Football World Cup
Stuttgart:
 Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Wurttemberg, and is the sixth largest city in Germany and Stuttgart Region is the nation's fourth largest conurbation (behind Ruhr Area, Rhein/Main Area and Berlin). Neighbouring large cities are Frankfurt (210 km north of Stuttgart) and Munich (220 km southeast of Stuttgart).
The area is known for its high-tech industry; some of its most prominent companies include Daimler-Chrysler, Porsche, Bosch, Celesio, Neoplan, Hewlett-Packard and IBM, all of whom located their world or German headquarters here. In fact, the Porsche badge, as seen on the front of Porsche cars has this town's name in the centre of the badge, something that is unique amongst the world's vehicle makers. A theory even suggests that also the Ferrari logo "Cavallino Rampante" had its origin in the Stuttgart coat-of-arms.
 Trivia: Stuttgart is the place where the motorbike and the four-wheeled automobile were invented (invented by Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, industrialised 1887 by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in their 1887 Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft), it's hence the starting point of the worldwide automotive industry. Such famous and prestigious brands as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Maybach are produced there. Also the very first prototypes of the eventual VW Beetle were fabricated in Stuttgart, based on a design by Ferdinand Porsche.
Transport I Hotels I Car Hire I Entertainment I Food I Sport I Stadium I Tourist Tips I History
Transport:
Stuttgart, like other cities in Germany, is served by a regional rapid transit system called the S-Bahn. The S-Bahn trains operate on the rails of the Deutsche Bahn AG and are powered with normal traction current (single phase AC, 15 kV/16.67 hertz) taken from overhead wires. Stuttgart also has a light rail system (Stadtbahn in German) which has incrementally replaced the city's tram lines. It runs with DC with a voltage of 750 volts and uses normal gauge. In the city centre as well as in other densely built-up districts of the city, the Stadtbahn runs underground; hence the "U"-symbol for U-Bahn is used to signify it. Because the old tram lines used metre gauge, some of the light rail system's trackage still has three rails.
 For short distances, it is best to use the U-Bahn (or bus if necessary). For longer distances (to get to the suburbs) the S-Bahn is faster but has fewer stations than the U-Bahn.
If you are staying for more than a day, for added mobility buy a special 3 days ticket available only in the hotels or at the airport. These tickets are valid for the entire VVS network. The city transport network is separated in zones. The city of Stuttgart is only Zone 1 and 2. Normal tickets are available at the many automats in the stations.
There are six S-Bahn lines and ten U-Bahn lines and several bus lines. Most lines will lead via Hauptbahnhof, ending in a layout that is pretty centralistic: If you want to go somewhere, chances are, you have to ride via Hauptbahnhof. The following U-Bahn or S-Bahn stations are located in the heart of the city: Hauptbahnhof, Schlossplatz, Charlottenplatz, Stadtmitte (Rotebuhlplatz), Feuersee, Rathaus, Staatsgalerie, and Berliner Platz (Liederhalle).
A peculiarity of Stuttgart is the rack railway operating from Marienplatz in the heart of the city to the Degerloch district; it is the only urban rack railway in Germany and is powered by electricity. Furthermore, there is a cable car that operates in the city's Heslach district to the forest cemetery (Waldfriedhof), employing cars built of wood. On the Killesberg, a prominent hill in the city, there is a park railway run by diesel (and on weekends with steam), which makes roundtrips through the Killesberg Park.
Link: World Cup Transport Information
In the inner city, walking is no problem. The distances are not far and a traversal of the inner city by foot can be easily done within 25 minutes
Taxis are expensive. For 10 EUR you will get about 4 minutes of a taxi drive. With two or more people, getting a taxi together at night (when public transportation has stopped) can make sense.
Getting There:
 Lufthansa and British Airways fly directly into Stuttgart Airport (STR), located in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. if you are hiring a car, here are some directions to get from the airport to downtown:
The state highways A8 and A81 form a cross near Stuttgart ('Stuttgarter Kreuz'). The City is located in the upper right quarter of that cross. West/east-Highway A8 passes Stuttgart slightly to the south, north/south-highway A81 passes slightly to the west. Generally, follow the sign "Stuttgart Zentrum" to get to the centre of Stuttgart (and try to not loose yourself in a suburb district: there are smaller towns all over the place melted together to form Stuttgart.)
Hotels:
As with any major city there is a wide selection of accommodation from luxury to basic, however due to high demand rates wil be higher and there will be a limited availbility of rooms.
