Our hike begins at Stuttgart Vaihingen station, from where we head toward the town center. After just 100 meters, we enter the Vaihingen city park, a small green space that leads us directly into the heart of the district.
Passing Vaihingen town hall, we continue towards the Old Cemetery, which we pass on the right. Heading north, we reach the University of Stuttgart (Vaihingen campus) and the nearby German Aerospace Center (DLR).
From here, we enter the Pfaffenwald forest, a serene woodland area with well-marked trails. Our path now leads us to the Bärensee (Bear Lake), nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by gentle hills and dense forest.
Right by the lake lies the Bärenschlössle, a charming historic hunting lodge that today houses a café and restaurant. It’s an ideal spot for a scenic break.
We continue our walk toward the iconic Solitude Palace, perched on a ridge with beautiful views over western Stuttgart and the surrounding countryside. This elegant Rococo palace was once a royal retreat and remains a gem of architecture and history.
Solitude Palace (Schloss Solitude) is one of the most elegant and iconic landmarks in the Stuttgart region. Built between 1764 and 1769 under Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg, the palace was intended as a place of reflection, leisure, and prestige – a retreat from the formality of court life in Ludwigsburg.
Designed in the Rococo style, Solitude Palace is perched on a hill between Stuttgart and Leonberg, offering panoramic views over the surrounding forests, meadows, and villages. On clear days, visitors can even spot the Swabian Jura or the Black Forest on the horizon.
The central building is gracefully symmetrical and features ornate interior halls, including the beautifully decorated White Hall. Surrounding it is a semi-circular colonnade and park area, which once formed part of a carefully planned ensemble including riding halls, servant quarters, and gardens.
The palace is also the starting point of the "Solitude-Allee", a straight, historic avenue that once connected Solitude directly with Ludwigsburg Palace – a remarkable feat of landscape planning in the 18th century. Today, Solitude is a favorite spot for hikers, photographers, and history lovers alike. It is also home to the Akademie Schloss Solitude, an international artist residency program that continues the site’s legacy as a place of creativity and inspiration.
The trail descends toward Gerlingen, where the hike ends conveniently near a tram stop for an easy return.
