A wild boar between two beech trees. Does this image spark curiosity? This is the coat of arms of Botnang.
Botnang is a borough of Stuttgart. It sits between Feuerbach, Stuttgart-West, and Vaihingen. Let’s explore its story.
Nearly 2000 years ago, Roman roads ran near the modern Forest House. A small pot-making community existed east of the settlement.
Botnang’s first official mention was in 1075. The Counts of Calw bequeathed Botnang to Hirsau Abbey. In 1281, Hirsau sold Botnang to Bebenhausen Monastery. Eberhard im Bart acquired Botnang in 1418. It then became part of Württemberg. Until 1631, Botnang was part of Feuerbach.
The Thirty Years’ War brought suffering. In 1621, Botnang and Heslach had 645 residents. By 1643, this number fell to 210.
In 1765, Duke Karl Eugen of Württemberg built Castle Solitude. It was just outside Botnang’s woods. Many craftsmen working on the castle settled in Botnang.
Before industrialization, Botnang was known for its launderers and bleachers. The woods provided firewood and water. Botnang met the needs of Stuttgart. The south-facing hills supported vineyards.
After Stuttgart became an automotive city, Botnang merged into its commuter belt. The surrounding woods remain a conservation area. This limits Botnang’s growth. On April 1, 1922, Botnang joined Stuttgart. In 1925, Botnang had 4579 residents. By 2006, it had about 13,000.
Botnang was part of Feuerbach’s parish until the 15th century. In 1483, it became independent. It established its own rectory. The town embraced the Reformation in 1530. Botnang’s oldest birth register dates back to 1558.
Botnang was affiliated with Feuerbach until 1631 politically. On April 1, 1922, Botnang officially became part of Stuttgart.
Until 1942, Castle Solitude remained under Gerlingen’s jurisdiction. On April 1, 1942, the palace was incorporated into Stuttgart. It was redesignated to the District of Botnang.
In 1956, Stuttgart divided into city districts. Solitude residences became part of Stuttgart-West. Botnang became an independent urban district on January 1, 2001.
The District of Botnang remains an individual urban district. It operates under Stuttgart’s overall jurisdiction.
The Auferstehungskirche stands on a hill above Eltinger Straße. It symbolizes old Botnang. It is often featured on postcards. The church was completed in 1954. It was built on the site of the old village church.
Every summer, A.R.G.E. Botnang organizes a street festival. It happens on the streets along Marktplatz, Griegstraße, and Franz-Schubert-Straße. It is the last Saturday before summer school holidays.
A.R.G.E. also hosts an annual Christmas Market. It takes place on the Saturday before the first Advent.
The Lantern Procession occurs in mid-October. It attracts up to 800 people. The procession winds through Botnang’s decorated old town. It culminates in a bonfire near the sports hall.
Jürgen Klinsmann, former German national football team manager, grew up in Botnang. His family ran the Klinsmann bakery. Ulf Merbold, the first West German astronaut, is also from here. Gerda Herrmann, a poet and composer, has lived in Botnang since the 1960s.
So, remember Botnang. A place with Roman roots, a cuckoo legend, and a wild boar on its crest. A place where tradition meets the modern world.