Summary of Attractions
Situated in the north-western foothills of the Swabian Jura, Reutlingen is a charming historical city that serves as a gateway for those seeking to explore the surrounding mountains. The main attractions are located within a compact pedestrian area, where visitors can admire ancient gate towers, a half-timbered medieval hospital dating back to the 1300s, and the Gothic Marienkirche topped with a golden angel.
A significant portion of the medieval city was destroyed by a fire in 1726; however, the reconstruction phase led to Reutlingen earning its place in history for the creation of Spreuerhofstraße, recognized as the world’s narrowest street, measuring just 31 centimeters at its narrowest point.
Let us examine the top attractions in Reutlingen:
1. Marienkirche
The construction of Marienkirche occurred between 1247 and 1343, marking it as one of Württemberg’s most exquisite Gothic churches.
From the western portal, visitors must look upward to see the golden figure of an angel perched atop the 71-meter tower.
This 140cm statue has been present since the church’s completion in 1343, only experiencing minor disruptions over the centuries.
It is also worth visiting the eastern side on Weibermarkt to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship of the tracery gracing the choir’s facade, which dates to the latter half of the 13th century.
Inside, one can view the elaborately crafted baptismal font, carved from sandstone in 1499, featuring reliefs depicting the baptism of Christ and the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.
2. Tübinger Tor
Among the two of Reutlingen’s seven city gates that remain intact today, Tübinger Tor dates back to 1235 and received its current structure by 1330 when it was fortified with a timber roof.
This tower served as a lookout for one of the city’s four Türmer (night watchmen), whose primary responsibility involved detecting fires rather than external threats, especially given the numerous blazes that plagued the city, including the catastrophic fire in 1726. The name derives from the nearby town of Tübingen, located approximately 15 kilometers west of Reutlingen.
Within the timber-framed upper level of the tower, there exists a meeting hall designated for special events.
3. Achalm
Achalm, standing at 707 meters, is as inseparable from Reutlingen’s identity as the Marienkirche or Tübinger Tor.
This forest-covered hill dominates the eastern skyline of the city, and its summit contains faint remnants of a medieval fortress from the 1000s.
The steep ascent to the top is challenging; however, those who reach Achalm will be rewarded with a breathtaking vista overlooking Reutlingen and the Swabian Jura.
The stronghold was abandoned as early as the 1400s, with its walls subsequently dismantled after the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century and repurposed as materials for construction in the city.
In 1838, the remaining structures were used to erect an 18-meter observation tower, which remains accessible to the public today.
4. Pomologie
The name of this park pays homage to its initial function: Pomologie was established in 1860 for a research institute focused on pomology, the study of fruits. Although the institute has since closed, the park still features over 65 varieties of fruit trees.
These orchards were revamped in 2014 and now include 52 types of apple trees, six pear varieties, three types of plum, three types of cherry, and two varieties of walnut.
Apart from the orchards, the park was reimagined in 1984 for Reutlingen’s State Garden Show and features a rose garden, water elements, and expansive lawns interspersed with walking paths.
5. Spreuerhofstraße
Reutlingen boasts the title of having the narrowest street in the world.
Spreuerhofstraße, branching off from the main road Metzgerstraße, stretches for approximately 50 meters and features a fork midway with two parallel branches.
Its average width measures only 40 centimeters, tapering to just 31 centimeters at house number 9 over a stretch of 3.9 meters, slightly exceeding the height of an A4 sheet. This street emerged following the devastating fire in 1726 that obliterated 80% of Reutlingen’s structures, with notable individuals such as former Chinese president Hu Jintao having navigated its narrow confines.
6. Echaz Ufer Pfad
Visitors can take a brief respite from the urban environment by following the scenic course of the Echaz River, a small tributary of the Neckar situated south of Reutlingen’s center.
The trail begins directly across from the Rathaus and extends approximately one kilometer to intersect with the corner of Lindachstraße and Lederstraße.
During medieval times, many properties along the water were owned by trades such as tanning, as suggested by the name Lederstraße (Leather Street).
The path features nine informative boards detailing the river’s fish species, flora, geology, aquatic birds, and historical riverside industries.
7. Reutlinger Heimatmuseum
The city’s local history museum is housed in the Königsbronner Klosterhof, one of Reutlingen’s most ancient secular buildings.
The building’s stone lower level dates to 1278, while the upper timber framing originates from 1537. The museum’s collection was first established in the 1880s, providing a comprehensive overview of Reutlingen’s history across the centuries.
The 1500s represent a particularly captivating era, and there are sections dedicated to the notable reformer Matthäus Alber’s involvement with the Marienkirche.
From the 1500s to 1700s, Reutlingen harbored twelve craft guilds, with exhibitions pertaining to their activities found on the first floor.
The basement includes a Second World War air raid shelter, showcasing daily life in Reutlingen during the Nazi regime, while outside is a walled garden featuring a lapidarium with remnants from the original city walls.
