Perhaps you hear the distant, yet distinctive call of a Blue Eared Pheasant. That’s your first clue you’re near the Fasanerie. The Fasanerie on the Fasanenhof in Stuttgart. It is more than just a collection of birds. It is a living piece of Stuttgart’s history.
For almost 250 years, pheasants have graced this land. The name Fasanenhof itself comes from Duke Eberhard Ludwig von Württemberg. He established a Fasanerie here in 1730. Think of it as a royal retreat. Later, in 1783, Duke Carl Eugen and his wife Franziska von Hohenheim added a pleasure palace. This solidified the area’s name: Fasanenhof.
Step back in time. Imagine dukes and duchesses strolling through the grounds. They admired the exotic birds. Duke Friedrich Eugen even built a temple dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers. This area became known as “Floride”.
Today, the Fasanerie offers a glimpse into this past. While you can’t enter the enclosures, the outer areas are open daily. Here, dedicated members of the Fasanerie Fasanenhof association care for the birds.
Meet some of the residents. Max and Paula are the Blue Eared Pheasants. They are always first in line for food. Their loud clucking echoes through the little forest in the Fasanenhof.
If you visit early in the morning or late in the evening, you might spot the young Golden Pheasant couple. During the day, they often hide among the plants in their enclosure. The Amherst hen currently lives alone. The association is searching for a purebred pheasant rooster for her. The Chinese Ring-necked Pheasants are shyer. They prefer the back of their enclosure. But this experienced breeding pair regularly hatches and raises chicks.
The Fasanerie isn’t just about the birds. It’s about community and preservation. The Fasanerie Fasanenhof association maintains this unique urban oasis. They keep the history alive for generations to come.
In 1942, the Fasanenhof area was incorporated into Stuttgart. In 1959, it became part of the Möhringen district. In 2002, a club formed to revive and care for the pheasant enclosure. They continue the legacy of this historical site.
Take a moment to appreciate the tranquil setting. The Fasanerie sits on the edge of a peaceful green space. It offers a shady escape from the city bustle. As you leave, remember the Fasanerie. It is a unique blend of history, nature, and community. It’s a testament to Stuttgart’s enduring connection to its past.