Tübingen is situated in the south-west of Germany, on the Neckar river and at the foothills of the Swabian Jura and the Black Forest. The old centre of Tübingen with its market square and town hall is surrounded by a unique ensemble of historic timber-framed buildings dating from the late 15th to the early 16th century. It attracts many visitors every year.
Tübingen also offers a rich array of cultural and social activities year-round. These include famous art exhibitions at the local gallery, two theatres, indoor and open air concerts as well as archaeological and scientific collections, and the Studium Generale, a public lecture series offered by the university. There are also numerous parks, gardens, and forested areas to explore on foot or by bicycle. With its scenic geographical setting, lively local culture and extensive green space, Tübingen offers its residents an excellent quality of life.
Recreation and social life can be found in Tübingen's restaurants serving local Swabian and international foods, in traditional beer bars and outdoor cafés, or by joining one of the student orchestras or choirs. An athletics programme offers a variety of sport activities to students, and the immediate surroundings of the town provide an inviting environment for outdoor activities such as swimming, cycling and hiking, or cross-country skiing in the winter.