Kletterwald Plochingen: by S-Bahn, but cash only

For the Stuttgart area, Kletterwald Plochingen is one of the easiest to reach: a good twenty kilometres east of the city in the Neckar valley, on the S-Bahn. Coming from Stuttgart, you do not need a car.

From age three

Entry from three is rare. Three dedicated kids' courses are there for the three- to five-year-olds, two hours for 15 €. From six to 13 an accompanying adult is required, looking after at most two children; from 14 you climb alone with a signed consent form.

The state family pass is accepted

Families of four or more, or holding the Landesfamilienpass, get 3 € off per person – as do students, apprentices, senior citizens, people with disabilities and groups of ten or more. The discounts cannot be combined, but for a family of four that is 12 € in one afternoon. The regular day rate is 31 € for adults, 28 € for teenagers and 26 € for children from six.

Night climbing for 35 €

It is part of the regular offer, not a special event: 35 €, the head torch 3 € extra. Compared to the day rate that is 4 € more for a completely different experience.

Before you set off: bring cash

The one thing you really should know: the park takes cash only. No card, no app. Schools can pay by invoice in advance; for everyone else, bring cash before you leave – the nearest cash machine is not in the forest.