Stuttgart is the capital city of the state of Baden-W%C3%BCrttemberg, located in southwestern Germany. The center of the city is nestled in a valley surrounded by vineyards and forests, close to both the Black Forest and the Neckar River. At a population of over 600,000, Stuttgart is the sixth most populous German city. It also has the fourth most populous greater metropolitan area in Germany, with over 5 million inhabitants.

The city was established about 950 AD. The rulers of the region of W%C3%BCrttemberg made Stuttgart their residence around 1300. After the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1805, Stuttgart was made capital of the Kingdom of W%C3%BCrttemberg. Stuttgartâ€™s population and economy grew quickly after the main train station was built in 1846. The end of the 19th century saw Gottlieb Daimlerâ€™s development of the first motorcycle and automobile in the district of Canstatt. Stuttgart became the capital of the Free State of W%C3%BCrttemberg upon the establishment of the Weimar Republic after World War I. The city center was left almost entirely destroyed by Allied bombs after World War II. Painstakingly rebuilt, Stuttgart retained its position of capital when parts of the previous states of Baden and W%C3%BCrttemberg were combined to form the state of Baden-W%C3%BCrttemberg in 1952.

Currently, Stuttgart is a very pleasant and sttractive German city offering a number of family-friendly activities.

Arts and Entertainment

The city center hold many historic buildings, including the Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church), first built in the 12th century, and the Altes Schloss (Old Castle), primarily dating from the late 1400s. A series of popular parks and gardens, known locally as the Green U, spreads through the city center and is quite appealing to families. It includes the Schlossgarten, Killesbergpark and Rosensteinpark. The Rosensteinpark borders the well-known Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden, with countless attractions equally interesting to children and adults.

Stuttgart holds museums that appeal to all ages, including the Old and New State Galleries, the State Museum of Natural History, and the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The State Theater (Staatstheater) houses the well-regarded State Opera and Ballet as well as three smaller theatrical venues, with regularly-presented operas, ballets, plays, and concerts, including child-friendly events. Stuttgart also has two large venues for musicals, called the Palladium Theater and the Apollo. The Schleyerhalle sports arena stages frequent rock and pop concerts by international stars in addition to sporting events. Ludwigsburg Palace, located in the neighboring town of Ludwigsburg, also offers a number of classical concerts and events throughout the year.

Food and Drink

Stuttgartâ€™s restaurants and Gasth%C3%A4user (smaller, family-friendly taverns) offer delicious Swabian specialties. These include hearty sp%C3%A4tzle (egg and flour noodles), maultaschen (ravioli-like stuffed dumplings) and Gaisburger Marsch, a traditional beef stew. As center of Germanyâ€™s fourth largest wine region, Stuttgart offers many regional wines. Of course, Stuttgart also has plenty of beer selections, being home to a number of renowned breweries like Stuttgarter Hofbr%C3%A4u, Schwaben Br%C3%A4u, and Dinkelacker. Children may enjoy Apfelsaft (apple juice) or Sp%C3%A4tzi, a mixture of cola and Fanta.

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