Once upon a time, the people of Degerloch were known to be headstrong. Degerloch stands proudly, a district of Stuttgart with a unique tale. This is a story that stretches back centuries. It involves knights, vineyards and a soaring tower that changed city skylines forever.
Degerloch’s roots trace back to the 8th century. A settlement nestled on the northern edge of the Filder plateau marked its humble beginning. Around 1100, history books first mentioned Degerloch. A knight gifted the area to Hirsau Monastery. Agriculture and wine growing were the mainstays of life here. The slopes proved perfect for vineyards. Unusually, many residents were sock and silk weavers.
The 19th century brought transformation. Degerloch became a popular mountain air spa. Stuttgart’s wealthy industrialists built summer homes and villas. The “Zacke,” a cogwheel train, arrived in 1884. Also, the Neue Weinsteige road was built in the 19th century. These transport links spurred growth. Degerloch became a desirable place to live. Haigst and Hoffeld emerged as residential areas because of this expansion.
Degerloch avoided heavy industrialization. Many long-established craft businesses moved to the Tränke industrial area in the 1980s. They left the old town center.
Now, let’s turn our gaze upward to Degerloch’s most iconic landmark. The Stuttgart TV Tower stands tall on the Bopser. Fritz Leonhardt and Erwin Heinle designed it. This 217-meter-high tower weighs 4,500 tons. Since its opening in 1956, it has been a model for TV towers worldwide.
Local radio station Südwestdeutscher Rundfunk has broadcasting studios at 150 meters. A restaurant and observation decks also offer fantastic panoramic views of Stuttgart.
Let’s not forget another notable place. The Waldfriedhof cemetery was built just before World War I. Theodor Heuss, Arnulf Klett and Paul Bonatz are among the famous figures buried here.
One last fascinating detail. Degerloch was suburbanized after Stuttgart in 1908. Yet, it has maintained its independence “up on the mountain” to this day. From its early days as a wine-growing village to its modern status as a sought-after residential area, Degerloch remains special. Its history is etched into its streets, buildings and the spirit of its people. This blend makes Degerloch more than just a district. It is a testament to time, change and enduring character.