Known as the best-preserved medieval monastery north of the Alps, Maulbronn makes a nice excursion from Stuttgart or Karlsruhe (it is reachable from both cities by train and then by bus from e.g. Mühlacker). To me, the unique aspect of Maulbronn was not so much the church (very nice, but not so outstanding), but rather the fact that the whole complex is so well preserved and still looks today like a small medieval village grouped around its church. There are many half-timbered buildings, a village square with a small fountain, and a defensive wall. A visit to Maulbronn won't take long as it is quite small, but is certainly worth it.