Overlooking the Neckar River, Esslingen am Necker is a medieval town in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It’s home to some of Germany’s oldest half-timbered buildings and a centuries-old castle ringed by fortified walls. Passing through Esslingen am Necker is the German Timber-Frame Road, which extends from the River Elbe to Lake Constance.
Things to do in Esslingen am Neckar
In the heart of Esslingen am Neckar is the Altes Rathaus, a half-timbered town hall that was originally constructed in the 1420s. It features a magnificent Renaissance gable designed by Heinrich Schickhardt and an astronomical clock that was added in 1592. A short stroll away is the Stadtkirche St. Dionys, a High Gothic church with two towers linked by a footbridge.
Also of note is the Frauenkirche, which features a 72-metre-high tower intricately decorated with tracery patterns. Admire the carvings depicting the “Last Judgement” and “Saint George Slaying the Dragon” before stepping inside to see the beautiful stained-glass windows. While some carvings date back to the 14th century, others were painted in the wake of World War II by Hans Gottfried von Stockhausen.
On the bank of the Neckar River is Villa Merkel, which was considered innovative in its use of concrete when it was built in 1873. It houses the city’s art gallery, which showcases changing exhibitions by contemporary artists. Surrounding the Historicist villa is Merkel Park, which features a children’s playground, leafy walking trails and a cafe.
Getting around Esslingen am Neckar
Esslingen am Neckar is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Stuttgart and 15 minutes from Stuttgart Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Regular trains connect to the Esslingen am Neckar railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.