How about a journey back in time to Kleinsteinbach? This small part of Pfinztal holds stories within its borders. Kleinsteinbach may be small, but its history is rich.
First mentioned in 1328 as Niedern Steinbach, it was later called Cleinen Steinbach in 1346. Kleinsteinbach has seen its share of turmoil. In 1692, during the Palatinate War of Succession, Kleinsteinbach was plundered and destroyed.
For centuries, Kleinsteinbach was a farming village. Everything changed with the arrival of the railway in 1859. Before that, it belonged to Baden-Durlach’s Amt Stein. Later, it was part of Amt Durlach. Since 1924, Kleinsteinbach has been part of the Karlsruhe district.
After World War II, Kleinsteinbach grew. New building areas appeared and modern infrastructure was built. Kleinsteinbach got a sewage system and a water reservoir. A primary school and a kindergarten were also built. In 1974, Kleinsteinbach became part of the new municipality of Pfinztal.
Today, about 2270 people call Kleinsteinbach home. It is Pfinztal’s smallest district. Kleinsteinbach sits near the border of the Enzkreis and Karlsruhe. The Bocksbach and Pfinz rivers flow through Kleinsteinbach.
While Kleinsteinbach is mainly residential, some businesses thrive here. You can find the Edelstahl Rosswag company and other craft and gastronomy businesses.
Families appreciate the local education options in Kleinsteinbach. There is a primary school and several kindergartens. Near the train station, the Aloys-Henhöfer-Schule offers various educational paths. It includes primary, special needs, secondary modern, and grammar school.
Kleinsteinbach has religious centers. The Protestant Thomaskirche was designed by Friedrich Weinbrenner. The Catholic church was built after World War II. Until 2020, a New Apostolic Church existed near the “Unterm Regenbogen” kindergarten. It then merged with the one in Söllingen.
For events, Kleinsteinbach has the Hagwaldhalle. Smaller sports events can use the school gymnasium. Sports fans might know that the VSG Kleinsteinbach volleyball team plays in the Regionalliga Süd. The ATSV Kleinsteinbach football team plays in the Kreisliga.
Kleinsteinbach is part of the Bertha Benz Memorial Route. It commemorates the first long-distance car journey in 1888. The Pfinztal Sculpture Trail runs along the Bocksbach. Since 2001, it has featured 23 artworks. The Rokycanyplatz in the Ochsenstraße is the heart of the trail.
The Kleinsteinbach coat of arms dates back to the 19th century. It displays crossed silver lily staffs on a red background. This symbolizes the village’s past ties to the Lords of Remchingen.
Kleinsteinbach blends history with modern life. It shows how a village can evolve while keeping its identity. From its early days to today, Kleinsteinbach is a place with a story.