Tübingen

The intellectual town of Tubingen

Tübingen is a long-established university town in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The long preserved town is house to more than 85,871 people. The largest employers of the city are universities, schools, research centers, etc. as the primary population has students as the majority. The town could very well be called the origin of masterminds. Approximately, two out of 3 people in town are students. The education system of the town does affect not only its intellect but also the political, cultural and social aspects.

The crowd is an amalgam of various researchers, students, teachers, professors and medical specialists. The locals of the town or commonly known as ‘Gorgen’ are the people who have been living in the town for years. Their forefathers used to grow juicy berries around the town, on the hills.

The time between mid-October to mid-February and mid-April to mid-July encounters bee-like buzzing of students attending their lectures. More than 20,000 students are observed in coffee shops near universities and in pubs drinking beer and enjoying.

Location

The beautiful town of Tübingen is located on a ridge between the two rivers Neckar and Ammer. At the north of the town of Tübingen, there is a natural park, Schönbuch. Securing the area on the southeast, the Swabian Alb Mountains stand about 13 kilometers away from Tübingen. The highest point is in the Schönbuch forest which is about 1,640.42 ft above the sea level. The lowest point is in Eastern Neckar valley, which is 1,000.66 ft deep.

History

After millenniums of hardships, ups and downs and losses, we see Tübingen as the beautiful town it is. The different medieval buildings located in a scattered pattern around the town, the old Castle and Old Town allure the people around from around the world. The town has witnessed wars and conflicts of many kinds. The town was first officially mentioned in 1911, whereas, it is said that it was discovered in 12 millennium B.C. The history of the town is roughly divided into four- the era of Palatine Counts, the foundation of Eberhard Kars University, the Thirty Year War and after the World War II.

The builders of the Palatine castle called themselves the ‘Counts of Tubingen.’ Under their rule, Tubingen flourished. This was the time when it transformed from a village to a town. Gallows was introduced in 1204; it was a high jurisdiction criterion. The town was later recognized as ‘civitas’ which means that the town now had civil liberty and municipal laws. Later on, in 1342 as recession came, the Count of Palatine was forced to sell their town to the Count of Wurttemberg. For a long time, Tubingen maintained its identity as the second largest town.

Even though there were several universities in Basel, Freiburg, Heidelberg and around, the University established by Count Eberhard im Bart in 1477 was highly acknowledged. The fact that the university was economically well-fed and had high-scholar faculty members led to the popularity of the college. The subjects taught here included Theology, Law, Medicine and Philosophy. Equipped with marvelous masters, the students were taught and tutored in the best way.

All the capital, savings, funds and economy of the town was lost during the Thirty Years’ War. The college libraries were ruined, and people and universities lost their fortune. The Thirty Years’ War was a catastrophe in all sense with abduction, murders, and robbing happening all over the town. The town became the French headquarters. After the war had ended, the Town became mediocre in many aspects. Once intellectually flourishing, it lost its authenticity. It took some time for the town to emerge from such destruction.

Tubingen became the capital of Wurttemberg-Hohenzollern after the World War II.

Climate

The Town is situated in between two rivers on a ridge. Thus, the area is hilly. It is fun to travel around the town on a bicycle or through public transport. June, July, August and September experience the best weather. Travel in these amazing months and explore the place and enjoy the scenery under warm sunlight. It pours heavily during June, so, if you don’t want to travel when it’s raining, avoid visiting during this time. Also, the city hosts a huge chocolate festival at the beginning of December. It is one of the largest festivals in Europe. This too is a suitable time to visit  Tubingen as the climate is fresh with fresh breeze flowing all day long.

The Town

The intellectual town of Tubingen does not limit itself with excellent brain-knowledge and studies. The town offers you more than insight; its location allows you to take a wild sprint in the woods of Schonbuch. Take out your bicycles and wander the vast forest that gives you beautiful scenery and landscapes to see. Strolling along the river Neckar in summer, with a chilled coke in your hand can make you feel like everything’s peaceful. You can even go on adventurous escapades with your friends in the hilly region or the rivers.

Are you on a lookout for a special gift? Tubingen has something for everyone. Buy your best buddy the best wine collection and spirits; it will heighten their spirits. For your hubby-baby buy the best chocolates of the town from Mokka, near Wilhelmstift. You can even try out various teas and coffees here. Visit the Marktplatz to purchase sovereigns of the town.

The quality time you can have while sitting out in the town square and having a beer is immeasurable. During late spring or summer, many students can be seen out in the open chilling out with their friends. Some of the best beer gardens you shouldn’t miss include Schwarzlocher Hof, Neckarmuller, Tangente Jour, Asmara, Mancuso, Little Italy, Storchen, Kuckuck, Top 10 Tubingen and much more. Some of these are disco- bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Apart from these, the Town is a hub of various events. From rock and roll parties thrown by students to official meetings and presentations by universities, the Town sees a lot of festivals in its wake. The town holds many theater companies, choirs, and clubs. The most famous art museum of Tubingen, Kunsthalle are popular and find a place on various international lists.

Traveling in the town

The town can be eexplored on a stroll; one would enjoy the calmness and serenity of the place on a bicycle. Just like every other student in Tubingen, ride a bike around the town and enjoy the view. If you don’t want to waste your energy in riding a bicycle then, you can take the bus service available. The place is well connected through buses and on some days when the bus is unavailable, you can hire affordable shared cabs.

Major Attractions

• Events- The various events that occur throughout the year are a major source of attraction-
• The Arab Movie Festival called ‘Arabisches Filmfestival’ and Latin American Movie Film Festival called ‘CineLatino’ are held in January and April respectively. These movie fests are the life of the city. Every movie enthusiast enjoys the festival to the core.
• In May, a Rock Festival called ‘Rock im Tunnel’ is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
• All around June, you can attend the open air festival called the Ractfestival or experience the Tübinger Wassermusik which organizes concerts on boats.
• Savor the tastes and treat your taste buds with the fest in July that gives you the most delicious food in Tübinger, Sommerinsel.
• Many other festivals come around September, October and November. These are the Umbrisch-Provenzalischer Markt, the Tübinger Stadtlaufmarathon, the Retro Motor oldtimer Festival, the Jazz– undKlassiktage, the Kite Festival or Drachenfest, the festival of Französische Filmtage and Terre de Femmes movie.
• December is brightened with the famous Christmas Market and Europe’s largest chocolate festival, ChocolART.
• Marktplatz- The traditional market is surrounded by half-timbered houses and historic buildings. The square is beautified with these old buildings which give a beautiful view. Also, there are many cafes, restaurants, gift shops and artifact shops that provide something or the other for every taste.
• Rathaus- The big Town Hall is the center of attraction in the square. While going towards the castle, you can easily see the architectural masterpiece dominating the main market square.
• Hohentubin Castle- Dating back to the 11^th century, the castle ramparts and the towers look astonishing. The intricate carvings at the main gate are a sight to see. From the castle’s roof, you can have a view of the beautiful city of Tubingen. A museum inside the castle gives you the glimpse of the era that prevailed.
• Collegiate Church- Visit the beautiful church or the Stiftskirche. By paying a small price, you can climb in the church and have a fantastic view. You can also sit peacefully and pray. Its gothic-styled building and stained glass reflect sunlight and create a peaceful ambiance.
• Holderlin’s Tower- The most picturesque place is the Holdertinturm. Click lots of pictures from the bride on Neckar River, as these would come out amazing. Also, visit the museum inside and learn the interesting facts that the trip provides.
• Cistercian Monastery- The monastery is situated in the heart of the Schonbuch woods. The location is prime with trees all around.
• Museum Schloss Hohentubingen- The antique collection of statues, sculptures, and other unique artifacts is the dream of every historian. The displays are excellent and attract a large number of tourists and information gatherers.
• Neuer botanischer Garten

Why visit?

The various landscapes just around the city provide multiple opportunities for hiking, camping, cycling, and trying different boat rides and many more activities. The town is situated between two rivers and has hilly regions. The city is the perfect example of ‘beauty with brains.’ Many scholars, professors, and students roam about in the city at night chilling with their friends. Hit with them the various clubs, pubs and restaurants.

The beautiful city welcomes visitors with open arms and provides with wonderful experiences.

What else is around?

• Swabian Alb Mountains
• Reutlingen
• Rottenburg
• Herrenberg

With so many enthralling experiences on offer, Tubingen is truly a traveler’s delight. Go ahead and visit this place with your family and friends and explore the various parts of Tubingen. A highly recommended place, you cannot afford to miss out on visiting this place for sure!