Despite its namesake, Castle Solitude is not some gloomy fortress in the middle of nowhere. Instead, it is a Schloss commissioned by Duke Carl Eugen (1728 – 1793), and a highly striking one at that. Located on an elongated ridge between the towns of Leonberg, Gerlingen and Stuttgart, it provides a wonderful view across the Württemberg lowlands toward Ludwigsburg in the north.

Step inside the Schloss, which was built as a hunting lodge and summer residence, and admire its late Rococo and early neoclassical architectural style. Besides that, it serves as a home to Hohe Karlsschule, a prestigious school for the sons of prominent families from Württemberg. At the northern main gate also lies the Solitude Allee, which leads directly to the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace. Constructed from 1764 to 1768, this 13-km straight line route remains largely intact today. While Castle Solitude may be its name, this castle is anything but solitary.