Rubble Hill
Rubble Hill
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Gaelic_Gypsy
Seymour, CT255 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Between 1942 and 1945, Allied Forces led 53 bombing raids on Stuttgart, which was one of the industrial centers in Germany. Following the end of World War II, the Allied Forces took control of Stuttgart and began the rebuilding of the city, of which almost 68% had been destroyed. Much of the rubble from the destroyed building was brought to this location and an artificial mountain was created. Ultimately, this location has become a great hiking and biking location, a wonderful overlook of the rebuilt city of Stuttgart, and a place of reflection on the consequences of war.
Located a short 10 minute drive from the city center, there is a reasonably large parking lot just off the start of the trail (at the intersection of Rotenwaldstrasse and Geisseichstrasse). Once parked, cross Geisseichstrasse at the light and climb the small stone staircase and begin your hike. A nearby wooden sign (posted to a tree) directs visitors to "Birkenkopf" and takes you along a 1/2mile paved walkway. Gradually ascending, eventually you will see the top of the pile of rubble that caps the mountain. Large stone and concrete pieces, many with relief carving testify to their age. A large cross looks down upon the bowl city of Stuttgart and offers hope for the future. Views from other vantage points look out upon the wooded countryside surrounding Stuttgart.
A visit to Birkenkopf or Rubble Hill will take only a short time, but it offers memorable views, a little exercise, and a point of perspective and reflection.
Located a short 10 minute drive from the city center, there is a reasonably large parking lot just off the start of the trail (at the intersection of Rotenwaldstrasse and Geisseichstrasse). Once parked, cross Geisseichstrasse at the light and climb the small stone staircase and begin your hike. A nearby wooden sign (posted to a tree) directs visitors to "Birkenkopf" and takes you along a 1/2mile paved walkway. Gradually ascending, eventually you will see the top of the pile of rubble that caps the mountain. Large stone and concrete pieces, many with relief carving testify to their age. A large cross looks down upon the bowl city of Stuttgart and offers hope for the future. Views from other vantage points look out upon the wooded countryside surrounding Stuttgart.
A visit to Birkenkopf or Rubble Hill will take only a short time, but it offers memorable views, a little exercise, and a point of perspective and reflection.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ImantsfromNC
Raleigh, NC84 contributions
Nov 2021
Crazy to believe it's an artificial hill built from the ruins and rubble from World War II. Some of the rubble are beautiful pieces of architecture. Free hike with great views of Stuttgart. I recommend to hike right before sunset to see the views.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flipper_san
Havelock, NC18 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Interesting bit of history. This is the highest point in the Stuttgart area (511m) and gives great panoramic views of the surrounding area. We walked up on a nice day in August. Park across the street and it a short walk up the hill to the top. Loved the views and the history (although we couldn't read the German historical markers attesting to the significance of the place.
Here are some directions from the Böblingen side of town: Ttake the A831 toward Stuttgart for nearly a kilometer and continue onto B14 for three kilometers. Continue onto Wildparkstraße for one and a half kilometers. And continue onto Rotenwaldstraße for a kilometer. A parking lot sits between where the road splits into Rotenwaldstrasse and Geisseichstrasse. Walk across Geisseichstrasse and you will be at the base of the hill. It’s only a short walk up the path that winds around the hill and leads you to the summit.
Here are some directions from the Böblingen side of town: Ttake the A831 toward Stuttgart for nearly a kilometer and continue onto B14 for three kilometers. Continue onto Wildparkstraße for one and a half kilometers. And continue onto Rotenwaldstraße for a kilometer. A parking lot sits between where the road splits into Rotenwaldstrasse and Geisseichstrasse. Walk across Geisseichstrasse and you will be at the base of the hill. It’s only a short walk up the path that winds around the hill and leads you to the summit.
