Our hike begins at the University of Stuttgart S-Bahn station, located right in the heart of the Vaihingen campus. Exiting westward, we soon pass by a striking display: a helicopter exhibit located at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). It's worth pausing briefly to admire the modern architecture of the surrounding research institutions—this is one of Stuttgart’s main hubs of science and innovation.
Just a few steps later, we cross over the Böenwindkanal, a specialized wind tunnel used for studying airflow dynamics. Shortly afterward, we enter the Pfaffenwald, a tranquil mixed forest that gently leads us away from the urban environment and into peaceful nature.
The trail leads us through the peaceful Pfaffenwald, a serene forest with mossy ground, towering beech trees, and shady spruce. Before long, we arrive at the tranquil Pfaffensee, one of Stuttgart’s three historical reservoir lakes originally created to supply water to Solitude Palace.
Along the lakeside, several benches offer the perfect spot to take a break. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the black turtles basking on fallen tree trunks in the water. These are red-eared sliders (native to North America) that have successfully settled here over recent years, now forming a curious part of the local wildlife.
From Pfaffensee, we continue our walk through the forest trails toward the Birkenkopf, the highest point in Stuttgart. Along the way, the peaceful woodland paths offer a quiet contrast to the city below. As we gradually ascend, the terrain becomes slightly steeper, leading us to the summit of the Birkenkopf, also known as Monte Scherbelino. Here, we are rewarded with sweeping views over Stuttgart and beyond—on clear days, even the Swabian Jura and the Black Forest come into sight.
After World War II, the Birkenkopf was raised by about 40 meters between 1953 and 1957 using approximately 1.5 million cubic meters of rubble from the destroyed city of Stuttgart. The nickname "Monte Scherbelino" refers to the countless shards and debris ("Scherben") that make up the hill.
At the summit, remnants of building facades destroyed during the war are still visible today, serving as a memorial to the victims of war. A commemorative plaque bears the inscription: “This mountain, piled up after World War II from the ruins of the city, stands in memory of the victims and as a warning to the living.” A distinctive steel cross, which replaced an earlier wooden one in 2003, also stands atop the hill. From Easter until early September, Sunday morning devotions are held there at 8 a.m.
The Birkenkopf is a popular destination for walkers and hikers. In addition to its historical significance, it offers breathtaking views and serves as a place where history and nature meet.
The descent from the Birkenkopf leads us back toward Stuttgart’s city center, where we can catch the subway at the Bebel-/Schwabstraße station and return to the main train station.
