“Ever been to a place that was almost entirely rebuilt?” I ask as we gather before Stuttgart-Vaihingen. This area, now a blend of residential comfort, education, and technological advancement, has a story etched in its very foundations.
Let’s dive into what makes Vaihingen special. Once upon a time around 1100, Vaihingen was the property of the Duke of Calw. Fast forward to the early 19th century and it became part of the Kingdom of Württemberg. Back then, it was a small place with only about 1,300 people.
Did you know that Stuttgart-Vaihingen is the second largest municipality of the state capital? It also has the largest surface area, measuring 2,089 hectares. In 1936, Vaihingen joined with Rohr. Since then, it has grown into Stuttgart’s largest district by area.
Vaihingen became a convenient traffic intersection thanks to the rail track towards Horb and the Filderbahn. This allowed rapid development in trade and population, and many firms settled here.
Vaihingen suffered extensive damage during World War II. The district was quickly rebuilt. This rapid reconstruction shaped much of what we see today.
Today, Stuttgart-Vaihingen is a popular place to live, work, and learn. It’s easy to get around. There are convenient connections to public transport, regional roads, and the airport.
Since 1957, the University of Stuttgart has developed the Campus Pfaffenwald. The Institute der Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft later joined the area. The Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, the Hochschule Druck und Medien, and the Bildungszentrum der Telekom came too.
The city emblem of Vaihingen displays a broken wagon wheel. It is from St. Katharina, the patron saint of the city infirmary in Esslingen.
Stuttgart-Vaihingen station opened in 1879. It made the area an important hub. The station has been rebuilt between 1980 and 1985 as part of the extension of the S-Bahn.
Parks and gardens make Stuttgart-Vaihingen a summer delight. Visit the Stadtpark where a zigzagging path runs between grassy mounds that resemble a golf course. Sit next to one of the two scenic lakes and admire the landscaped gardens.
The transformation from trade and industry to a service provision site has been significant in recent years. The fast development in the Stuttgarter Engineering Park proves this.
So, as you explore Stuttgart-Vaihingen, remember its journey. From its early mentions to its reconstruction after the war, Vaihingen has become the modern hub we see today. It is a place of learning, a center for technology, and a popular residential area. It is a district with a rich past and an exciting future.