On our last day in the beautiful city of Stuttgart, Germany, my family and I visited one of the most stunning places located outside the city – Schloss Solitude.

Schloss Solitude is a magnificent palace in the outskirts of Stuttgart, built between 1764 and 1769 by order of Duke Charles Eugene of Württemberg. It was designed as a secluded countryside residence, a symbol of luxury and aristocratic taste.

The Duke was known for his love of art and architecture, so the palace became not just a place of relaxation but also a true cultural center. Musical evenings, theatrical performances, and receptions were held here. However, the maintenance of the palace turned out to be too expensive, and soon Charles Eugene had to abandon his dream.

Over time, Schloss Solitude changed its purpose: it housed a military school, and later, an Academy of Arts. Today, it is a popular tourist destination where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, elegant architecture, and a touch of German aristocratic history.

This place is also highly popular among newlyweds, as they come here to take wedding photos as a keepsake.

We were also very lucky because when we visited this place on February 15, 2025, there was fog, making the castle look like something out of a fairy tale. We were absolutely delighted with Schloss Solitude, as we were fortunate enough to see it in such a magical setting.

This place is a must-visit, as its atmosphere and architecture captivate at first sight. We will definitely return here again in the summer or spring.

📍 A Dream Come True

One of my long-time wishes, high on my bucket list, was to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. As it turned out, the museum is closed on Mondays — just like the Porsche Museum. So, on Monday we went to explore the wonderful Stuttgart Zoo, and on Tuesday we finally returned to the Mercedes Museum. We had everything carefully planned, aiming to see as many Stuttgart attractions as possible and enjoy our short trip to the fullest.

🚗 First Plus — Parking and Convenience

Since I had already visited the BMW Museum in Munich, I could compare. Mercedes offers a dedicated parking area — very convenient, no stress trying to find street parking.

🛍 Souvenir Shop

Once you enter the museum, the Mercedes gift shop is on the right. You’ll find everything from clothing and keychains to collectible model cars — perfect for fans of the brand.

🎧 Next-Generation Audio Guide

After dropping off your coat in the cloakroom, you receive a smartphone and headphones. The audio guide is available in multiple languages (including Russian) and starts automatically as you move through the museum — no buttons to press or QR codes to scan. Super intuitive!

🧬 Architecture as Part of the Experience

The building itself is part of the attraction. Designed in the form of a triple helix, inspired by the DNA structure — it reflects the “genetic code” of Mercedes-Benz. You take the elevator to the top floor and begin your journey through time, moving downward through history — from the earliest vehicles to the latest innovations.

The entire route follows a gentle spiral slope, with no stairs. It’s a brilliantly designed space, where every detail is thoughtfully planned so visitors can focus purely on the experience.

🚒 Not Just Luxury Cars

The museum showcases not only the cars we see on the roads today but also a wide variety of commercial and historical vehicles:

• Mail delivery vans from World War II
• Classic fire trucks
• Vintage police cars
• Taxi models from different decades

🌍 Cars & World History Combined

What makes this museum truly unique is how it intertwines automotive development with world history. It offers context to each vehicle and era — making it fascinating even for those who aren’t typically interested in cars.

⚙️ Technologies of the Future

On the lower levels, you’ll find electric cars, hydrogen concepts, and futuristic prototypes. Mercedes offers a glimpse into the future of mobility and sustainable innovation.

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✅ Why You Should Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum

• 🏛 Unique and futuristic architecture
• 🧭 Effortless and well-thought-out visitor flow
• 🎧 Audio guides available in Russian and other languages
• 🚗 Over 160 exhibits on display
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for both car enthusiasts and family tourists

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ℹ️ Practical Info

• 📍 Address: Mercedesstraße 100, 70372 Stuttgart, Germany
• 🚇 Public transport: Neckarpark station (S1 line)
• 🕘 Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays
• 💶 Tickets: ~€10 for adults (check official site for latest prices)
• 🌐 Website: mercedes-benz.com/museum

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💬 Have you been to the Mercedes-Benz Museum? Share your impressions in the comments!

