Reutlingen 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Reutlingen: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Tübingen Gate (Tübinger Tor)

One of the last remaining medieval city gates, built in the 13th century. It marks the historic entrance to the old town and is surrounded by half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

🕐 Always visible from outside; gate interior not open to public

Free entry

💡 Photograph it early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best light on the stonework.

Hotels near Tübingen Gate (Tübinger Tor) →
Afternoon
St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche)

A striking 14th-century Gothic hall church with a tall spire. Inside, see the intricate stained-glass windows and the carved altar. The church is central and often open for quiet visits.

🕐 Daily 9:00-17:00 (closed during services)

Free entry

💡 Climb the tower for a fee (around €2) for panoramic views over the old town; the spiral stairs are narrow, but the vista is worth it.

Hotels near St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) →
Evening
Where to eat

Oishii · ££

Ochsenbeck · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Reutlingen

Morning
Pomological Gardens (Pomologischer Garten)

A free botanical garden focused on fruit trees—apples, pears, cherries—with labelled species. Peaceful and well-maintained, good for a quiet stroll or reading.

🕐 Open access daily; no fixed hours

💡 Visit in late spring when the trees are in blossom, or in September for the fruit harvest. No café, so bring water.

Midday
Achalm Castle Ruins

Ruins of a hilltop castle offering wide views over Reutlingen and the Swabian Alb. The walk up is steep but short (about 20 minutes from the edge of town).

🕐 Open access; tower may be locked in winter

💡 Bring sturdy shoes—the path is rocky. Pack a picnic and sit on the grass near the tower; there are no facilities up top.

Evening
Dining tonight

Becks Reutlingen

Restaurant Schützenhaus

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Heimatmuseum Reutlingen

Local history museum set in a former monastery building. Exhibits cover Reutlingen's textile industry, medieval trade, and everyday life. Entry is just €3 for a

💡 Go on the first Sunday of the month for free entry. Allow about 1.5 hours to see everything.

Final meal

Schützenhaus Sondelfingen

Kurkuma

Getting Around Reutlingen

S-Bahn & Regionalbahn via Metzingen From 14 60 min

From airport S-Bahn (S2 or S3) to Metzingen, then RB to Reutlingen. Buy a VVS Einzelficket for the full journey; stay on until Reutlingen Hbf, then walk 10 min up Wilhelmstrasse to the hotel.

Naldo Flughafenbus From 16 55 min

Direct bus line X42 runs from airport terminal to Reutlingen bus station. Drops you a 5-min walk from Alte Post. Cash only on board; get ticket from driver.

Stadtbahn U1 From 2.50 5 min

Cheapest local hop from the station: grab a short-ticket (Kurzstrecke) from the platform machine. The tram stop 'Lederhof' is right outside the hotel door.

Stuttgart Airport Taxi From 80 40 min

Fixed-price airport transfers avoid metre confusion; book via Taxi-Funk Reutlingen for ~€85 with luggage help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Reutlingen?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Tübingen Gate (Tübinger Tor) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Reutlingen?

See our full best time to visit Reutlingen guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Alte Post, Wachtraum, Dormero. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.