as they individually and separately begin to make strides in the development of motor engines and igniting the catalyst that transforms the world.
Following the evolution of Mercedes, and seeing how it intertwines with German history is absolutely fascinating, even dark and chilling, especially when it comes to the Second World War. Truly frightening imagery in the photographs during that period. However, an uplifting spirit as Germany enters the "Wonder Years" of industrial and economic growth. Not only seeing how the automotive industry has changed the World over the years, but also how Mercedes-Benz has been influenced by Mode and fashion throughout the 130 years.
Separate exhibitions demonstrate how Mercedes-Benz has impacted on racing, such as Formula 1; services, such as Police, Fire, Ambulance, and Taxes; transport, such as logistics, and courier.
Sommerfest 2016
One of the joys of travelling, and roaming around a new city by foot, is discovering new and exciting events and activities, and from walking back from the Mercedes-Benz Museum back towards the centre/Hauptbahnhof, I stumbled across this gem..... SOMMERFEST 2016.
Sommerfest seems to take place every year during the first weekend in August at Schlossplatz and Oberer Schlossgarten, and is a wonderful collection of food and drink stalls, and music - I'm a sucker for a good foodmarket!
Talk about being in the right place at the right time, i arrived at Schlossgarten after over four hours in the Mercedes-Benz Museum and an hour or so wandering around Stuttgart, and I was ready for food and a good German beer, and just as the sun was making an appearance. Absolutely perfect!
I love German wheat beer, so I picked up a sandwich (beef in black bread) from Beef Corner and Gin, and it was delicious! To accompany the sandwich, I also picked up a Sanwald Weizen, which is from a Stuttgart brewery, and rather nice. I always enjoy trying new beers.
Sommerfest was a glorious Summer celebration in the heart of Stuttgart, and I recommend anyone to attend. One has the beautiful location of Schlossplatz to visit and the fountain at Schlossgarten to wander around and enjoy, and to indulge in a variety of food and drink, and take in music from every corner of the Sommerfest.
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