Stuttgart has many unique gardens to explore (Stars and Stripes Staff)
Large, vibrant cities are exciting, but it is always nice to step into a green space that offers a reset from the hustle and bustle—a place where clean oxygen is abundant and natural beauty thrives. Stuttgart has many lush, unique gardens.
Likely the most well-known is the Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It is the only zoological botanical garden in Germany and has over 8,500 plant species. In the mid-19th century, King Wilhelm I of Württemberg had a vision for a private Moorish-style villa and garden, which he commissioned to be built.
Water lily pond Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden, Wilhelma, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Europe (Horst Lieber-AdobeStock)
In 1919, it was opened to the public, and the zoological garden was established. Since then, it has become not only a wonderful place to visit, but also an important site for biodiversity and scientific research. The combined animal park and garden make for an interesting nature stroll; you might hear the caw of an exotic bird or spot a koala munching on eucalyptus. As you admire giant lily pads, you might imagine hopping in one like a boat or spy a blue heron fishing nearby. Some highlights for garden aficionados include:
Another unique garden, and perhaps a hidden gem in Stuttgart, sits at the top of an old vineyard. The Qingyin Garden, also known as the Chinese Garden, epitomizes tranquility created through thoughtful architectural design and garden landscaping. The garden was gifted to the city in 1933 as a symbol of friendship between Jiangsu and Baden-Württemberg. It is a place of reflection and tranquility. When visitors are ready to return to city life, they can first admire a scenic view of it from the top of the hill. Some highlights of the garden include:
The Chinese Garden in Stuttgart (ThePhotoFab – Adobe Stock )
Koi fish reflection pond
Gold prize winner at the International Garden Expo Stuttgart in 1933
Thoughtfully curated plants: evergreen trees, dwarf plants, lotus flowers and climbing vines
Great viewing spot for the city of Stuttgart
Traditional southern Chinese sculptures and architecture
Weißenburgpark Park in Stuttgart is a special spot for visitors to promenade and enjoy a warm beverage in a green space. On top of Bopser Hill, surrounded by lush greenery and a large garden terrace, is an art nouveau pavilion with the Teehaus, a tea house which offers high-quality teas, regional beers and a bite to eat. What better way to admire a garden and greenery than by sipping on a nourishing cup of herbal tea? From the Teehaus, you can also admire sweeping views of the city. Some special features of the park include:
Teehaus Stuttgart (wkrauth, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Winding walking paths
Historic pavilion and Teehaus
Large garden terrace
Scenic views of the surrounding area
Marmorsaal, a historic marble hall with water and garden-like motifs which hosts concerts and other events today.
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