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Esslinger Burg parking & getting there
Castle car park, public transport, car and the 332-step climb – all travel info at a glance.
Esslinger Burg sits above the old town and is easily reached by train, bus, car or on foot. The favourite way up is the covered Burgstaffel staircase with 332 steps; if you prefer it gentler, take the Serpentine Steige path through the vineyards.
At the top there is currently a free car park (with parking disc); the city of Esslingen has temporarily suspended the parking charge. Alternatively, use the car parks at the edge of the old town and walk up in 15–20 minutes.
Parking & travel at a glance
Four ways to reach Esslinger Burg.
Castle car park (Schönenberg)
The small car park at the top by the Burgplatz is currently free and used with a parking disc. The city of Esslingen has taken the ticket machines out of service (as of October 2026). Spaces are limited.
S-Bahn & regional rail
With the S1 (and other lines) you reach Esslingen in about 15–20 minutes directly from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. From the station it is about a 15-minute walk to the castle.
Bus & old town
From the station and the old town, buses run towards Schönenberg. Stops are well signposted; the rest of the way is on foot via the Burgstaffel.
On foot / Burgstaffel
The 332-step, partly covered Burgstaffel connects the old town directly with the castle. The climb takes about 15 minutes and is the prettiest way up.
Climb to the castle (332 steps)
How to get from the old town up to the castle.
- 1Start at the Heugasse / foot of the Burgstaffel in the old town
- 2Climb the 332 steps of the covered Burgstaffel
- 3Arrive at the Burgplatz with castle garden and rampart walks
- 4Alternative: via the Serpentine Steige through the vineyards (no steps)
- 5By car: drive straight to the castle car park, a few steps to the grounds
Getting there & map
Esslinger Burg, 73728 Esslingen am Neckar, Germany
Frequently asked questions about travel
Is the castle car park really free?
Yes, the castle car park at the top of the Schönenberg is currently free and used with a parking disc. The city of Esslingen has temporarily suspended the parking charge and taken the ticket machines out of service (as of October 2026).
Can you drive right up to the castle?
Yes, as far as the castle car park at the top of the Schönenberg. From there it is just a few steps to the grounds. Spaces are limited, especially at weekends.
How do I get from Stuttgart without a car?
With the S-Bahn S1 you travel from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Esslingen in about 15–20 minutes, then walk up to the castle via the Burgstaffel in around 15 minutes.
How many steps does the Burgstaffel have?
The Burgstaffel has 332 steps and connects the old town directly with Esslinger Burg. If you want to avoid steps, take the Serpentine Steige through the vineyards.