Medicinal plant garden in the Botanical Garden of Hohenheim with various medicinal herbs and plants

University Of Hohenheim

University of Hohenheim Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Stuttgart Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The University of Hohenheim, located in Stuttgart’s southern Plieningen district, stands as the city’s oldest university and a prominent historical and academic landmark. Founded in 1818 as a direct response to famine, it blends centuries of educational excellence with striking Baroque architecture and expansive botanical gardens. Today, it’s not only a hub for research and international collaboration but also a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore Stuttgart’s cultural and historical heritage. This guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, campus tours, key attractions, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your visit (University of Hohenheim Campus Guide; Studying in Germany).

Atropa belladonna plant with green leaves and berries in Alkaloid Garden Hohenheim Botanical Garden

Book cover and table of contents of Ursula Thermann's thesis on breeding Karakul sheep in Germany

Gustav Walz, director of the Agricultural Academy Hohenheim, with his colleagues

Scenic view of Hohenheim Botanical Garden with lush green trees and well-maintained pathways

Fragrant flowers of Chinese bluebell tree in the Arboretum of Hohenheimer Gardens

Aerial view of Kleinhohenheim estate in Stuttgart with historical buildings surrounded by green fields

University of Hohenheim campus building and Mensa in Stuttgart-Hohenheim with Schlosspark

Idyllic agricultural research station of the University of Hohenheim used for ecological farming

Aerial view of Schloss Kleinhohenheim and surrounding buildings in Stuttgart

Historical black and white photo of Kleinhohenheim Stuttgart with laundry hanging outside

Cover and table of contents of Dariousch Mehdi's 1972 dissertation on subjective and objective criteria for quality and usage of lambskins and examination of lambskin qualities in various crossbreeds for lamb meat production

University of Hohenheim Schloss side wing

University of Hohenheim campus buildings with greenery

Historical Context and University Significance

Foundation and Early Mission (1818–Mid-19th Century)

The University of Hohenheim was established by King Wilhelm I of Württemberg to advance agricultural knowledge and address food security challenges following the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora. Its first home was the late-Baroque Hohenheim Palace, constructed in the late 1700s by Duke Carl Eugen von Württemberg, and the campus quickly became a center for agricultural innovation (studying-in-germany.org; uni-hohenheim.de).

Academic Expansion and Modernization

By the late 19th and 20th centuries, the university had broadened its academic focus to include economics and natural sciences. It played a pioneering role in agricultural chemistry and plant sciences and was among the first to support women in scientific fields. Post-World War II, the university underwent significant development, adding the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, and today offers a broad range of interdisciplinary Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs (mygermanuniversity.com; timeshighereducation.com).

Campus Architecture and Garden Highlights

The campus is centered around the stately Hohenheim Palace, a prime example of late-Baroque architecture. Surrounding it are the Hohenheim Gardens—one of Germany’s largest university gardens, spanning over 30 hectares with more than 3,000 plant taxa. The gardens are open to visitors year-round, offering tranquil walking paths, themed botanical sections, and the renowned Landesarboretum Baden-Württemberg (en.wikipedia.org).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Gardens: Open daily from dawn to dusk, no ticket required.
Hohenheim Palace: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM). Closed Mondays and some holidays. Some areas are restricted to university use.
Museums: The German Agricultural Museum, Museum of the History of Hohenheim, and Museum of Zoology operate on varying schedules. Check the official visitor page for current hours.
Tickets: Entry to gardens is free. Adult tickets for palace tours are €5; discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Museums may charge €4 or accept donations for special exhibitions.
Accessibility: Most paths and buildings are wheelchair accessible, with paved walkways and ramps. Some historic sections may have limited access; visitors with mobility needs can contact the university for assistance.
Location: Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599 Stuttgart. Easily reached by the U3 light rail (Plieningen Garbe stop), buses, and is about 5 km from Stuttgart Airport. Parking is available but limited (Stuttgart Tourist).

Key Attractions and Visitor Experiences

Hohenheim Palace

The palace’s elegant exterior and gardens are accessible to all visitors, while guided tours (offered on weekends and holidays or by appointment) delve into its historical interiors and university heritage (Spotting History).

Botanical and Exotic Gardens

Explore diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and the arboretum. The Exotic Garden is especially notable for ancient trees and meandering streams. Spring and summer visits offer the most vibrant displays (Stuttgart Tourist - Botanical Garden).

Museums

German Agricultural Museum: Chronicles the development of German agriculture with interactive displays.
Museum of the History of Hohenheim: Explores the estate’s and university’s evolution.
Museum of Zoology: Features animal specimens supporting research and education (University of Hohenheim – Museums).

Guided and Virtual Tours

In-person campus tours require advance booking, especially for groups. Virtual tours and video guides are available on the university website for remote visitors (University of Hohenheim - Campus Tours).

Facilities, Amenities, and Accessibility

Restrooms: Located in main buildings and near garden entrances.
Dining: On-campus cafeterias (Mensa) and cafés serve affordable meals; nearby Plieningen offers additional dining options.
Shops: University shop with souvenirs and branded merchandise.
Wi-Fi: Available in most campus areas.
Language: Most staff speak English, and signage is bilingual in key areas.
Visitor Assistance: The Student Counselling Center and visitor services provide guidance in English and German (University of Hohenheim - Contact).

Accommodation and Nearby Services

On-Campus: Limited guest rooms for visiting scholars and conference attendees.
Nearby: Plieningen and Stuttgart Airport area offer hotels, B&Bs, and hostels. Student housing is available for longer stays, primarily for international guests (HowToAbroad).
Cost: Living expenses in Stuttgart average €749/month; student housing is €250–€350/month.

Special Events and Conferences

The university hosts a variety of academic conferences, public lectures, and cultural events, including the European Historical Economics Society Conference in September 2025 (EHES Conference 2025). Annual open days and info events welcome tourists and prospective students (University of Hohenheim – Get to Know Hohenheim).

Accessibility and Transportation

The campus is about 10 km from Stuttgart city center, easily reached via public transport. The grounds are largely accessible, though visitors with specific needs should confirm building access in advance. Parking is limited; public transport is recommended (University of Hohenheim – Campus).

Visitor Tips

Best Time: Spring and summer for gardens; palace/museums open year-round.
Guided Tours: Book in advance for best availability; English tours offered.
Dress Comfortably: Wear suitable footwear for exploring extensive gardens.
Photography: Allowed outdoors and most public spaces; check signage indoors.
Respectful Conduct: Remain quiet near academic spaces; avoid restricted research areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit the gardens or palace?
A: Gardens are free; palace and museum tours require tickets, available onsite or online.

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Gardens: dawn to dusk daily. Palace: Tue–Sun, 10:00–17:00. Museums: check schedules online.

Q: Is the campus accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes, most main paths and buildings are accessible; some historical areas may have limits.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, for both the campus and palace; advance registration recommended.

Q: Can I combine my visit with other Stuttgart attractions?
A: Absolutely—Mercedes-Benz Museum, Wilhelma Zoo, and Stuttgart’s city center are nearby (The Crazy Tourist).

Summary and Call to Action

The University of Hohenheim invites visitors to experience a unique blend of history, science, and natural beauty. With its Baroque palace, vibrant botanical gardens, and rich academic tradition, it stands as a highlight among Stuttgart’s historical sites. Plan ahead by checking current hours and tour availability, and consider downloading the Audiala app for audio guides and real-time updates. For more information and to book your visit, refer to the university’s official website or the Stuttgart tourist portal.