Solitude Palace Stuttgart

Solitude Palace was built in the 18th century by Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg. The hunting lodge and show palace is located in West Stuttgart on the former hunting grounds of the duke. Because of the location on a ridge, there is a wonderful view towards Ludwigsburg. Visitors can immerse themselves in the splendid Baroque period. However, a visit is only possible with a guided tour. We recommend the various "special" guided tours, such as the special programmes for families: tours in historical costumes with the mistress of the duke or guided tours with culinary highlights. The dates of the special tours can be found on the palace's website.

Architecture

As was customary for the Baroque period, the castle is symmetrically arranged. In addition to the pavilion-like main building, there are a number of outbuildings surrounding the castle. A double staircase leads to the main floor, the "Beletage", where the White Hall is located. A platform runs around and served as a reception area.

The main building is framed by two wings. On the west side is the office building, which included the theater, the confectionery, the silver chamber and the painting gallery. On the east side, there is the cavalier's building, which contained the duke's private chambers and the chapel, as well as an apartment for the duke's mistress.

There are also ten pavilions, known as cavalier's cottages, which are mainly used for housekeeping functions such as kitchen and administration, but also for dining rooms and billiard rooms.

The palace was surrounded by an artistically landscaped garden, which included typical Rococo elements such as labyrinths and a hedge theatre. A fruit and vegetable garden was also part of the ensemble. Today, however, there is little to be seen of the once magnificent garden.

Solitude Palace was built between 1763 and 1769 on behalf of Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg and was initially planned as a hunting lodge. However, the Duke changed his plans and had a stately summer residence with numerous outbuildings and a large Baroque garden created. From 1770 onward, Solitude Palace housed the "Hohe Karlsschule", a military academy whose most famous pupil was Friedrich Schiller. Although the castle was also appreciated by other rulers, the garden fell into disrepair due to the high maintenance costs. From 1972 to 1983, the castle was finally completely renovated by the Federal Republic of Germany and made accessible to the public.

By car

Solitude Palace can be reached via the A8, which you leave at the Stuttgart interchange. Follow the signs towards the A831 to Stuttgart. This takes you to the B14/Wildparkstraße, which you follow in the direction of Stuttgart-Weilimdorf. There are free parking spaces available at the castle.

Public transport

From Stuttgart main station you can take all lines to the "Feuersee" stop. From there, take bus 92 to Solitude Palace.