Fellbach

Did Fellbach always have such a close relationship with Stuttgart? No. Fellbach has its own rich, independent history. Fellbach stands as a testament to time. It’s a town on the northeast edge of Stuttgart. Yet Fellbach boasts a unique identity. Fellbach was first mentioned as “Velbach” in 1121. The name evolved. It became “Vellebach” in 1357. Later, around 1800, it was known as “Fehlbach”. Finally, it became the Fellbach we know today. On October 14, 1933, Fellbach officially became a city. Following World War II, Fellbach experienced significant growth. Its population exceeded 20,000 in 1950. This earned Fellbach the status of “Große Kreisstadt,” or major district town. Fellbach continued to expand by incorporating neighboring communities. Schmiden joined Fellbach on January 1, 1973. Oeffingen followed on April 1, 1974. These additions contributed to Fellbach’s size and diversity. Fellbach is more than just a suburb of Stuttgart. It holds a significant place in the Rems-Murr district. With about 45,430 residents in 2020, Fellbach is the second-largest town in the district. It covers an area of 27.7 square kilometers. Fellbach is located on a plateau between the Neckar and Rems valleys. It sits at the northern foothills of the Schurwald. The highest points nearby are Kappelberg (469 meters) and Kernen (513.2 meters). Fellbach’s northern area extends into the “Schmidener Feld.” Fellbach’s history is intertwined with viticulture. Before industrialization, Fellbach was primarily a wine-growing town. Today, it still cultivates around 182 hectares of vineyards. The fields around Fellbach, Schmiden, and Oeffingen are used to grow grain and corn. Greenhouses once played a significant role in Fellbach’s agriculture. Fellbach is a town of contrasts. Historic half-timbered houses stand alongside modern buildings. The town has a blend of rural charm and industrial activity. Fellbach also has a strong cultural scene. The Schwabenlandhalle has served as the town’s Culture and Congress Center since 1976. Fellbach also has a City Museum housed in a half-timbered building from 1680. The museum showcases Fellbach’s history and houses its archives.