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Getting There

After visiting the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, I immediately headed to the Porsche Museum, located just about a 20-minute drive away. The museum offers convenient underground parking for guests, which is a real time-saver. However, the parking area is quite large, so make sure to remember or photograph your parking spot number — it will save you from wandering around later!

First Impressions

At the entrance, when purchasing the ticket, I was provided with an audio guide. It’s very intuitive: each car is labeled with a number — simply enter it into the device to hear the full story behind that particular vehicle. This simple feature transforms the visit into an engaging and interactive experience.

The Porsche Museum itself is relatively compact, making it perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace within just a couple of hours.

Architecture That Floats

The museum officially opened its doors on January 31, 2009. Its architecture is striking — the building seems to hover in the air, supported by only three massive columns. Designed by the renowned Austrian architectural firm Delugan Meissl, the structure perfectly reflects Porsche’s futuristic and innovative spirit.

A Legacy of Innovation

Porsche’s history stretches back to 1931 when the brilliant engineer Ferdinand Porsche founded “Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH” in Stuttgart. Initially, the company specialized in developing vehicles for other brands, with one of Ferdinand’s most iconic achievements being the creation of the legendary Volkswagen Beetle.

In 1948, the first car to carry the Porsche name — the 356 model — was introduced, thanks to Ferdinand’s son, Ferry Porsche. It was this model that marked the beginning of Porsche’s journey as a world-renowned sports car manufacturer.

Inside the museum, visitors can admire both classic and modern sports cars, including the legendary Porsche 911, 917, and many more.

Beyond the Cars

The Porsche Museum offers much more than just cars on display. Rare prototypes, powerful engines, and unique racing exhibits reveal the company’s deep roots in motorsport. Porsche’s success on the track is undeniable, with countless victories, especially in endurance races like the prestigious “24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Practical Tips for Visitors

🚗 Arrive early — Coming right at the museum’s opening time (usually around 9–10 AM) will help you avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.

☕ Take a break — Be sure to visit the museum café. It’s stylish, cozy, and reasonably priced — perfect for a coffee break or a light meal.

🛍️ Don’t miss the gift shop — Before leaving, stop by the Porsche shop to pick up high-quality souvenirs, clothing, or scale models. It’s a great way to take a piece of the experience home with you.

📸 Bring your camera — The museum’s sleek architecture and stunning car displays are incredibly photogenic, so come prepared to capture some amazing shots.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Porsche Museum is not just about seeing beautiful cars — it’s about experiencing the passion for innovation, engineering excellence, and the timeless pursuit of speed and perfection. Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or simply curious, this place is an absolute must-visit.

On January 13, 2025, my family and I arrived in Stuttgart, Germany, and immediately headed to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, only to find out that it was closed on Mondays. We then thought of visiting the Porsche Museum, which is also located in Stuttgart, but it was closed as well. So, we decided to go to the Stuttgart City Library instead, and later, we visited the zoo, which we really enjoyed.

The Stuttgart City Library (Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart) is one of the most modern and impressive libraries in Germany. It was opened in 2011 and designed by the South Korean architect Eun Young Yi.

The building is a minimalist cube standing 9 stories tall, including two underground levels. Its central space is a bright atrium that extends several floors up, creating a sense of openness and lightness. Thanks to its futuristic design and functionality, the library has become not only a cultural hub but also one of the architectural landmarks of the city.

As we entered, we were greeted by a spacious, bright hall with high ceilings. A security guard was stationed at the entrance, but admission was free, so the three of us—my wife, my son, and I—walked in without any charge. Inside, there was an elevator, as well as a wide staircase, allowing visitors to move between floors at their own pace.

Each floor is dedicated to different book genres, such as history, poetry, science, and more. I was especially impressed by the atmosphere of the library—absolute silence, comfortable reading areas, and a sense of solitude, despite the number of visitors.
I found a Goethe volume, sat in a cozy corner, and enjoyed reading a few pages. Overall, we had a great time, as I love books and especially their smell.

 

One of the most fascinating features of the library is its lighting: during the day, the space is filled with natural light, while at night, the building is illuminated in a soft blue glow, creating a stunning visual effect.

