By Bardia Khajenoori
USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
Kisses have served as currency during Valentine’s Day week in recent years at several historic sites in Baden-Württemberg. This year, for one day only, couples can gain free entry to 10 different sites managed by the state offices for Palaces and Gardens. On Valentine’s Day, any couple that presents themselves at the ticket booth and smooches their loved one will receive free entry through a promotion called “Kiss Me! In the castle,” (Küss mich! Im Schloss).
The specific offer depends on the site. Two are located in the Stuttgart area:
- Ludwigsburg Residential Palace: Castle entry including a guided tour. Limited tours in English are available at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
- Solitude Palace: Palace entrance including guided tour. These take place every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Limited number of participants.
The other participating sites are:
- Heidelberg Castle: The ticket includes the entrance to the castle courtyard, a tour of the Great Barrel and the entrance to the German Pharmacy Museum and the LEGO museum, but not the funicular railway or a tour of the interior rooms.
- Weikersheim Palace and Palace Gardens: Palace tour including Classic Palace guided tour and entrance to the palace gardens. Access to the “Beautiful Chambers” exhibit is available for a 2 euro surcharge.
- Schwetzingen Palace and Palace Gardens: Entrance to the palace gardens. Entrance to the palace is not included.
- Bruchsal Castle: Castle entry without guided tour and visit to the German Music Automaton Museum and the Museum of the City of Bruchsal.
- Rastatt Residential Palace: Tour of the Beletage, including guided tour and visit to the Wehrgeschichtliches (Military History) Museum.
- Mergentheim Residential Palace: Palace entrance including guided tour. These take place every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Limited number of participants.
For opening hours and more details, visit the promotional page on the State Palaces and Gardens website (in German).