Things To Do
in Ostfildern

Ostfildern is a suburban town just east of Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It blends quiet residential neighborhoods with easy access to urban culture and nature. The area around Scharnhausen, Ruit and Kemnat feels green and family-friendly, with tree-lined streets and local markets.

It makes a convenient base for exploring Stuttgart's museums and the Swabian countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your morning with a stroll through the charming streets of Ostfildern, admiring the traditional architecture and quaint shops. Visit the local bakery to indulge in fresh pastries and coffee, soaking in the local flavors. As the sun rises higher, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant community life around you.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, explore the nearby Stadtmuseum Ostfildern to learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Swabian cuisine. After lunch, take a walk in the picturesque Killesberg Park, which is perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.

evening
:

As the evening approaches, enjoy dinner at a traditional German beer garden, where you can sample local brews and dishes. After dinner, take a peaceful walk through the illuminated streets, experiencing the nightlife of Ostfildern. End your day with a visit to a local café, sipping on hot chocolate or a local wine.

day 2
Art and Culture Day
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, just a short drive away, to immerse yourself in contemporary art. Spend time exploring the thought-provoking exhibitions and installations, giving you a taste of the local art scene. Enjoy a light breakfast at the museum café, surrounded by artistic ambiance.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a guided tour of the historic Mercedes-Benz Museum, where you can marvel at the evolution of automotive design and technology. Engage with interactive displays and learn about the brand's history, making it a fascinating experience for car enthusiasts. Conclude your afternoon with a leisurely walk in the nearby Schlossgarten, a beautiful park with stunning landscapes.

evening
:

In the evening, dine at a fine restaurant in Stuttgart, where you can experience gourmet dishes inspired by regional ingredients. Post-dinner, consider attending a performance at the Stuttgart State Theatre, renowned for its exceptional productions. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps meet locals who share your passion for the arts.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant$40-60
🏨One-night stay in mid-range hotel$90-150
🚆Local transit day pass$6-10
Coffee in a cafe$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Stuttgart and easy day trips
  • Quiet, safe, family-friendly neighborhoods
  • Good public transport connections to the region
  • Limited nightlife within Ostfildern
  • Smaller town feel may lack some tourist services
  • Some services lean toward German-only information
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like to have...
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Ostfildern

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic village centers (Ruit and Scharnhausen)

Charming half-timbered houses, brick facades and quiet squares ideal for daytime photography and golden-hour shots.

Ruiter Church Tower Viewpoint

Tower views over the town with a backdrop of Swabian farmlands, especially beautiful at sunset.

Parks and tree-lined avenues in Ostfildern

Lush streets and ponds in local parks offer reflections and long shadows.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ostfildern

Ostfildern sits in Swabia, where hearty regional dishes and seasonal produce shine in local eateries and family-run taverns.

Ostfildern Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli)

Pillow-soft pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach or cheese; enjoy in broth or fried with onions.

Must-Try!

Käsespätzle

Swabian egg noodles layered with cheese and topped with crispy onions.

Linsen mit Spätzle

Lentils cooked with sausage or a vegetarian version, served with Spätzle.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ostfildern weekly market

Fresh produce, bread, cheese and regional treats on market days in the town center.

Street food options

Pretzels, bratwurst and vegetarian options from local stalls during market days and festival weekends.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a temperate climate with warm summers (around 20-25°C) and cool winters (often 0-5°C). Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with the wettest months usually in summer and autumn; snow is possible in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo'; shake hands when meeting; maintain polite tone.

Punctuality

Be punctual for appointments and meetings; lateness is viewed as disrespectful.

Personal space and conversations

Keep a moderate distance in public and avoid loud conversations in quiet spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe with typical urban-suburban considerations. Watch for petty theft in crowded places and secure bicycles; in traffic, follow signage and adhere to speed limits; emergency number is 112.

Tipping in Ostfildern

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; leave cash on the table or add to card receipt.

Payment Methods

Cash or cards (EC/kreditkarte) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some smaller places may take cash only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming fruit trees; great for garden photography and outdoor strolls.

Summer

Warm days with occasional thunderstorms; enjoy outdoor cafés and longer daylight hours.

Autumn

Autumn colors in parks; harvest festivals and local markets bring seasonal produce.

Winter

Cool to cold with possible snow; Christmas markets and cozy interiors provide warmth.

Nightlife Guide

Ostfildern at Night

Ostfildern has a quiet nightlife scene with local bars and beer gardens; most nighttime entertainment is in Stuttgart or nearby towns, offering clubs and live music, while Ostfildern provides cosy, family-friendly options and social evenings at local pubs.

Hiking in Ostfildern

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Filder Forest (Filderwald) trails

Extensive forested area with gentle to moderate trails near Ostfildern.

Schurwald ridge trails

Hilly forested routes offering views over the Swabian countryside.

Teckberg area near Kirchheim unter Teck

Rocky outcrops and scenic viewpoints within a short drive from Ostfildern.

Airports

How to reach Ostfildern by plane.

Stuttgart Airport (STR)

Major international airport located about 15-30 minutes from Ostfildern by car or rail, with direct connections to many European cities.

Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB)

Regional airport serving a wider SW German area; suitable for some international travel, about 1-2 hours by rail or car from Ostfildern.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ostfildern is fairly walkable within its districts, with compact town centers and easy access to parks. For longer sightseeing or museum visits, public transport or a short drive to Stuttgart is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Ostfildern's residential districts with good schools and parks.

Commuters

Many residents commute to Stuttgart for work, taking advantage of fast rail links.

International residents

A growing mix of international residents due to proximity to Stuttgart’s economic hub.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular in local clubs; casual pick-up games and regional leagues.

Cycling

Road biking and cycling on the county trails is common among residents.

Tennis and running

Outdoor courts and running paths in parks around Ostfildern.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in the Stuttgart region is well-developed with S-Bahn, Stadtbahn and some bus lines. Driving can be slower during peak hours in the Stuttgart area; parking can be limited in busy centers. Roads connect Ostfildern to nearby towns and Stuttgart; trains and trams are convenient for city visits.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ostfildern.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Swabian dishes can be prepared or adapted to vegetarian versions. Look for Kässpätzle, or ask for Maultaschen filled with vegetables or cheese.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via local GP clinics and the Stuttgart metropolitan area offers larger hospitals. Health insurance is required; emergency services use 112.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide