Reflecting on Weinböhla’s name. It hints at more than just scenic beauty. Weinböhla is a municipality nestled in Saxony. It sits 7 km east of Meißen. Dresden is 17 km northwest of here. Weinböhla is a state-recognized resort.
Imagine Weinböhla in the 14th century. It was a Sorbian Rundling. Its historical core still reminds us of that time. Later construction reveals Weinböhla’s growth. It flourished during the founding period. Recent decades have also shaped it. Two conservation areas beautifully frame the town.
The name “Weinböhla” has an interesting story. It was first mentioned as “Bel” in 1349 or 1350. This comes from the old Sorbian “bela”. Bela means white or light. The sunny hillside and light sandy soils explain this name. The prefix “Wein-” appeared around 1513. This was because wine was grown here. The south-facing slopes had a favorable climate. Since 1692 the town has been called “Weinböhla”.
The old St. Martins Church was likely built in the Late Middle Ages. It stands in the center of town. Like then, the center still has a Sorbian Rundling shape. Settlements later expanded northwards. They formed an extended village.
A severe thunderstorm caused a fire on June 6, 1551. Many houses burned down. The flames rose so high. They were described as a large fiery dragon. This event is number 42 in Saxony’s legends. Johann Georg Theodor Gräße recorded it.
Besides agriculture and wine growing, limestone mining was important. This was between 1793 and 1870. Weinböhla started developing its current structure in the late 19th century. Extensive building happened between 1890 and World War I. The entire upper part of town was built then.
Affordable land and proximity to Dresden and Meißen were attractive. The beautiful landscape and good transport links also helped. Many well-to-do people settled here. Berlin’s Imperial Health Office recommended Weinböhla as a spa.
After overcoming war and inflation, a new town hall was built in 1927. Two new housing estates also appeared. Streetcar service to Dresden started in 1931. Asparagus growing was important in the 1920s and 1930s. Intensive fruit and vegetable growing continues today. Local businesses delivered as far as Berlin.
Since 1990 Weinböhla has been modernizing its infrastructure. The old town center is being renovated. A new traffic concept is being implemented.
The redesigned Rathausplatz offers comfortable accommodations. Leisure facilities and new housing are available. These make the town more attractive.
The Zentralgasthof was reconstructed. Its foundation stone was laid on August 1, 1997. Since 1999 it has been an important event center.
Weinböhla celebrated its 650th anniversary. The town chronicle was published during the anniversary week.
Today Weinböhla is easily accessible. Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe tram route 4 runs here. The municipality covers 19.01 square kilometers. In East German times, it was the largest village in the country. As of December 31, 2023, 10,666 people lived here.
Weinböhla invites you to explore its past and present. Its rich history and beautiful surroundings make it a special place. Enjoy the charm and character of Weinböhla.