City of Stuttgart

High on the tower belonging to the main railway station is the "Mercedes Star" - the company's logo. It shows what Stuttgart is mostly known for: the automobile industry. Daimler and Porsche also have their bases here, and countless car-accessory companies have established themselves in the area. It's therefore no surprise that Stuttgart's largest employment sector is the car business, with Daimler employing 71,000 people alone. Almost everyone here knows at least one person who works for Daimler.

Life in Kessel

With around 590,000 residents, Stuttgart is one of the country's largest cities. However, this southern German metropolis doesn't really look like a typical big city. Even though multi-lane roads lead to the city center, once you actually get there, you don't have that big-city feeling anymore. Life here revolves around the uncomplicated central area with its shopping mall, bars, cafes, opera house, museums and movie theaters. All this is located in the so-called Kessel, which is the word locals use to describe the valley in which Stuttgart lies. Kessel is surrounded by hills with vineyards.

In search of historic buildings

Stuttgart is Germany's greenest big city, as well as the city with the most areas designated as nature reserves. However, at first glance, the city doesn't look very beautiful, let alone green. Heavily destroyed in World War Two, Stuttgart was quickly rebuilt without much regard for historical buildings. It was intended to reflect the 20th century and be car-friendly for the future, so even the buildings that weren't destroyed were torn down and replaced with modern structures. Nevertheless, you can still find a few historical corners here if you venture away from the big streets. The Bohnenviertel district, for example, was established in the 15th century as the first residential area. Here, you can still find cobblestone pavements and beautiful old buildings with variety stores, antique shops, cafes and wine taverns.

Studying in a palace

Five palaces of dukes and kings have been preserved in Stuttgart. The new palace in the middle of the city center is the most well-known one. It stands in a picturesque square with an adjacent park and houses the ministries of finance and culture. The state government uses its premises for receptions.

Students get to enjoy a palatial experience of their own, too. The palace Schloss Hohenheim is home to the city's oldest university: the University of Hohenheim. It is one of Stuttgart's 12 tertiary institutions.

Author: Janine Albrecht