Things To Do
in Wernau

Wernau is a small town in Baden-Württemberg located along the Neckar River, just a short journey from Stuttgart. It offers a friendly Swabian atmosphere, a compact historic center, and easy access to nearby vineyards, parks, and cultural sites. The town serves as a convenient base for day trips to Esslingen, Stuttgart, and the Neckar valley.

Expect hearty regional cuisine, a relaxed pace, and walkable streets that invite leisurely explorations.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll around Wernau's charming historic center, admiring the half-timbered houses that reflect the town's rich heritage. Stop by the local bakery to indulge in some freshly baked pastries and a warm cup of coffee. As you wander, take time to explore the quaint shops selling handmade crafts and local produce.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a cozy café, visit the St. John the Baptist Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Spend some time in the nearby park, where you can relax by the pond or enjoy a picnic under the shade of the trees. Don't miss the opportunity to check out the local art gallery, showcasing works by talented local artists.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a traditional German restaurant to savor regional dishes like Maultaschen or Spätzle. Enjoy the local ambiance while sipping on a glass of Swabian wine or a cold beer. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the Neckar River, where you can watch the stars appear in the clear night sky.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing hike through the lush landscapes surrounding Wernau, particularly the nature trails in the nearby nature reserve. Breathe in the crisp morning air as you listen to the chirping birds and rustling leaves. Capture stunning photographs of the local flora and fauna along the way.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a hearty picnic lunch in one of the designated areas within the reserve, surrounded by serene nature. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque trails, perhaps spotting some wildlife or simply enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. Consider visiting the nearby view point for breathtaking panoramic views of the Swabian Jura.

evening
:

As evening falls, return to Wernau and treat yourself to a light dinner at a local bistro. Opt for seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients from nearby farms. Conclude your day with a visit to a local pub for some live music and a taste of regional craft beers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🥖Groceries and everyday basics$2-6
🚆One-way public transport ticket$3-5
🏨Hotel per night$80-140

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with easy access to Stuttgart and the Neckar valley
  • Rich Swabian cuisine and warm, welcoming locals
  • Limited nightlife within the town itself
  • Fewer major tourist attractions compared to larger cities
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like ...
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me

Places to Visit in Wernau

Visit one of these nice places.

Neckar River Promenade

Wide river views, boats drifting by, and reflections at sunrise or sunset create idealSplash-worthy images.

Historic Town Center with Half-Timbered Houses

Colorful facades and traditional architecture offer quintessential Swabian photography opportunities in the market area.

Parks and Riverside Lookouts

Green spaces along the Neckar provide tranquil compositions, especially with tree canopies and open skies.

Culinary Guide

Food in Wernau

Swabian cuisine is hearty and comforting, built on regional produce and straightforward preparations. Expect satisfying meat-and-potato dishes, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables, with plenty of bread and dairy to round out meals.

Wernau Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kässpätzle (cheese spaetzle)

Egg noodles tossed with melted cheese and crispy onions. Best enjoyed in traditional Swabian taverns.

Must-Try!

Maultaschen

Swabian dumplings filled with meat, spinach, and herbs; often served in broth or with fried onions.

Linsen mit Spätzle

A hearty plate of lentils with spaetzle, a classic home-cooked staple in the region.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Wernau Wochenmarkt

A weekly market in the town center offering seasonal produce, bread, cheeses, and regional snacks.

Market square street food

Stalls around the market square often offer pretzels, sausages, and casual bites; great for a quick lunch or snack.

Climate Guide

Weather

Wernau has a temperate continental climate influenced by nearby bodies of water and forests. Summers are warm and pleasant, winters are cold but not extreme, and spring and autumn are mild with changing foliage. Rain is spread throughout the year, so carry a light rain layer when exploring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Courtesy

Germans typically greet with 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo' and shake hands. Use Herr or Frau when addressing strangers, and maintain polite, respectful conversation.

Quiet Hours and Recycling

Observe quiet hours in the evenings and Sunday rest; sort waste and follow local recycling guidelines.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe with typical urban precautions. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, especially near markets. In emergencies, dial 112 for medical or fire services and 110 for police.

Tipping in Wernau

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common if service is good. Cash and card are widely accepted; you can tip directly to the server or leave it on the table.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming trees; great for city walks and outdoor cafés. Pack light layers and a camera ready for color-laden streets.

Summer

Generally warm with occasional thunderstorms; long daylight hours make riverfront strolls and picnics very pleasant. Stay hydrated and protected from sun.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and harvest vibes; fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures for hikes around the Neckar valley.

Winter

Cold with possible frost and Snow; nearby towns often host Christmas markets. Dress warmly and enjoy cozy cafés and hearty regional dishes.

Nightlife Guide

Wernau at Night

Wernau offers a modest nightlife scene centered on local pubs, cafés, and wine bars. For a broader array of clubs and live music, residents typically head to nearby Stuttgart or Esslingen. Weekend events at local venues provide a relaxed, sociable atmosphere rather than a party-focused scene.

Hiking in Wernau

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Neckar River Trail

Scenic, easy-to-moderate riverside path suitable for all ages.

Teckberg Trail (Kirchheim unter Teck)

Hilly hike with panoramic views over the Swabian countryside.

Esslingen City Forest Trails

Lush wooded trails near Esslingen for gentle to moderate hikes.

Airports

How to reach Wernau by plane.

Stuttgart Airport (STR)

Main international gateway for the region; well-connected by rail and road to Wernau and the Stuttgart metro area.

Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB)

A secondary option within a reasonable travel distance, useful for certain international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Wernau is compact and easily explored on foot, with most sights close to the town center. Some streets may have gentle inclines, and the river paths are excellent for leisurely routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Safe, residential community with good local schools and parks.

Commuters

Many residents commute to Stuttgart and surrounding towns for work.

Students

Proximity to Stuttgart-based universities attracts students and young professionals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely followed with local clubs and community leagues; a common social thread in town life.

Transportation

Traffic

Regional rail and road networks link Wernau to Stuttgart and Esslingen efficiently. The A8 highway provides easy car access to broader destinations. Expect bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets, with occasional peak-hour congestion on main routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Wernau.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Swabian cuisine is meat-forward, but you can find vegetarian options like Kässpätzle with extra vegetables, mushroom dishes, salads, and potato-based plates. Ask chefs for vegetable-friendly versions of classics or seasonal dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is readily accessible in nearby Esslingen and Stuttgart, with clinics, general practitioners, pharmacies, and hospitals. Emergency services are coordinated through the regional system (112).

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide