Speed along the fastlane of Stuttgart
Stuttgart is home to the German success stories of Bosch, Porsche and Daimler-Benz. Founded around 950 as a stud farm, it became a town only in the fourteenth century. Though certainly not the comeliest of cities, it has a range of superb museums, and a sophisticated cultural scene and nightlife.
After almost complete destruction in WWII, Stuttgart was rebuilt in a thoroughly modern and uninspiring style. The city has amazing mineral baths, fueled by western Europe's most active mineral springs. Some of them have indoor and outdoor thermal pools which allows a whole day of relaxation and fun for the whole family.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is an absolute must for car lovers. Getting there is quite tricky though. Take the S-Bahn number 1 to Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, then follow the signs to the museum bus stop at the factory's doorstep. Because of the company's concerns about industrial spying, you have to wait for a sealed bus for the one minute ride to the museum. The earliest vehicle on display in the museum is the Daimler Reitwagen of 1885, the first ever motorbike, which was capable of 12kph. But its Daimler's luxury cars and the machines that are specially designed for world record attempts that steal the show.
The Porsche Museum, is also very exciting. Porsche made his name when Hitler commissioned him to create the original Volkswagen, precursor of the VW Beetle. The vehicles on show illustrate all the company's cars, from the 356 Roadster of 1948 to current models.
Stuttgart has much excitement to offer, from fast lane cars to nightlife that will get anyone - young and old dancing till the sun comes up.
