At the Museum Alte Kulturen at Hohentübingen Castle, exceptionally ancient works of art meet the history of music: it is the only university museum in the world with exhibits from two UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions. It displays figurative works of art that are 40,000 years old, as well as the oldest musical instruments. This gives the region’s cultural history a tangible point of reference. Further discoveries lead from Tübingen’s historic Old Town to museums and historic sites across the district.
Half-timbered houses and narrow lanes in the Old Town
Tübingen’s historic Old Town is characterized by half-timbered houses and narrow lanes, inviting you to stroll. These two features set the tone for a walk: rather than focusing on a single attraction, take in the interplay of the houses and narrow streets. This lets you explore the Old Town at your own pace and experience its architectural character firsthand. If you are interested in history, you can extend your exploration beyond the city: the district’s museums also cover a range of subjects, from ancient finds to the region’s working and everyday life.
A district between Schönbuch and the Albtrauf
Tübingen district stretches between the Schönbuch Nature Park, with its forests and valleys, in the north and the Albtrauf escarpment in the south. The Neckar, Ammer and Steinlach rivers have cut through the cuesta landscape, creating a richly varied area. The district’s scenery also includes the wooded areas of the Rammert and Schönbuch Nature Park, high plateaus with expansive views, orchards and vineyards. The landscape therefore offers a variety of forms and vistas; the forests, open heights and cultivated land each provide their own starting points for exploration.
Museums and historic sites across the district
At the Unterjesingen Cooperage Museum, an extensive collection showcases equipment and objects related to wine and hop growing, as well as farming and domestic life since the 19th century. The exhibits bring the changes in regional work and everyday life to life in different ways. Guided tours in Bebenhausen offer a different historical perspective, covering Cistercian monastery architecture and the everyday lives of the monks and the royal couple. The interiors of Bebenhausen Palace can only be visited on a guided tour; check dates and availability in advance.
In Rottenburg, the Sumelocenna Museum displays original excavations from part of the ancient city, as well as documentary films. Together with Tübingen’s Museum Alte Kulturen, it offers a varied look at archaeological subjects: one focuses on early art and musical instruments, the other on finds from the ancient city. The Cooperage Museum, in turn, focuses on wine and hop growing, as well as farming and domestic life. Each of these collections offers its own perspective on the history of the places, without requiring one period or subject to define your entire visit.
Hiking, cycling and wine culture at Früchtetrauf
Früchtetrauf has four certified premium hiking trails and six premium walking trails. Cyclists can choose from more than 1,000 kilometers of signposted routes for gravel bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes. The options therefore vary both in activity and in route type. If you are planning a specific outing, check the latest route information and certifications.
The bwegt hiking trail at Früchtetrauf connects town centers with the countryside in between. Its station-to-station signposting makes it easier to travel by train and leads all the way into the old towns. The route therefore links stretches of nature with built-up areas without requiring you to follow a particular connection between towns. Check the latest route details before planning your hike.
There are also different ways to experience wine as a cultural heritage at Früchtetrauf: examples include the Unterjesingen Cooperage Museum, a guided tour of a vineyard and a traditional Swabian Besenwirtschaft. The experience ranges from historic equipment and the vineyard to a regional meal. Check the latest information for specific tours and dates.
Towns and public transport association
The naldo public transport association includes Tübingen, Rottenburg and Mössingen, among other towns. If you are planning your journeys by public transport, check naldo’s latest service and fare information in advance. This keeps local discoveries at the heart of your trip: explore the old town, collections, countryside, or regional hiking and cycling options, and choose the subjects that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Weingarten, Tübingen, Nehren, Mössingen, Kusterdingen, Gomaringen, Bühl, Starzach, Stetten Am Kalten Markt, Öschingen, Rottenburg Am Neckar, Ammerbuch, Hirrlingen, Kirchentellinsfurt.
Go to the main travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.