Written August 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim R
Hampton, VA429 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
This was our first time visiting Rubble Hill. We took the U1 train from Vaihingen. Going there, we got off at Sudheimer Platz and hiked up the hill. Our GPS took us up some crazy “goat path” (laden with mountain bikers) to get part way there. I thought my wife was going to kill me!! 😀 The top of Rubble Hill gave us a great view of Stuttgart. We also enjoyed looking at some of the rubble pieces of fallen buildings. On the way down, we decided to go to U1 station Bihlplatz instead. The trail down (via GPS) was extremely steep, so I don’t recommend doing it in inclement weather. It’s definitely good exercise! If you climb up from Bihlplatz it’d be a pretty good workout, so don’t do it if you’re not in good shape.
All in all, we enjoyed going up there. It was worth the climb and seeing Stuttgart from up there. But, I don’t think we’d do it again.
All in all, we enjoyed going up there. It was worth the climb and seeing Stuttgart from up there. But, I don’t think we’d do it again.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobS3
Brooklyn, NY140 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
Rubble Hill is a surreal place. As you walk up the hill, one really cannot comprehend that you are walking on the remnants of pre-war Stuttgart. An entire city of homes, businesses, libraries, churches (and I'm sure a few Jewish temples) are beneath you, placed there by the allies after the war. There are several such mounds of debris near Germany cities that were bombed into oblivion. What makes Rubble Hill such a visceral experience is at the very top. Someone thought to leave mounds of ruble uncovered and exposed as a reminder of modern war. It is now a place for people to exercise or just walk to the top and sit, involved in conversation. Ironically, it is also offers the best view of post-war Stuttgart. Not easily found, do some research on it's entrance. There is parking at the base of the hill.
Written August 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon H
San Diego, CA73 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
This mountain of rubble contains some of the debris piled here from the repeated bombing of Stuttgart in WW2. I could not actually see the peak from the road because of the trees. Fortunately, I had set my GPS to the intersection of Rottenwaldstrasse and the L1187 (Geisseiseichstrasse). There is a small parking lot here. Across the street at the NW side is a set of stone stairs next to a map board. These will take you up to a path that slowly ascends to the peak.
There were several families that day, and the path is well paved. Takes only about 20 minutes to get to the top.There are no facilities, but you can bring food and drink for a great view and picnic. There are benches and places to sit on the grass.
Some of the rubble is fascinating, and it also gives one pause to think what the original buildings looked like, and who was working there.
The visit can be done quickly in about an hour, or you can stay much longer as you gaze over the town. The rear of the top of the hill has a brass plate that help you to find landmarks,
There were several families that day, and the path is well paved. Takes only about 20 minutes to get to the top.There are no facilities, but you can bring food and drink for a great view and picnic. There are benches and places to sit on the grass.
Some of the rubble is fascinating, and it also gives one pause to think what the original buildings looked like, and who was working there.
The visit can be done quickly in about an hour, or you can stay much longer as you gaze over the town. The rear of the top of the hill has a brass plate that help you to find landmarks,
Written August 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cd_bassett
Canberra, Australia81 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
I had an afternoon in Stuttgart before flying home, I had walked the streets previously and had been recommended by a local that Rubble Hill provides a great vantage point to appreciate the layout of the city.
I was not familiar with the area so it took me a little while to find the provided parking area and the hill .... but once located it was a very short walk to enter the forest and find the walking track (google maps was surprisingly helpful).
The walk was pleasant and not overly strenuous.
A quick review of the history of Rubble Hill (before my walk) revealed that the top 40m of this hill contains over 1.5 million cubic meters of the remains of the city of Stuttgart as a consequence of the 50 odd air raids that destroyed almost half of the city.
It is an interesting place. It is a little contrived (pieces placed and secured in location) but it is after all a memorial. It achieves everything it promises, an amazing place to come and view the city but also it allows you to contemplate and place into some context the enormous amount of destruction in this part of the world as a result of WW2.
But it is not a memorial that forces this contemplation down your throat, some will be happy to simply climb over the rubble and drink in the amazing view of Stuttgart city! It's up to you .....
