Vaihingen an der Enz: Old Town, Enz River and Wine

Vaihingen an der Enz combines independent explorations of the old town with paths along the Enz River, winegrowing and cycling routes. Depending on your travel interests, you can explore historic sites, plan a riverside tour or discover wine as part of the landscape and local experiences.

Old Town Walks and History

The StadtRundgänge allow you to explore the old town and the banks of the Enz independently. The town’s circular routes are between one and three kilometres long, with information boards at each stop to help you find your way. This lets you factor the route length into your day’s plans without committing to a guided tour. The Enz circular route starts at the market square and passes the former mill channel and the Upper Mill before reaching the banks of the Enz—a route that brings the river into your exploration of the town.

Vaihingen an der Enz was founded at the beginning of the 13th century and was badly hit by the town fire of 1693. A guided themed tour connects the Enz, Powder Tower, Haspel Tower, church and castle with the poorhouse, St Peter’s Church and Judengasse. Guided tours in the eight districts also focus on the development of their historic centres. If you’re planning a guided tour, check the latest dates.

The Bonbon Museum in Kleinglattbach tells a different cultural history. The exhibition covers 300 square metres and features sweets, tins, production machines and advertising materials. Its timeline stretches from the invention of sweets in the Middle East in the 8th century to factory production in the 20th century. Check the museum’s current offerings before visiting.

Wine Country and Cycling Routes

More than 250 hectares of vineyards and the OIV classification “International City of Vine and Wine” in 1987 shape Vaihingen’s connection to wine. Wineries grow Württemberg grape varieties, mainly on steep and partly terraced slopes in the Enz Valley and on the Stromberg. Wine experiences include a tour of the wine trail, wine tours in Roßwag and a seminar in sensory appreciation. If you’re planning to join an activity, check the latest dates.

The region can also be explored in different ways by bike. The VAI Tour is a circular route just under 50 kilometres long, starting at Vaihingen’s market square and following the Enz towards Roßwag. For a shorter distance, there is a northern variant of 24.4 kilometres and a southern one of 25.4 kilometres. The third stage of the Stromberg-Murrtal Cycle Route runs from Maulbronn through the wine villages of Schützingen, Gündelbach and Horrheim to Vaihingen in the Enz Valley. The fourth stage runs from Vaihingen via Bietigheim-Bissingen and on into the Neckar Valley to Marbach am Neckar.

Hiking and Swimming

Marked hiking routes offer views across vineyards, pass through natural landscapes and lead to historic half-timbered centres. Alongside walks around town, you can choose routes with changing landscapes and townscapes. The Enztalbad adds swimming options: the outdoor pool is a family facility with a 50-metre pool, a non-swimmers’ slide and a children’s area. There is also a sunbathing lawn, beach volleyball, table tennis and chess. The outdoor pool operates seasonally; check opening times before your visit.

The indoor pool has a 25-metre pool and regularly offers aqua jogging and swimming lessons. The swimming hall, kept at 28 degrees, is also designed for relaxation. As operating hours and the course programme may change, it’s worth checking the latest information when planning your day at the pool. When choosing accommodation, you can weigh up whether local history, wine and cycling experiences, hiking or swimming is your main consideration.

The Wider Area: Ludwigsburg

The wider destination of Ludwigsburg offers other independent cultural and landscape themes alongside the focus on Vaihingen. Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is one of Europe’s largest Baroque buildings preserved in its original state. The Celtic Trail connects nine significant Celtic-era finds along a route of around 35 kilometres through the district of Ludwigsburg. At the Celtic Museum in Hochdorf/Enz, a faithfully reconstructed burial chamber, together with insights into the everyday life and crafts of the early Celts, offers another way to discover the region’s history.

Discover more destinations

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Return to the wider travel overview: Ludwigsburg.