With the Fire Lake and Gothic church of Stuttgart’s historic center and the forest and lowlands of the outskirts, this zone has two faces.
A woodland park and Baroque palace adorn the rural outskirts of Stuttgart-West, whose inner zone is known for its resplendent church and Fire Lake. Baroque façades decorate the houses in this densely populated area, where you’ll find specialist shops and varied food choices. Check out some of the upscale gems dotted around this area.
Just west of Stuttgart’s historic center, gaze up at the Gothic towers of the Johanneskirche, one of the city’s crowning jewels. The 19th-century structure stands on a ledge surrounded by Fire Lake.
Take photos of its intricate façade, with the lake’s fountain, lush vegetation and swans making up the foreground. Notice how the tower remains incomplete, having been partially destroyed in World War II. It looks particularly beguiling at night, when its pediments, arches and turrets are illuminated and reflected in the dark water.
On the southwestern corner of the lake is the Theater of Old Town (Theater der Altstadt), which was founded in 1958. Watch comedies, musicals and recitals in this historic playhouse and bring the young ones to the children’s performances. Attend an art show at the adjacent Galerie von Braunbehrens.
As you head farther west, the district becomes more peaceful. Arrive at the vast Rotwildpark bei Stuttgart and enjoy a picnic beside the Pfaffensee, Bärensee or Neuer See lakes. These former royal hunting grounds opened to the public following the abolition of the monarchy.
Make your way to the northwestern corner of the park for the Schloss Solitude and enjoy the stunning vista of the Württemberg lowlands. Go on a guided tour to see the opulent halls and chambers within.
The district spreads outward into the suburbs from the western edge of the Stuttgart-Mitte historic center. Travel west on the S-Bahn from the Stuttgart Central Station to the Schwabstraße stop or get the U-Bahn as far as Botnang in the northern part of the Rotwildpark bei Stuttgart.
Stuttgart-West combines its historic structures with rural parkland and a palace.