My recommendation take the walk ..... the forest is beautiful, the climb is pleasant and not overly strenuous, the view is amazing and it is at its core a piece of real history.
Give it a go (I gave it about an hour with time at the top for photographs and some looking around).
I was not familiar with the area so it took me a little while to find the provided parking area and the hill .... but once located it was a very short walk to enter the forest and find the walking track (google maps was surprisingly helpful).
The walk was pleasant and not overly strenuous.
A quick review of the history of Rubble Hill (before my walk) revealed that the top 40m of this hill contains over 1.5 million cubic meters of the remains of the city of Stuttgart as a consequence of the 50 odd air raids that destroyed almost half of the city.
It is an interesting place. It is a little contrived (pieces placed and secured in location) but it is after all a memorial. It achieves everything it promises, an amazing place to come and view the city but also it allows you to contemplate and place into some context the enormous amount of destruction in this part of the world as a result of WW2.
But it is not a memorial that forces this contemplation down your throat, some will be happy to simply climb over the rubble and drink in the amazing view of Stuttgart city! It's up to you .....
My recommendation take the walk ..... the forest is beautiful, the climb is pleasant and not overly strenuous, the view is amazing and it is at its core a piece of real history.
Give it a go (I gave it about an hour with time at the top for photographs and some looking around).
Written May 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goingplaces247
London, UK30 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This is an incredible thing to do. In essence you scale a hill which is man-made from all the rubble of the buildings destroyed during the war. The path wraps around in a circle through gladed woods. The paths are wide and easy to navigate - even when wet. There is a shelter just before you go round the final corner. There is also car parking at the base of the hill and two bus stops. It's a very humbling experience and when you reach the top you are met with a iron cross and a stunning view of Stuttgart. It's memorable, thought provoking and so worth it. Put it on your to do list - you won't be disappointed.
Written May 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcopolko
Las Vegas, NV19,268 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
Take the U-1 or U-14 along the valley floor south from the city center and then ascend the Birkenkopf along Blaubeurenweg, a lovely ascent of the steep valley walls via pathways and stairways through gardens. The Birkenkopf has been elevated about 50 meters higher from all of the rubble hauled there from the war-damaged center, a sad sight. The view is excellent. If you look one way toward the SE you can see the impressive fortress of the Swabian Alb, Hohenneuffen, and almost 180 degrees in the other direction the impressive Hohenasperg Fortress to the NW which later served as a prison and now hosts a prison museum. It's a lovely hour or so hike.
Actual visit was probably around 2010.
Actual visit was probably around 2010.
Written September 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sungodd12
Leonberg, Germany352 contributions
May 2015 • Family
We've been to Rubble Hill numerous times--early morning, afternoon, sunset...it's beautiful no matter what time of day you go. The walk up though a bit hard for inactive or anyone with difficulty walking but the views at the top are so worth the pain! The pathway up to WWII rubble is partial dirt but a majority is concrete. Numerous places to stop (benches or stone wall) and take a breather.
The first time we tried looking for Rubble Hill, we passed it and kept going in circles--Thanks GPS! But easiest way to find the trail entrance is once you get to the stoplight (straight down the hill into downtown Stuttgart or left towards Killesburg/RB), there is a parking lot to the left side. Park there. The trails begin after you cross the street at the crosswalk and take the stairs up.
We crave all WWII history and landmarks so to see an artificial hill from the rubble created by 53 air raids and hundreds of thousands of bombs deployed by the allies..so this location was at the top of our list. It's also a sad moment in time to ponder how many civilians died amongst the rubble. In a span of 4.5 yrs of bombings, Stuttgart was left with 1.5million cubic meters of rubble, 4,590 people died and 39,125 bldgs were damaged or destroyed. As for Allied losses, 300 aircraft and 2400 aircrew parished. Stuttgart with it's deep valleys and hills was pretty heavily fortified. At Birkenkopf (Rubble Hill), there are lots of places to sit and just take it all in. It's very sobering and there is a sign at the top dedicated as a reminder to the living.