Some suggested hotels:
5 Star Options:
- Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin
- Le Meridien Stuttgart
- Marriott Hotel Sindelfingen Stuttgart
- Hotel Am Schlossgarten
4 Star Options:
Movenpick 
Hotel Wartburg
Maritim Hotel Stuttgart
EaziRes Hotel SI-SUITES
Mercure Hotel Stuttgart Bad Cannstatt
Royal Hotel Stuttgart
Holiday Inn Stuttgart
Best Western Hotel Stuttgart 21
Romantik Hotel Traube
3 Star Options:
- InterCity Hotel
- Rega Hotel
- Achat Hotel Stuttgart
- Top messehotel Europe Stuttgart
- Hotel Astoria
- Hotel Hafner
Car Hire:
Please contact Stuart Stamp on 01903 832888 or email us with your requirements. Click here to see rates online.
Entertainment:
Culture:
 Stuttgart is known for its cultural life, in particular the Staatstheatre and Staatsgalerie. The Staatstheatre contains an opera house and three smaller theatres, where opera, ballet, theatre and concerts are produced.
 The world-renowned Stuttgart Opera won the prestigious "Opera of the year" (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) award for five years running (1998-2002). The famous Stuttgart Ballet is connected to names like John Cranko and Marcia Haydee. The city also offers two broadway-style Musical theaters, the Apollo and the Palladium Theatre (each approx. 1800 seats).
Museums:
- Mercedes-Benz Museum: Mercedesstrasse 137/1, Bad Cannstatt (S-Bahn: Gottlieb Daimler Stadion)
- Porsche Museum: Porscheplatz 1, Zuffenhausen (S-Bahn: S6 to Neuwirtshaus)
- Staatsgalerie Stuttgart: Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 30-32
- Modern Art Museum: Kleiner Schlossplatz 1
- Historical Art museum: Altes Schloss, Schillerplatz 6
Shopping:
Stuttgart's premier shopping street is the "Koenigstrasse". You will find some of the most beautiful and most interesting shops located in the "Altstadt", the historical old city centre. Many exclusive boutiques and designer stores are hidden behind the glass facades of the Calwer-, Eberhardt- and Karlspassage. The art nouveau "Markthalle" (Market Hall), which was built in 1914, tempts many visitors with its exotic specialities and Oriental spices.
Nightlife:
Night owls will really get their money's worth in Stuttgart - whether in bars such as "Cantina" or "Hans im Glueck" or in night-clubs such as "ZAP" or "Sky Palace." The "Friedrichsbau Variete" (Variety Theatre), the "Komodie im Marquardt" (Comedy Theatre) and the musicals "42nd street" and "Mamma Mia!" all ensure great fun and entertainment.
Food:
Stuttgart's Swabian cuisine, beer and wine (produced in the area since the 1600s) are also well known. Yearly one may attend the "Cannstatter Volksfest" on the "Cannstatter Wasen" or the not much smaller "Stuttgarter Fruhlingsfest", which are famous beer festivals, but are second only in size to the Oktoberfest in Munich.
 Stuttgart is known for the Brezel. (Get them but order with butter! You'll find them at the small wooden cabins on the Konigsstrasse and at any baker's shop.)
You will find a wealth of traditional Swabian cuisine and really cosy wine taverns in Stuttgart, for example in the "Bohnenviertel". Those who prefer more traditional locales will definitely enjoy such time-honoured cafes as the "Konigsbau" and "Grand Cafe Planie". "Cafe Le Theatre" and "Brasserie Flo" are also popular and trendy locations. The "Lausterer" bistro is considered by insiders to be one of the city's best bistros. Gourmets will enjoy the delights of the Steigenberger gourmet restaurant "Olivo", with its first-class classic, traditional Italian gourmet cuisine. "Delice" and "Speisemeisterei" are just two of the best restaurants in Stuttgart.
Some suggested restaurants:
Alte Post
43 Friedrichstrasse
Tel: 711 29 30 79
Situated in the heart of the old city, this gourmet restaurant offers a first rate dining experience in a traditional atmosphere. Try one of the delicious meat and vegetable entrees from the menu and pair it with a good glass of wine, but save room for dessert. Reservations recommended.
Alte Kanzlei 
Schillerplatz 5A
Tel: 711 29 44 57
This popular folkloric restaurant is in the section of the old castle (Altes Schloss) originally built in 1533. One of the most popular Swabian specialties is Maultaschen, the Stuttgart version of ravioli, stuffed with ham or spinach. Equally popular is Stuttgarter Ratsherrenteller, filet of pork and beef served with Spatzle (dumplings), fresh vegetables, and mushroom gravy. To accompany your meal, ask for the local Pils beer or some of the region's fine wines, such as Tuniberg, a pale rosé, or one of the full-bodied red wines made from the Trollinger grape.
Bistro Reuchlin
Seidenstrasse 34
Tel: 711 94 20
This lovely bistro in the Maritim Hotel offers excellent service, a traditional ambience, and a full menu of regional and international dining options. Try any of the fish or chicken entrees and choose from the excellent wine list. Good desserts complement any dining choice.
