A university town in southern Germany with medieval charm. Home to historic buildings, lively student culture, and scenic views of the Neckar River.
Tübingen is a university city in southwest Germany known for its medieval old town and location along the Neckar River. You can visit specific sites like the 15th-century Town Hall with its astronomical clock, or Hohentübingen Castle which houses archaeological collections. Take a punt boat ride on the Neckar for a unique perspective of the city, or explore the Kunsthalle Tübingen to see modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
Exploring Tübingen's Old Town
Tübingen's Altstadt (Old Town) has narrow cobblestone streets and many medieval and Renaissance buildings. In the center, you'll find the Marktplatz (Market Square), where the ornate 15th-century Rathaus (Town Hall) stands. Look for the building's astronomical clock, which dates to 1511. On market days, local vendors sell produce, flowers, and crafts in the square. Near the Marktplatz, you can visit the late Gothic Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) to see its stained glass windows and carved wooden altar.
As you walk through the Old Town, you'll see many half-timbered houses painted in various colors. These historic buildings now contain shops, cafes, and restaurants. Make sure to visit Hölderlinturm, a yellow tower by the Neckar River where the poet Friedrich Hölderlin lived in the early 19th century. Today, it houses a small museum about his life and work.
University Life and Culture
The University of Tübingen, established in 1477, contributes significantly to the city's atmosphere. You'll likely see students in cafes, bookshops, and along the Neckar's banks. You can visit the university's main building, the Alte Aula, which dates to 1547. Inside, you can see the Great Hall with its Renaissance portal and carved wooden ceiling.
The university manages several museums. In Hohentübingen Castle, you'll find the Museum Alte Kulturen (Museum of Ancient Cultures) with archaeological collections including Ice Age art and Egyptian artifacts. The Kunsthalle Tübingen, housed in a modernist building, displays modern and contemporary art. At the Museum der Universität Tübingen (MUT), you can explore interactive exhibits on topics like evolution and neuroscience.
Punting on the Neckar
Punting on the Neckar River is a common activity in Tübingen. Flat-bottomed boats called Stocherkähne are moved using a long pole, similar to gondolas in Venice. You can join a guided punt tour to see the city from the river, passing the colorful houses of the Neckarfront. If you visit in June, you can watch the annual punt race where teams in costumes compete.
Local Flavors
In Tübingen, you can try various Swabian dishes. Some specialties include Maultaschen (large ravioli-like pasta), Spätzle (egg noodles often served with cheese), and Linsen mit Spätzle (lentils with noodles). For a quick snack, you can buy a Brezel (pretzel) from a local bakery. The Neckarmüller brewery and beer garden offers views of the river along with house-brewed beers and traditional German food.
Day Trips from Tübingen
From Tübingen, you can easily visit other places in the region. About 30 minutes away is Hohenzollern Castle, a 19th-century reconstruction of a medieval fortress on Mount Hohenzollern. If you enjoy nature, you can go to the nearby Schönbuch Nature Park, which has hiking and cycling trails through forests. The town of Bad Urach, known for its thermal baths and waterfalls, is also close by.