Be careful with little ones as they like to climb but it's very easy to get hurt and there are broken shards of glass about. Great views of downtown Stuttgart, the tv tower, Vaihingen, etc...
The first time we tried looking for Rubble Hill, we passed it and kept going in circles--Thanks GPS! But easiest way to find the trail entrance is once you get to the stoplight (straight down the hill into downtown Stuttgart or left towards Killesburg/RB), there is a parking lot to the left side. Park there. The trails begin after you cross the street at the crosswalk and take the stairs up.
We crave all WWII history and landmarks so to see an artificial hill from the rubble created by 53 air raids and hundreds of thousands of bombs deployed by the allies..so this location was at the top of our list. It's also a sad moment in time to ponder how many civilians died amongst the rubble. In a span of 4.5 yrs of bombings, Stuttgart was left with 1.5million cubic meters of rubble, 4,590 people died and 39,125 bldgs were damaged or destroyed. As for Allied losses, 300 aircraft and 2400 aircrew parished. Stuttgart with it's deep valleys and hills was pretty heavily fortified. At Birkenkopf (Rubble Hill), there are lots of places to sit and just take it all in. It's very sobering and there is a sign at the top dedicated as a reminder to the living.
Be careful with little ones as they like to climb but it's very easy to get hurt and there are broken shards of glass about. Great views of downtown Stuttgart, the tv tower, Vaihingen, etc...
Written July 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley Campbell
Tampa, FL63 contributions
Hi there! I was wondering if there were hours of operation for this sight? I am trying to see if I should clear my morning to do it or if it is available to do in the evening around 5:00?
Hallo
Wenn man Birkenkopf besuchen will ,bezahlt man etwas ? Falls ja ? Wie viel soll bezahlen
Oliver K
Stuttgart, Germany207 contributions
Hallo. Nein beim Birkenkopf muss man nichts bezahlen. Es ist alles kostenlos.
Geethuj90
Stuttgart, Germany
How how can I reach Rubble Hill from stuttgart Bahnhof?
Can u pls guide me with the Bahn connection?
Matt L
Adelaide, Australia4 contributions
Hey buddy. Take the U9 toward Botnang from the HBF and hop off at Lindpaintner Str. Behind the station on the opposite side that the street is on, there's a stairway through the trees. That will take you straight up to Geißeichstraße. Turn right, head up the footpath (the intersection is odd but you'll find your way) and you'll be able to take one off the wilderness turns on the right side. You can wait until a fair way up the hill to go straight there but I climbed the hill through the forest via an earlier turnoff for a scenic walk. Hope this helps!
amanda18_11
Stuttgart, Germany2 contributions
Is the correct address for Rubble Hill, Thai Corner, Friedrichstraße 43, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany ? My husband and I would like to visit this historic site this weekend, thank you for your assistance. Do you have a telephone number in case we need assistance.
Sungodd12
Leonberg, Germany352 contributions
No. That address will take you downtown Stuttgart near the Schlossplatz. If coming from Vaihingen or the A8, take the B14. Drive straight until you get to the corner of Rotenwaldstraße and Geißeichstraße. You'll see a parking lot on your leftside. Take a left at the stop light (you'll see a sign that says Robinson Barracks) and take your first right.
(Go to michelin maps and put Rotenwaldstraße. The big white blank space is the entire hill--you should see "Sandweg" on there) Hope this helps and you find Rubble Hill!
amanda18_11
Stuttgart, Germany2 contributions
Does anyone know if this is the correct address for Rubble Hill, Thai Corner, Friedrichstraße 43, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany ? My husband and I would like to visit this historic site this weekend, thank you for your assistance.
gdavis36
Lakeland, FL297 contributions
It's at the corner of Geiseichstrasse and Rottenwalstrasse. There is a small parking lot. You cross the Geiseichstasse and begin a windy/paved route uphill.
Rubble Hill (Stuttgart) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Rubble Hill
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