Welcome to our Tübingen walking tour, adapted from the official 21-point tour of the historic centre. We followed a slightly different order due to staying on Jakobsgasse, beginning at location 12 (St. James Church), continuing to 21 (Old University Assembly Hall), then circling back to location 1 (Neckar Riverfront) to follow through to 8 (Market Square).

12. St. James Church

This small Romanesque church, dedicated to St. James, the patron saint of pilgrims, served as the parish church for the artisans and winegrowers of what was once a poorer quarter of Tübingen. It was extended in 1500, and up until the mid-20th century, a livestock market was held in the square around it. Today, the square is home to a lively Saturday farmers’ market.

13. The Duke’s Barn

Built around 1474/75 using massive oak beams, this impressive structure originally housed wine presses and served as a granary. In the 20th century, it became a school. Today, it contains offices for the town council and is open to the public.

14. Collegium / King Wilhelm’s Catholic Seminary

Completed in 1593, this grand Renaissance complex was originally the “Collegium Illustre”, a prestigious academy. Later, it became the Wilhelmsstift, a Catholic seminary and student residence. The ornate gate at Lange Gasse and Collegiumsgasse marks the Protestant past, while the main entrance reflects the Catholic presence established in the Kingdom of Württemberg.

15. Long Lane (Lange Gasse)

Home to the old abbatoir (now the Tübingen Artists Association), this lane follows the Ammer Canal. A charming passage through the building offers views of the flowing water and flowers in summer. The abbatoir operated here for over 300 years.

16. House of the Nuns

Originally a nunnery before the Reformation of 1534, this house later became the residence of Leonhard Fuchs, a renowned professor of medicine. His 1543 botanical work led to the naming of the fuchsia plant. A marble book and plaque commemorate him here.

17. Bebenhausen Pfleghof

A 1492 complex that once served as a warehouse and administrative hub for the Bebenhausen monastery. Look for the Cistercian coat of arms over the small southern door. Today, the building serves a mix of uses including police, university music departments, and student dorms.

18. Schulberg Lane

This quiet uphill lane housed the Latin Grammar School, a stepping stone to university studies. Nearby is a garden terrace offering one of the best views over the Neckar Valley.

19. Lumber Market (Holzmarkt)

Once a lumber and pottery market, this square now bustles with life and youth, particularly on summer evenings. It borders the Collegiate Church and hosts political events. Plaques on the church wall commemorate victims of National Socialism, and a small museum dedicated to Hermann Hesse is nearby.

20. Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche)

Tübingen’s largest church, a late Gothic masterpiece built in the 15th century. Highlights include a chancel screen, a 1512 altar by Hans Schäufelein, and stunning stained-glass windows from 1476–79. Tombs of Württemberg dukes rest here. The church has been Protestant since 1534. You can climb the tower for one of the best views in town.

21. Old University Assembly Hall and Münzgasse

The yellow half-timbered building (1547) once housed the central hall of the University. Münzgasse, its adjoining street, was the university’s heart for centuries. Cotta’s publishing house, once located here, famously edited Goethe’s works. A student prank plaque now humorously commemorates his “visit.”

1. Neckar Riverfront and Plane Tree Avenue

This is one of Tübingen’s most scenic views. Trees planted in 1828 line the Neckarinsel (Neckar Island), with views of Hohentübingen Castle on the left, the Collegiate Church to the right, and the yellow Hölderlin Tower in front. During summer, punts drift lazily along the river.

2. Hölderlin Tower

This yellow tower, once part of the old town wall, was the home of poet Friedrich Hölderlin from 1807 until his death in 1843. Now a museum, it presents his life and literary legacy. Nearby is the main dock for punting tours.

3. Burse

Built shortly after the founding of the University in 1477, this half-timbered building housed young scholars. It later became the University’s first hospital, and today serves as home to Philosophy and Art History departments.

4. Protestant Seminary

After the 1534 Reformation, this former monastery became a seminary for top Protestant theology students. Notable alumni include Kepler and Hegel. Women were first admitted in 1969, and the building remains in use as student housing.

5. Burg Lane

This narrow, steep lane leads toward the castle and references the original medieval “castrum Twingia,” first mentioned in 1078. No foundation date exists for the town itself, but this is its earliest known reference.

6. Hohentübingen Castle: Lower Castle Gate

The grand entrance gate from 1608 resembles a Roman triumphal arch. It bears the coat of arms of Württemberg and the Order of the Garter’s motto. From here, enjoy sweeping views south to the Swabian Alb and north to Tübingen University’s expanding campuses.

7. Hohentübingen Castle

This fortress, built in the 16th century, is now a University site. Inside is the Castle Museum, home to archaeological finds including Ice Age figurines (a UNESCO World Heritage). In the cellar stands what is likely the world’s oldest and largest wine barrel (1549, 84,000 litres). A plaque marks the discovery of DNA by Friedrich Miescher here in 1869.

8. Market Square and City Hall

Tübingen’s bustling town centre, where locals and tourists mingle. The 1435 City Hall has a vibrant 19th-century fresco and an Astronomical Clock from 1511. A statue of University founder Eberhard “the Bearded” stands below the gable. The Neptune Fountain (1617) once made from stone completes the scene.