Embracing The Past: 10 Things To Do In Tubingen, Germany

1. Witness the past at Museum Schloss Hohentuebingen

Since Tubingen is such a historic town, it makes sense that it’s home to plenty of good museums. The Museum Schloss Hohentuebingen is quite large and contains a variety of artifacts of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman origin. Descriptions are in both English and German, but predominantly in German and give a reasonable amount of information about the artifacts on display.

Museum Schloss Hohentuebingen

Address: Burgsteige 11, 72070 Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Museum Schloss Hohentuebingen (in German)

2. Admire the Rathaus Town Hall

Right at the heart of Tubingen is the bustling marketplace, which is surrounded by some stunning buildings such as the Rathaus. It will seem as if you’ve stepped back in time as you take in the ambience and architecture of a bygone era.

Rathaus Town Hall

Address: Marktpl., 72070 Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Rathaus Town Hall

3. Relax at Alter Botanischer Garten

Germany is famous for its picturesque green valleys, mountains, and forests. So, it’s not surprising to find that it’s also home to beautiful botanical gardens that are worth exploring. The Alter Botanischer Garten was established in 1805 and located between the northern part of town and university. This is an excellent spot to spend an hour or two, and admire the tulips, tropical plants, and massive trees.

Alter Botanischer Garten

Address: Am Stadtgraben 9, 72070 Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Alter Botanischer Garten (in German)

4. Be charmed by Holderlin's Tower

Holderlin’s Tower, or Holderlinturm as it’s better known in German, is a rustic and charming-looking historic building that wouldn’t seem out of place in a fairy-tale setting. It’s located right next to the river and visitors can also view Neckar Island from this point. The interior is fairly sparse with an array of interesting art pieces and a piano. History and culture buffs are exposed to the former living space of one of Germany’s famous poets.

Holderlin's Tower

Address: Bursagasse 6, Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Holderlin’s Tower

5. Enjoy the festivities at Marktplatz

No visit to Tubingen is complete without visiting the town’s notable market square. It’s truly the heart of this town and is often buzzing with activity, especially during market days when farmers sell their produce. Various festivities are also held throughout the year, which locals, visitors, and the town’s students partake in.

Marktplatz

Address: 72070 Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Facebook: Marktplatz

6. Take a calming or romantic boat trip down the river

There’s no better way to enjoy Tubingen and its magnificent surroundings than with a relaxing boat trip down the river. Take this trip by yourself, that special someone, or friends and family and enjoy the tranquility, birds, and swans you’re bound to encounter. Most boat operators speak English and regularly engage with their passengers; thus, revealing many interesting facts about Tubingen. A boat trip lasts around an hour and costs approximately 7 EUR (approximately 8 USD) per adult.

Take a boat trip

Address: Bursagasse 4, 72070 Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Take a boat trip (in German)

7. Be inspired by the Collegiate Church

The Collegiate Church is an eye-catching building that truly encapsulates the spirit of Tubingen. It has a distinctive tower that visitors can climb for a fee of 1 EUR (approximately 1.15 USD). The top of this tower reveals a panoramic view of the entire town, which is certainly worth the price of admission. And the interior of the church boasts an altar that’s painted by Dürer’s students and a range of impressive monuments and sculptures.

Collegiate Church

Address: Holzmarkt, Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Collegiate Church

8. Immerse yourself in historic surroundings at Hohentubingen Castle

There’s just something insanely cool about castles, especially when they’re as old and stunning-looking like Hohentubingen Castle. Moreover, this 1000-year-old castle doubles up as a museum that has an anthropological section. There’s also a courtyard with a garden area, which is often used by the town’s students. Visitors are spoiled by amazing views of the town and river making the castle an ideal observation point.

Hohentubingen Castle

Address: Burgsteige 11, 72070 Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Hohentubingen Castle (in German)

9. Discover something different at Boxenstop

Tubingen may feature plenty of excellent historic locations, but it also has a quirkier side to it as well. A visit to Boxenstop will reaffirm this notion, as one discovers the diverse range of goodies on display at this specialty museum. The model trains, dolls, motorbikes, and cars here are likely to put a smile on your face, as the nostalgic feelings set in!

Boxenstop

Address: Brunnenstra., 72074 Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Boxenstop (in German)

10. Spend an enchanting afternoon at the Cistercian Monastery

The Cistercian Monastery, or Zisterzienzerkloster, is one of the oldest monasteries in Europe. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it attracts many folks from around the world who come to admire its stunning architecture. There are guided tours available that are in German (English-language tours may be available for larger groups), but visitors are welcome to explore the monastery and the surrounding grounds themselves.

The monastery may be a historic site, but over 90 monks reside on the premises. Visitors are attracted to the beautiful church and the courtyard, which is something of a focal point of the monastery.

Cistercian Monastery

Address: Bebenhausen, Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Website: Cisterian Monastery

The ideal destination for romantic and nostalgic travelers

It’s no secret that Germany is a modern country, and world-renowned for its manufacturing and technological advancements. But there’s also a more traditional and quaint side to this country that’s just as awe-inspiring. Historic student towns such as Tubingen are a great avenue to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities, and to just take things slow!