Delice
Hauptstatter Strasse 61
Tel: 711 64 03 222
This delightful restaurant is housed in one of the first buildings in Stuttgart. Internationally renowned chef Friedrich Gut prepares an array of delicious meals in an open-air kitchen. A rotating five-course dinner is available and is a perfect way to try the chef’s best creations. The wine list is almost overwhelming, with selections from virtually every wine-producing region in Europe. Reservations required.
El Greco
Leuschnerstrasse 17
Tel: 711 290 639
This lovely and authentic Greek eatery in the heart of Stuttgart serves up fresh and delicious menu items, including gyros, Greek salads, and combination plates. Excellent service and ambience complement any dining choice. Desserts here are a must!
Fai Sushi
Rotebuhlplatz 18
Tel: 711 615 5650
This is an innovative restaurant in the pedestrian zone of Stuttgart. The whole restaurant is shaped in the form of a bar, and sushi meals are served on a conveyor. Sit at the bar and, as the food makes a tour, diners simply pick what they like. Traditional sushi dining with an innovative interior.
Fernsehturm Restaurant
120 Jahnstrasse
Tel: 711 246 104
This popular traditional German eatery is located at the top of the television tower and offers diners sweeping views of the city. Two restaurants allow diners to choose between a large meal of German sausages, meats and vegetables, and array of delicious desserts or a restaurant for drinks and light snacks.
La Nuova Trattoria da Franco
Calwer Strasse 32
Tel: 711 294 744
Exquisite italian cuisine.
Zirbelstude 
Hotel Am Schlossgarten
Schillerstrasse 23
Tel: 711 202 6808
French fare is the order of the day here.
Fellini
Fritz-Elsas-Strasse 31
Tel: 711 615 8877
Italian specialties. The modern interior of glass and steel, as well as the view of the street outside, make this traditional Italian eatery with a modern flair a hit with visitors. Try any of a number of traditional Italian salads, appetizers, meat, or vegetable dishes with wine or coffee. There's an excellent cappuccino, and desserts are a must.
Rita's Garden Indian Cuisine
Calwer Strasse 60
Tel: 711 222 0442
This relatively new restaurant in the popular Calwer Strasse is already a hit. They sprinkle fresh rose petals over the entrance every day, and the light and fresh smell of incense permeates the air. Plush row seating relaxes you while you enjoy traditional Indian cuisine that is prepared fresh everyday. Good curries and a spicy selection of chicken or vegetable entrees are available.
Speisemeisterei
Am Schloss Hohenheim
Tel: 711 456 00 37
Email: info@speisemeisterei-stuttgart.de
This stylish restaurant offers the finest food and wine you could ask for. This is Stuttgart's poshest and most renowned restaurant, highly-decorated with two Michelin stars. It's located in a stately castle in the suburb of Hohenheim and the dining room is sumptuous splendour taken to new heights. The service is predictably perfect and so is the food, mostly French haute cuisine with subtle attempts at fusion. Set meals cost between 69€ for 3 courses and 135€ for 8 courses which can be chosen from the a-la carte menu.
Zeppelin-Stuble
Steigenberger-Hotel Graf Zeppelin,
Arnulf-Klett-Platz 7
Tel: 711 204 8184
Excellent-and reasonably priced- traditional Swabian and German dishes.
Zur Weinsteige
Hohenheimerstrasse 30
Tel: 711 236 7000
Traditional restaurant celebrating German handcrafts. International cuisine, with a number of Swabian specialties, is offered. In summer, you can sit among the grapevines stretching over the sun terrace. Also worth seeing is the wine cellar, well stocked with the best regional wines and a good selection of German and international wines. You can buy wine directly from the hotel's vineyards. Next to the cellar is a room for sitting and tasting.
Sport:
In 1992, the VfB Stuttgart (a leading Bundesliga football team) claimed the first German Championship title after the reunification of the football federations of West and East Germany.
 The city also has a reputation for organizing other major sports events. It hosted the 1993 World Championships in Athletics and many other world and European championships of all kind of sports. The town will be one of the twelve hosts of the Football World Cup 2006. The 3rd and 4th place playoff of the World Cup will be held at the City's Daimler Stadium. Stuttgart also is "European Sports Capital 2007".
Stadium:
Gottlieb Daimler Stadium:
 The Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion is a stadium located in Stuttgart, Germany. Before 1993 it was called Neckarstadion. The arena was built in 1933 after plans of german architect Paul Bonatz. It is home to VfB Stuttgart of the Bundesliga. It will also be host to several matches in the 2006 World Cup.
Capacity: 58,000 (after completion of the current refurbishment of the opposite stand)
The European Athletics Championships of 1986 and the World Athletics Championships of 1993 have been held there and the Daimler-Stadium will be the host the IAAF World Athletics final from 2006 to 2008.