8. Marktplatz
While navigating through Reutlingen, visitors will inevitably encounter the market square, which has been central to community life since 1180 when the city acquired market rights.
Today, the square is bordered by cafes, a bakery, and an ice cream shop, intermixed with several monuments.
Prominently positioned at one end is Spitalhof, a former hospital from the 1300s.
During summer evenings, the courtyard of Spitalhof transforms into an open-air cinema.
In front, there stands the Maximilianbrunnen, featuring a statue from 1570 honoring Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II. Notably, the cobblestone outline signifies the location of the former town hall, lost in the 1726 fire. There is no better time to experience Marktplatz than on Tuesday, Thursday (summer only), or Saturday mornings when the vibrant market showcases 80 stalls offering various goods.
9. Städtisches Kunstmuseum
The charming Spendhaus from 1518, which survived the fire of 1726 unscathed, now houses the municipal art museum of Reutlingen. Until the 1800s, this tall half-timbered building served as a warehouse for donated agricultural produce.
The museum’s collection principally features local art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Key Reutlingen artists from this timeframe include Wilhelm Laage (1868-1930) and HAP Grieshaber (1909-1981), known for their woodcuts, melding modern aesthetics with traditional techniques.
Grieshaber’s printing press is located in the building’s vaulted cellar, and the lower floor galleries often host temporary exhibitions.
10. Gartentor
Located on the northern side of the Altstadt, Gartentor is another ancient tower, constructed from stone with a half-timbered upper story.
Interestingly, despite its designation, Gartentor did not function as a gate until 1700 when a portal was created underneath it.
Prior to this, the tower restricted traffic, and crossing the moat that once encircled the old city was impossible.
The primary function was to serve as an observation point for Reutlingen’s Türmer.
Throughout Reutlingen’s status as an Imperial City, the tower also functioned as a prison, a role it maintained until the establishment of the Kingdom of Württemberg in the early 19th century.
11. Uracher Wasserfall
One of the noteworthy attractions located a short drive from Reutlingen is the enchanting Uracher Wasserfall, found near Bad Urach.
The journey begins by following the Brühlbach spring, which emerges from a depth of 37 meters, flowing briefly until it reaches the waterfall’s summit.
The water cascades down a moss-covered tufa cliff, reaching a height of 50 meters, either in one uninterrupted flow or in multiple channels, depending on the water level.
During snowmelt in the Swabian Jura, the waterfall can flow at rates of up to 420 liters per second, while summer months may see this reduce to less than 70.
12. Schloss Lichtenstein
Perched on a rugged cliff at the northwestern edge of the Swabian Jura, Schloss Lichtenstein resembles a storybook castle, built for Wilhelm, Duke of Urach.
While its appearance evokes the Middle Ages, the structure was conceived in the popular Gothic Revival architecture style during the early 1840s.
Wilhelm, the son of the Duke of Württemberg, was inspired by the medieval castle depicted in his favorite novel, Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff, prompting him to construct a similar residence. The castle was developed and adorned within just two years, accessible exclusively via a wooden footbridge.
Inside, intricate frescoes adorn the walls, and visitors can also explore the collection of historic canons held by the count.
13. Mutschel
For visitors spending more than a few days in Reutlingen, obtaining a loaf of Mutschel bread from a local bakery is a must.
The distinctive bread, shaped like a star with eight points, is hard to miss.
The origins of this unique shape remain unclear; one theory suggests it resembles Achalm’s shape, another links it to the eight medieval guilds, while the most commonly accepted explanation likens it to the Star of Bethlehem.
Mutscheltag, occurring on the first Thursday after Epiphany, features community dice games where winners are rewarded with portions of the Mutschel.
As for the taste, the bread tends to be savory, with sweet variations also available, often adorned with icing.
14. Reutlinger Weindorf
For a span of 11 days, commencing in the second half of August, a wine festival unfolds at the base of the Marienkirche.
At the Reutlingen Weindorf, attendees dress in traditional Swabian attire while sampling regional delicacies, including Maultaschen (stuffed pasta) and Spätzle, egg noodles typically served with lentils, sausage, sauerkraut, or beef stew.
The festival features various entertainment, such as jazz performances, alphorn music, accordion orchestras, and even a barrel-rolling competition.
Nevertheless, the spotlight remains on wine, with 13 stalls and two tents offering tastings of the finest regional selections, including over 150 varieties, mainly produced from the dominant Trollinger red grape, and the esteemed Riesling.
15. Christmas Market
From late November for a month, Reutlingen’s pedestrian zone transforms with festive spirit.
The streets surrounding the Marienkirche are lined with quaint booths offering a variety of handcrafted items and traditional Christmas treats.
As the streets glow with holiday lights, families with children will find numerous activities available, including an ice skating rink, a petting zoo, a children’s bakery, and a Mongolian yurt where fairy tales come to life.
Meanwhile, adults can indulge in a cup of Glühwein while enjoying Hutzelbrot, a cherished local delicacy featuring dried fruits and nuts, a staple in Swabian Christmas festivities.
