Spring
Spring brings blossom to the city's parks and orchards, and the hillsides start to turn green. It is a great season for walking the vineyard trails and exploring the parks along the Green U. Temperatures are mild, and crowds at the museums are modest.
Spring also brings a large funfair to the Cannstatter Wasen, the festival grounds by the Neckar, giving visitors a taste of the region's festival culture before the summer.
Summer
Summer is the season of outdoor living. The city's squares host wine festivals where local winemakers set up decorated stalls and serve regional wines alongside Swabian food. These events usually take place in late summer and are a lively, sociable way to try the local vintages.
Stuttgart's valley location can make it warm in high summer, so plan strenuous activities for the morning and head for the shade of the parks or the outdoor pools in the afternoon. The mineral baths in Bad Cannstatt are a refreshing option.
Autumn
Autumn is a highlight. The Cannstatter Volksfest, one of the biggest folk festivals in Germany, typically takes place from late September into October, with beer tents, rides and food stalls. It has a similar spirit to Munich's famous festival, often with a slightly more local crowd.
This is also harvest season in the vineyards. Seasonal wine taverns open, serving new wine and onion tart, and the hillsides glow with autumn colour.
Winter
From late November, Stuttgart's Christmas market fills the old town with stalls, many decorated with elaborate figures and scenes on their roofs. It is one of the larger and older markets in Germany and draws visitors from across the region.
Winter is also a good time to enjoy the museums, the opera and the ballet company, which has an international reputation. In clear weather, the nearby Swabian Jura and Black Forest offer snowy walks.
Planning your trip
Festivals push up hotel prices, so book early if your dates coincide with a major event. Outside festival periods, Stuttgart is a relaxed city with good value accommodation. Flights to STR combined with a hotel through a Flight + Hotel package can simplify a short break.
Good to know
- Check festival dates for your year before booking.
- Pack sun protection in summer; the valley traps heat.
- Bring a warm coat for winter markets.