Erligheim: Cherry Orchards, Vineyards and History

Erligheim lies in the Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park and along the Kraichgau-Stromberg Wine Route. The municipality is part of the district of Ludwigsburg in Baden-Württemberg. Those exploring on foot will find paths through meadows and vineyards that also pass through the community orchard in the Vogelsang area. Around 1,200 cherry trees stand there between the woods and vineyards. The orchard is considered the largest contiguous cherry-growing area in the central Neckar Valley. Alongside the vineyard slopes, cherry-growing traditions and local history also shape the character of a stay.

Hiking and the Weinkanzel

The paths around Erligheim lead through meadows, vineyards and the community orchard. In clear weather, the view from the Weinkanzel stretches from the Heuchelberg to the Schurwald. Information about local plants and animals draws attention to nature in the area; there are also seating areas and a small parking area at this viewpoint. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors can choose between a walk through the countryside and the panorama from the Weinkanzel. For families, the information about plants and animals offers a practical reason to take a closer look along the way.

Local History and Culture

The history of the town center dates back to Roman times: a Roman villa rustica from the 2nd century AD once stood there. The original Mainz Wheel can be seen in the town hall. The historic ensemble in the town center includes the Old Town Hall, the bakehouse, St. John’s Church and the Vorderer Kelter. The Old Town Hall was built in 1749 and is a protected historic monument. The Gemminger Kelter was built in 1772–1773 and served as a wine press house until 1952. More recent uses add another dimension to the historic picture: cultural events are held in the Lerchenbergsaal. These sites offer a different focus for a stay than the hiking trails and vineyard landscape.

Getting There and Planning

For rail travel to Erligheim, the stations in Bietigheim-Bissingen and Kirchheim am Neckar are options. Erligheim is part of the Stuttgart Transport and Tariff Association (VVS); check current connections and fares for your journey. The Stromer leisure bus runs through Erligheim between Bietigheim-Bissingen, Löchgau, Bönnigheim, Freudental and the Kirbachtal. As its service may change seasonally or operationally, check current departure times in advance. Bicycles can be carried free of charge on a trailer on the district’s leisure buses. If you are traveling by bicycle, factor this option into your plans and check the current conditions.

More Destinations in the District of Ludwigsburg

If you would like to explore beyond Erligheim, you can include other destinations in the district of Ludwigsburg in your stay. Terraced, steep vineyards along the Neckar and Enz rivers shape the district’s landscape. One example of a themed walk is the approximately four-kilometer-long WeinErlebnisWeg Wunnenstein. Its 60 illustrated panels cover viticulture and winemaking; the route also has viewpoints, restaurants, seating areas, barbecue spots and Wengertschützen huts. The Wein-Lese-Weg through the Schiller town of Marbach and the Bottwartal takes a different approach: it is 35 kilometers long in total and has 15 literary stops along the way. The examples differ both in theme and length.

Discover more destinations: Besigheim, Eberdingen, Ditzingen, Möglingen, Walheim, Affalterbach, Oberstenfeld, Löchgau.

Go to the overarching travel overview: Ludwigsburg.