Feuerbacher Heide

Hidden within Stuttgart, Feuerbacher Heide whispers tales of history and nature. Before it became a park, Feuerbacher Heide, also known as Frauenberger Heide or Hundsmaul, was a grazing ground. This area, nestled on the northern slopes of the Gähkopf hill, sparked many disputes. Around 1480, Feuerbach, Cannstatt, and Stuttgart clashed over grazing rights. Their boundaries converged near the Frauenberg Castle, hence the name Frauenberger Heide. These disputes, fueled by the complexities of communal boundaries, lasted for generations. A 1574 map, one of the oldest of Stuttgart and Cannstatt, testifies to this long-standing conflict. It wasn’t until 1649 that the disputes were finally settled. Feuerbacher Heide holds a darker past as well. In the 19th century, it served as Stuttgart’s execution ground. After the original site at the Hauptstätter Tor was moved in 1811, Feuerbacher Heide became the new location for carrying out sentences. One notable execution was that of Christiane Ruthardt, a poisoner beheaded there in 1845. Today, Feuerbacher Heide offers a tranquil escape. It connects with the Killesberg Höhenpark, making it an extension of Stuttgart’s Green U urban park system. Along the western edge, the street Feuerbacher Heide showcases architecturally interesting residences. These include the Villa Kahn, the former Villa Levi, and the Wohnhaus Zerweck. These architectural gems stand as reminders of a rich past. Feuerbacher Heide is more than just a park. It’s a place where the echoes of history, nature, and architecture intertwine.