 The arena also hosted matches of the FIFA World Cup 1974 and the UEFA Championship 1988. Both, Germany's first international football match after World War II (against Switzerland) and the first match after the German reunification (also against Switzerland) took place at Daimler stadium.
The stadium hosted as well the finals of the Uefa Cup and the European Cup (now known as Uefa Champions League). VFB Stuttgart became the first Bundesliga champion after the German reunification.
Directions:
Metro:
- U1 to Mercedesstrasse or Wilhelmsplatz
- U11 (special line for major events) to Gottlieb Daimler Stadium
- U13 to Wilhelmsplatz in Bad Cannstatt
- U16 (special line for major events) to Gottlieb Daimler Stadium
S-Bahn: (Commuter rail Network)
- S1 direct to Gottlieb Daimler Stadium
- S2 to Bad Cannstatt
- S3 to Bad Cannstatt
By car:
Signs showing a football symbol guide you from the motorways onto the B10 or B14 and straight to Gottlieb Daimler Stadium. The Cannstatter Wasen complex offers approx. 12,000 public parking spaces. From the car parks, follow the signs to the stadium.
Stadium World Cup Schedule:
- 13th June 2006 Group G: France - Switzerland 6pm
- 16th June 2006 Group C: Netherlands - Cote d'Ivoire 6pm
- 19th June 2006 Group H: Spain - Tunisia 6pm
- 22nd June 2006 Group F: Croatia - Australia 9pm
- 25th June 2006 Final sixteen: Winner Group B - Runner-up Group A 5pm
- 8th July 2006 Third place Play-Off:
Tourist Tips:
 Stuttgart's main attractions are clearly the hilly landscape, the numerous vineyards that stretch all the way to the city center, the many parks that make Stuttgart one of the greenest cities in Germany and the mineral water fountains that characterise this region as having the largest source of mineral water in Western Europe.
Fernsehturm Stuttgart:
The Stuttgart TV Tower is the world's first TV tower built from concrete (and prototype for many towers of that kind all over the world).
 It is located on the so-called "Hohen Bopser" hill in the Stuttgart district of Degerloch. After a construction period of 20 months it was taken into service on February 5, 1956, by Süddeutscher Rundfunk (today: Südwestrundfunk – SWR). The tower broadcasts several FM radio stations as well as Germany's ARD TV network. Although the tower was controversial at first, it quickly became a well-known landmark of Stuttgart and a tourist attraction. From the two observation decks there is a beautiful view of Stuttgart, from the forests and vinyards in and around Stuttgart to the Swabian Jura and the Black Forest. On clear days, even the Swiss Alps can be seen.
Other sugestions for sightseeing:
- Wilhelma Zoo
- Carl Zeiss Planetarium
- Old Palace
- New Palace
- Solitude palace
- Konigsbau (Kings Buliding)
- Ludwigsburg palace (Germany's largest baroque palace)
- Mineral baths
History:
About 950, Stuttgart was originally founded by Duke Liudolf of Swabia, one of the sons of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I the Great, and used for horse breeding. Later on (about 1300), Stuttgart became the residence of the counts of Wurttemberg. In 1496, the counts of Wurttemberg were promoted to dukes by the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. After Napoleon's breakup of the Holy Roman Empire, the dukes of Wurttemberg earned the title of kings and Stuttgart became a royal residence.
 In 1871, as an autonomous kingdom, Wurttemberg joined the German Empire or Kaiserreich, created by the Prussian prime minister Otto von Bismarck through several successful wars and diplomacy. After World War I, the monarchy broke down and the Free State of Wurttemberg was established, as a part of the Weimar Republic. In 1920, Stuttgart was the seat of the German National Government (since the administration had to flee from Berlin). During World War II, the city center of Stuttgart was nearly completely destroyed due to air raids.
In 1945 the Allied Forces took control of Germany. They merged parts of the former German States of Baden and Wurttemberg and later in 1952 on the new, democratic state Baden-Wurttemberg (3rd largest German state) with Stuttgart as its capital was created by a referendum.
After World War II, an early concept of the Marshall Plan to support the reconstruction and economic/political recovery of Europe was presented during a speech given by US Secretary of State James F. Byrnes at the Stuttgart Opera House (September 6, 1946). This speech led directly to the unification of the British and American occupation zones, resulting in the so called bi-zone. Two years later, the French also joined the bi-zone, creating the tri-zone and thereby paving the way for the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany. Stuttgart, like Frankfurt, was a serious contender to become the federal capital, but finally Bonn succeeded.
During the Cold War, the joint command centre of all American military forces in Europe, Africa and the Atlantic was moved to Stuttgart (US European Command, EUCOM). EUCOM is headquartered there till today.
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