Explore Stuttgart Stäffele

Sundays in Stuttgart are synonymous with the Sonntagsspaziergang (Sunday walk). This leisurely stroll with friends or family is a wonderful way to discover the nearby forest and rejuvenate for the week ahead.

However, due to Stuttgart’s valley location, you’ll encounter a series of stairs as you transition from the city to the forest. These staircases, referred to in the local Swabian dialect as Stäffele, are a vital part of Stuttgart's urban scenery, adored and despised by breathless locals alike.

With over 500 Stäffele weaving through the city’s hills, you’ll encounter them everywhere. So lace up your boots—it's time to start climbing!

Historical Background

Stuttgart is affectionately known as the Kessel (the cauldron or pot) due to its basin-like landscape. The steep hills and mild climate are ideal for viticulture, with grape cultivation dating back to the 12th century. To access their vineyards from the city, vintners constructed cobbled staircases ascending the hillsides.

As Stuttgart’s population surged from the 19th century onward, vineyards made way for apartment complexes, shops, and roads. Nevertheless, many of these stairways remained, integrating into Stuttgart’s contemporary environment.

Today, the Stäffele offer quick routes to apartments, hilltop beer gardens, upper suburbs, and the few surviving vineyards. Some are tucked away, while others are prominent. Some are pleasantly short, while others can propel you 200m (656ft) upward in just a few minutes. If you were to traverse all 500+, you’d cover over 20km (12.4 miles). It’s no wonder the residents of Stuttgart are lovingly called Stäffelesrutscher (Stairway sliders)! The city reportedly invests about €300,000 annually to maintain these staircases, ensuring they remain a city hallmark for years to come.

When did it become popular?

The term Stäffele is a Swabian diminutive of the word Staffel, which means stairs in southern Germany. In the 20th century, local poet Friedrich E. Vogt wrote a poem titled “Die steile stuegekter stäffele,” which helped solidify their status in local folklore. In this poem, he rhymes:

“Wenn Staugert koine Staffele hätt, no wärs koi Staugert meh, no wäreh seine Mädla net so schlank ond nett so schnee.”

“If Stuttgart had no Stäffele, it wouldn’t be Stuttgart anymore; his girls wouldn’t be so slim and not so beautiful.”

Controversial, perhaps, but he may have a point. Besides serving as convenient shortcuts, you’ll often spot locals racing up and down the steps, headphones on and calves burning as they get their daily exercise.

Indeed, the Stäffele are so demanding that Thomas Dold from nearby Baden trained on them for the Empire State Building Run Up, a competition he triumphed in seven times.

Stairways to bliss

With more than 50 officially recognized Stäffele and countless remnants, private staircases, and vineyard paths, you'll find them around every corner. The stunning views (and beer gardens) at the top make these six particularly rewarding.

The Willy-Reichert-Staffel

This stairway isn’t just noted for its length; it’s all about the treasures that await at the summit. Begin near Marienplatz, and after climbing 408 winding steps, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the city and a well-earned drink at Stuttgart's highest beer garden, Karlshöhe.

Sängerstaffel

With its winding climbs and descents, flanked by lush, vine-covered buildings, this path is more about the experience than just reaching the end. Climb to the top to engage in a giant game of chess on the public board or explore the stunning art museum, Staatsgalerie, at the base.

Friedrich E. Vogt Stäffele

This stairway, named after the earlier mentioned controversial poet, meanders through some of Stuttgart’s priciest neighborhoods. You'll encounter stunning art-deco buildings and charming bourgeois villas lining the verdant streets.

Dobelstaffel

For great views without the exertion, head to Dobelstaffel. With just 104 steps, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking sights over the terracotta rooftops and the Birkenkopf—a hill made from rubble and ruins left after the city was bombed by Allied forces during WWII.

Fritz-Münch-Staffel

This stairway, named after a renowned local tailor, offers sweeping views over the Lehen and Heusteig districts on one side and the vineyards along Alte Weinsteige on the other. You'll also pass by 'The Floor,' an award-winning home built around a 150-year-old sequoia tree, featuring a stunning roof terrace that appears to float eight meters above ground, supported by its elevator shaft.

Eugenstaffel

A beloved local spot, the Eugenstaffel climbs directly to the impressive Galatea fountain, featuring a bare-bottomed nymph atop. Here, you’ll find teens cuddling, children relishing ice cream from the well-loved Pinguin shop, and tourists admiring the breathtaking views.

There are also several guided tours available in both English and German that delve into the significance of the Stäffele for Stuttgart.

Check out the Stuttgart Stäffeles tour for upcoming dates or embark on your own adventure with this digital scavenger hunt.

If you visit in summer, remember to bring water and take it easy in the heat. Alternatively, pack a picnic and explore in the evening when it’s cooler, and the soft lighting enhances your photos. Be especially cautious in winter, as the steps can become slippery, and snow may not always be cleared away.

Stuttgart vs. Wuppertal: Who Does It Better?

Wuppertal, located 400 km (248 miles) north of Stuttgart in North Rhine-Westphalia, closely trails Stuttgart in the race for the most city staircases. While Stuttgart boasts between 500 and 600 staircases, depending on who you ask, Wuppertal claims around 500, with 23 of them designated as monuments.

Esslingen, a charming medieval wine town just 20 km (12.4 miles) east of Stuttgart, features several cobbled stairways that connect the city to its hillside vineyards.

Take It with You, or Not

Leaving Stuttgart with sore legs and breathtaking photos might be the best souvenir you can take home. If you're curious to learn more, you can find a German book titled Treppauf Trebbab in some local bookstores. Alternatively, consider sporting this T-shirt.