Böblingen: Culture, Trails and Discoveries

Hiking trails with different themes

In Waldenbuch, the 13.7-kilometre Herzog-Jäger Trail is designated as a premium hiking trail. Its route features numerous highlights and interactive stations. Near Aidlingen, the 23-kilometre Heckengäu Experience Trail offers a hiking experience enhanced by a soil education trail, a sensory area and a low-ropes course. Those looking for a shorter route in the Böblingen town forest can take the 4.5-kilometre forest experience trail, which has 14 stations. The trails differ in both length and the stations and themes along their routes.

Another way to combine landscape and art is the main route of the SCULPTOURA, which is about 65 kilometres long. It runs from Waldenbuch via Weil der Stadt to Leonberg and brings together nature, art and exercise. Weil der Stadt, Renningen, Rutesheim, Leonberg, Ehningen and Holzgerlingen are good starting points for the route. Weil der Stadt, Renningen, Rutesheim and Leonberg can be reached from Stuttgart on the S6/S60; Ehningen can be reached on the S1 from Herrenberg or Stuttgart. Holzgerlingen can be reached on the Schönbuchbahn from the direction of Böblingen or Dettenhausen. For walks around Böblingen, there are also short and long circular hiking trails on paved paths leading to the geographical centre of Baden-Württemberg. A sandstone stele and several sculptures mark this central point.

Museums between art and everyday history

The MUSEUM RITTER in Waldenbuch is primarily devoted to geometric abstract art. Alongside its exhibitions, it offers guided tours and art talks for adults and children. Also in the centre of Waldenbuch, the Museum of Everyday Culture – Schloss Waldenbuch is housed in the former hunting lodge of the Dukes of Württemberg. Together, these two museums offer distinct perspectives on art and cultural history.

In Böblingen, the German Peasants’ War Museum documents the German Peasants’ War of 1525. A working, to-scale replica of an early printing press allows visitors to print title pages from pamphlets of the Reformation and the Peasants’ War. The German Butchers’ Museum explores the history of the traditional butchery trade. Its exhibits include a sausage kitchen from around 1900 and the development of historic shops from the 14th to the 19th century.

In Weil der Stadt, the Kepler Museum takes visitors through seven exhibition areas arranged in chronological order. Several of Johannes Kepler’s major works are on display, mostly in their original editions. The Town Museum complements this with a walk-through chronicle of the town: its 15 rooms are spread over three floors. In Herrenberg, the Collegiate Church Bell Museum explores a different subject. Its two levels display 36 bells that can be rung; the route up involves 146 steps and offers a sweeping view of Herrenberg and the Gäu. A bell concert is held there regularly at 5 pm on the first Saturday of each month. The Herrenberg Municipal Gallery presents exhibitions across a range of art forms, including painting, graphic art, photography and sculpture.

Excursions for different interests

There are also specific places to visit for activities with children. At the Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt, chocolate fans aged 4 and up can create their own favourite chocolate in a Family-&-Friends workshop; advance registration is required. Two lakes form the heart of Böblingen’s town gardens, where visitors can go boating, play, inline skate and stroll. Those interested in technology and vehicles can visit MOTORWORLD Region Stuttgart, housed in the listed buildings of the former regional airport. Its collection of several hundred special cars and motorcycles changes daily.

For views across the surrounding landscapes, the Schönbuchturm offers a panoramic vista of Schönbuch Nature Park, the Swabian Orchard Paradise and the Korn- and Heckengäu regions. Deciding which of these experiences matters most to you can help you choose a suitable place to stay and guide your search for a holiday apartment in Böblingen.

Discover more places

More places to discover: Gärtringen, Böblingen, Grafenau, Aidlingen, Jettingen, Gäufelden, Sindelfingen, Schönaich, Ehningen, Magstadt, Deckenpfronn, Bondorf, Steinenbronn, Rutesheim, Merklingen, Mötzingen, Weil Der Stadt, Weissach, Renningen, Waldenbuch, Nufringen, Holzgerlingen, Herrenberg and Leonberg.

Back to the main travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.