Plochingen: Architecture and Discoveries in the Park

Churches, half-timbering and architecture

The Ottilien Chapel dates back to 1328 and is Plochingen’s oldest surviving building. Around 1380, it was decorated with frescoes featuring 15 scenes each from the Nativity and Passion of Christ. Those interested in sacred art will find two distinct historical points of interest here: the building’s early history and its later pictorial cycles.

The late Gothic fortified church of St. Blasius stands on Kirchberg. Its defensive wall encloses the church; it was completed in 1488. A landmark visible from far away, it defines Plochingen’s skyline. The stained-glass windows were created by glass artist Hans Gottfried von Stockhausen in 1999. The architecture and window designs thus come from very different periods and offer different details to look out for as you explore.

Another example of historic architecture is the Frühmesserhaus, built in 1594 and a rare example of Renaissance half-timbering in southern Germany. Plochingen railway station makes a different architectural statement: it was built between 1905 and 1907 in the Art Nouveau style, based on designs by architect Theodor Fischer. If you enjoy comparing different periods on your trip, you can keep these buildings in mind as distinct themes for your stay.

Distinctive design in public spaces is also part of Plochingen. The “Wohnen unterm Regenturm” development is a popular attraction. The 33-metre-high Regenturm rises above the building and is topped by four golden spheres. Tomi Ungerer’s “les toilettes” stands out for its colourful, cubic form. The building is in the city centre, between the market square and Schorndorfer Straße, right next to the pedestrian zone.

Parks, art and culinary additions

In Bruckenwasen Landscape Park, the Dampfbahner Plochingen miniature railway runs scale-model steam or diesel locomotives. Its route through the park is 1.2 kilometres long. In the meadow maze, you can explore in a different way: it follows the classic original form, with seven circuits around a centre marked by an oak tree. Both attractions add different dimensions to a stay that is not focused solely on buildings.

For far-reaching views of the surrounding area, the Swabian Alb Association’s observation tower offers a special perspective: from there, you can see across the Swabian Alb, the Schurwald and the Neckar Valley. Dettinger Cultural Park, meanwhile, is an industrial heritage site with artists’ studios and club rooms. The “Long Night of Art” takes place there once a year, when the resident artists open their studios.

Plochingen Hansen wine can also be part of an outing. A guided tasting is available as a culinary addition, but only in combination with a town tour. If you want to shape your trip around cultural discoveries, park attractions or culinary interests like these, these priorities can help guide your choice of a holiday apartment in Plochingen.

Plochingen as a holiday destination

Plochingen’s connection to the railway can also help guide your travel plans and choice of destination: the town is the terminus of the S-Bahn connection to Stuttgart, and one of Germany’s busiest railway lines also passes through Plochingen. When planning, consider how this connection fits into your trip and choose your stay according to your interests in the town, its culture and the experiences described above.

If you would like to include other places in your travel plans alongside Plochingen: Bissingen An Der Teck, Neuenhaus, Esslingen, Neuhausen Auf Den Fildern, Beuren, Wolfschlugen, Oberboihingen and Erkenbrechtsweiler.

Back to the main travel overview: Esslingen.