Additionally, the library features a rooftop terrace that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Stuttgart. Unfortunately, we didn’t spend much time there, but we managed to take some great photos to remember the visit.

 

This visit turned out to be an unexpected discovery for us. Instead of exploring car museums, which were closed, we immersed ourselves in a world of books, architecture, and tranquility. After the library, we headed to Wilhelma Zoo, which also left us with a lot of great impressions.

At the end of our first day in Stuttgart, we also visited one of the most beautiful places in the city—Schloss Rosenstein.

Before traveling to Stuttgart, I made a list of places that were important for me to visit:

Monday, January 13, 2025

• City Library at the Mailänder Platz
• Wilhelma Zoo
• Schlossplatz
• Naturkundemuseum Stuttgart, Schloss Rosenstein
• Old Castle
• Schloss Solitude
• Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Porsche Museum

We stayed at: Hampton by Hilton Stuttgart City Centre

Schloss Rosenstein: A Place Where Time Stands Still

Imagine a place where time seems to pause, and majestic architecture tells the stories of past centuries. This is Schloss Rosenstein—one of the most refined and mysterious landmarks in the heart of Stuttgart, Germany. If you love beautiful legends, breathtaking views, and the atmosphere of bygone luxury, this castle will leave an unforgettable impression on you.

Schloss Rosenstein is not just an architectural masterpiece but also an important cultural landmark. Located in the picturesque Rosenstein Park, it serves as a symbol of elegance and historical significance. In this article, I’ll share my impressions of visiting this remarkable place, dive into its history, architecture, and its role in modern-day Stuttgart.

 

How Legends Are Born: The History of Schloss Rosenstein

Imagine a king who dreams of a perfect retreat. In the early 19th century, King Wilhelm I of Württemberg commissioned the Italian architect Giovanni Salucci to create not just a castle but a true sanctuary of peace and inspiration. Unlike medieval fortresses built for defense, Schloss Rosenstein was designed purely for leisure and harmony with nature.

But even the most beautiful structures are not immune to time. During World War II, the castle suffered damage but was meticulously restored. Today, it is not just a historical landmark but a part of the State Museum of Natural History, which preserves fascinating secrets of nature and evolution.

Architectural Splendor: Why Does the Castle Look Like This?

If we could travel back 200 years and look into the eyes of Giovanni Salucci, he would proudly describe his vision for Schloss Rosenstein in the classical style. The strict symmetry, monumental columns, and grand portico give the castle its refined and majestic appearance.One of its most remarkable features is its location. Perched above the Neckar River, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This was the perfect escape for the royal family, a place where they could unwind from courtly affairs and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Schloss Rosenstein Today: What to Do and See?

Today, Schloss Rosenstein is a paradise for lovers of history, science, and nature. Inside, it houses one of Stuttgart’s most fascinating museums—the State Museum of Natural History. Here, you can see dinosaur fossils, rare minerals, ancient animal skeletons, and other unique exhibits, allowing you to touch millions of years of Earth’s history. This museum is especially captivating for families with children, as it features interactive exhibits and educational programs.

But it’s not just the museum that makes this place special. Surrounding the castle is the stunning Rosenstein Park, a green oasis amid the bustling city. Strolling along the shaded paths, you may encounter squirrels, birds, and even secret corners where members of the royal family once walked.If you have extra time, visit the nearby Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden—a place where you can spend an entire day marveling at nature’s wonders.

 

Why You Should Visit Schloss Rosenstein at Least Once in Your Life

This castle is more than just a beautiful building. It is a place where legends come to life, where architecture merges with nature, and where history intertwines with modernity. If you are looking for a place that will inspire you, fill you with unforgettable emotions, and allow you to escape the worries of daily life, then Schloss Rosenstein is your perfect destination.

So, when you find yourself in Stuttgart, don’t miss the chance to walk through these historic halls, breathe in the fresh air of the park, and feel the seamless blend of past and present. Who knows? Maybe this is where you’ll find your next source of inspiration.

Schloss Rosenstein is not just a castle—it is a living testament to Germany’s rich cultural heritage, harmoniously blending history, art, and nature. If you are searching for a place of discovery and inspiration, this is the place to be!