As of: February 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m
By: Franziska Kaindl
Comments
Press
Split
Unique buildings are not only found in Italy, Greece or Spain - if you want to see great architecture, you can also do that in Germany.
Would you like to take a nice day trip to a charming small town in Germany?
Or discover picturesque villages?
As with every trip, the first question that arises is what there is to see there.
It is often unusual buildings that attract visitors - from important churches to fairy-tale half-timbered houses to impressive government buildings.
Architecture fans will definitely get their money's worth in this country, as architect and influencer Carolin Hacker also thinks.
For
Ippen.Media
she presents her excursion tips for those interested in architecture.
Underrated pearl: Why Stuttgart is a must for architecture fans
When looking for architectural masterpieces, day trippers usually start with the major cities of Munich, Hamburg and Berlin.
For Carolin Hacker, however, the choice falls on the state capital of Baden-Württemberg: “As a Swabian, my heart definitely beats for our spaetzle metropolis, Stuttgart.
A not too big city and perfect for a weekend trip as an architecture fan.”
'But what exactly is there to see?', some people might ask themselves.
“The two automobile museums are definitely worth seeing.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum by the Dutch architects UN Studio and the Porsche Museum by Delugan Meissl.” Here, not only the exhibits but also the buildings themselves are a feast for the eyes – inside and out.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart is not only worth a visit because of its exhibition.
© Michael Weber/Imago
Another highlight for Hacker is the art museum, the glass cube on the small Schlossplatz: “The glass roof is accessible and from here you get a good feel and impression of the city.” Almost next door, excursionists come across the market hall from 1914, which was built in Art Nouveau style.
Inside, visitors can sample Swabian cuisine at various market stalls.
In the foreground is the market hall with its wall paintings.
© A. Tamboly/Imago
The city tour continues to the city library on Mailänder Platz, popularly known as the book prison.
The building received this nickname because it reminds the public of the Stuttgart correctional facility - not a nice comparison.
But there was praise for the interior design of the library: “The heart of the library is a kind of cathedral, a contemplative and – of course – square hall with an eye of light on the ceiling.
“No chair, nothing disturbs this gigantic commitment to emptiness and complete freedom of purpose,” wrote journalist Adrienne Braun in the art magazine
Art
.
Carolin Hacker also describes the building as “impressive”.
My news
Awaken spring feelings: off to the blooming almonds in Gimmeldingenlesen
It is forbidden to take pebbles with you: a fine of up to 1,000 euros for reading on the Greek beach
Perfect for a day trip: Ten of the most beautiful German small towns
Without mass tourism: Discover five charming alternatives for reading Venice
Vacation on the Costa Blanca: New direct flights from Germanyread
Because of strict rules: The first major cruise company removes Venice from the program reading
The city library in Stuttgart has received the nickname “book prison”.
© Arnulf Hettrich/Imago
The next architectural highlight awaits Stuttgart visitors in the Weißenhofsiedlung high on the Killesberg.
The houses, completed in 1927, were intended to represent a blueprint for modern architecture and were designed to be as functional as possible.
The settlement has been a listed building since 1958.
In addition, the semi-detached house and the single-family home of Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hacker still has an insider tip - and even some people in Stuttgart don't know it, according to the architect: the 100-year-old cable car in Heslach.
“The bus shelter alone promises nostalgia with enamel and brass,” she promises.
You don't want to miss any news and tips about vacation and travel?
Then sign up for the travel newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
A journey through Germany – and the architectural eras
Not every architectural style is equally popular with tourists: while some prefer to visit ancient buildings, others are fascinated by simple and functional modern buildings.
Carolin Hacker gives tips on which German cities excursionists should visit depending on their interests - or architectural era:
Antiquity
: When it comes to ancient buildings, many travelers think of the sights in Rome or Athens.
But traces of this era can also be found in Germany.
Hacker recommends the Rhineland-Palatinate city of Trier to architecture fans.
Among other things, tourists should not miss the amphitheater and the Porta Nigra.
Romanesque
: “The Bamberg Cathedral is particularly exciting for me, it is not a classic Romanesque building, but rather it marks the transition from Romanesque to Baroque.
Anyone interested in architecture can discover and learn a lot here.
There are simply four eras in it – Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque,” says Hacker.
Baroque
: According to the architect, fans of the Baroque should definitely take a look at Moritzburg Castle near Dresden.
“It's just like a fairy tale and in my mind I always see myself on the horse like in 'Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella',” says Hacker enthusiastically.
Moritzburg Castle was a filming location for “Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella”.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
Classicism
: The architect clearly sees Munich as a destination: “The Glyptothek.
Very famous and vivid building for classicism - a must and part of the general education for those interested in architecture.”
Modernism
: Who would have thought it differently: Bauhaus are the top attraction for fans of modernism.
Hacker cites the city of Dessau as an example of this: “You can feel the history when you walk through these sacred halls.
Be sure to watch the film 'Lotte at the Bauhaus' beforehand and you can immerse yourself in this world.”