Between the big favorite cities like Paris and Rome during any trip to Europe, there is a charming little town in Germany called Tϋbingen. Located 30 km south of Stuttgart, Tϋbingen is a university city of tradition with cobbled alleys, rich in history, surrounded by mountains and green scapes, and picturesque in all points of view.
Imagine looking out by your window on the charming streets of an old town thriving with young university students, charismatic shops and buildings with a decorative rocket, then the kitchen comes the smells of fresh bread, fresh local fruit and steamed coffee on the stove. All of this was thanks to a warm and graceful friend of my traveling companion who organized us for our stay in Tϋbingen.
What more would you like? There was so much more in reserve for us like the mornings sitting around the table to discuss our day plans, nights spent with new friends in ads with drinks and chatter faced and days that explore this wonderfully intriguing city and its environment. It reminded me of a fairy tale.
Rathaus – Town Hall
Walking in the streets of Tϋbingen was exactly the way I imagined Germany, charming of old buildings with wooden accents, colorful and surprisingly, he felt like my shortcake dolls with childhood strawberries. On the market is the Rathaus (town hall) which is over 500 years old. Its amazing facade also houses an astronomical clock that still works today. In front stands a superb Neptune fountain from the 17th century. Another highlight of Tϋbingen who stood out in the love of nature in me was the beautiful and peaceful the river that crossed it, with paths lined with 200 years, a giant bird house and a serenity that only wilderness can afford. There were even gondola -shaped boats, called Stochekahn, on tour graciously along the river.
One of our first adventures was at Schloss Hohentϋbingen, a castle built in the 16th century here in Tϋbingen. Can you imagine a castle in your own backyard? Go through cave -shaped passages and up to its summit which offers a breathtaking view of Tϋbingen and the green landscape that surrounds it.
We even made some day trips that turned out to be greater discoveries. Our first was from the Château de Hohenzollern, about 25 km from Tϋbingen, more than 2,800 feet above sea level above Mount Hohenzollern. Needless to say, it was a stiff trek, but it was worth it. Built for the first time about 900 years ago, the castle was destroyed in 1423, but a larger and more fortified was built from 1454. Crossing a bridge and on the ground that we were overwhelmed by the absolute glorious views, it seemed that we could see all of Germany from there. The courtyard and the large rooms were superb.
Bebenhausen abbey
The abbey ceiling
Another day trip took us to Bebenhausen Abbey, probably one of my favorite places that I have ever visited. Founded in the early 1180s, Bebenhausen Abbey is a beautiful abbey with magnificent gardens, complex and decorative ceilings, in the middle of nature with a soothing pond and trails. It was so peaceful to walk in the abbey, especially since we were the only visitors, it was almost as if the time remained motionless.
From the bustle of large cities occupied with crowds of tourists with each attraction, the relaxing sensation of a charming little town, like Tϋbingen, really helps to recharge your batteries during a long trip.
