On Level 3 of the District Administration Building, visitors can get a concise overview of the region in the northwest of the district. The focus is on varied hikes, exciting bike tours, and enjoyable moments along the Neckar and Enz rivers and in the Stromberg region. A special highlight is the three Old Town audio tours: they allow visitors to explore the historic downtowns of Bietigheim-Bissingen, Besigheim, and Bönnigheim via a digital, audio-guided tour using their own smartphones.

The cycling audio tour leads to twelve exciting listening spots

The 3B-Land also offers an attractive selection for cycling enthusiasts. The cycling audio tour leads to twelve exciting listening spots along the approximately 30-kilometer-long 3B-Land route. The experience is complemented by impressive viewpoints, idyllic river and stream valleys, picturesque vineyard terraces, and species-rich orchard meadows.

“3B Wine Highlights” Gourmet Hiking Day on August 9

A special event recommendation is the “3B Wine Highlights” gourmet hiking day on August 9. This year’s roughly 15-kilometer loop between Bietigheim, Ingersheim, and Besigheim leads to a total of 18 food and drink stands and offers culinary discoveries in a charming landscape.

Information materials to take home

Flyers about the gourmet hike, cycling and hiking maps, event and wine festival calendars, as well as numerous cultural and culinary tips: Information materials about the B-Land region are available at the “Regionales Fenster.” This gives interested visitors an easy way to get started and learn more about the 3B-Land region.

Hours of Operation

The “Regionales Fenster” can be visited during regular business hours on Level 3 of the Kreishaus:

Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

You’ll also find event information and suggested routes there. With STADTRADELN, every kilometer counts—whether it’s a quick trip to the bakery, the commute to work, or a longer weekend ride. Anyone can easily join in as part of their daily routine.

Kickoff Bike Tour to Bietigheim-Bissingen on July 4

To kick off the campaign together, the Ludwigsburg District Office, in collaboration with the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e.V. (ADFC, Bietigheim-Bissingen chapter), invites you to a bike ride from Ludwigsburg to Bietigheim-Bissingen. The meeting point is on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the town hall courtyard in Ludwigsburg. The route covers about 27 kilometers and has an elevation gain of approximately 180 meters. No registration is required. All cycling enthusiasts are cordially invited to join the ride and kick off the STADTRADELN competition together. The tour will be led by Kristin Wagner, Head of the Department of Environment, Technology, and Construction at the Ludwigsburg District Office.

At the destination in Bietigheim-Bissingen, participants can then take part in the ADFC’s 24-Hour Bike Ride. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Gustav-Schönleber-Schule, a special education and counseling center in Bietigheim-Bissingen.

Background Information on STADTRADELN and the RadKULTUR Initiative

STADTRADELN is a campaign organized by Klima-Bündnis Services. The organization complements the structure of the European city network Klima-Bündnis and brings together advisory services, campaigns, and data collection services to support the implementation of municipal climate protection measures. The campaign has been running since 2008 and, last year alone, got more than 220,000 people in Baden-Württemberg on their bikes.

All participating municipalities are supported by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transportation: The RadKULTUR initiative covers the participation fees and provides promotional materials and templates. The initiative’s goal is to encourage more people to use bicycles in their daily lives—for their own health and for environmentally friendly mobility. Through creative campaigns and events, it makes cycling visible, tangible, and appealing.

Expressive sandplay is used to help children who have experienced trauma in their home country or while fleeing find a safe space to process these experiences. The goal is to activate their innate psychological healing abilities and strengthen their resilience. This nonverbal method is particularly well-suited for children who experienced trauma at an early age and have difficulty putting their feelings into words. By creatively constructing scenes in the sand, positive memories can be evoked, fostering a sense of control and self-efficacy.

Practical Implementation

Using a sandbox, various materials, and play figures, the children depict and process their inner experiences. About ten children aged 6 to 13 participate in each project cycle. A cycle consists of eleven to twelve weekly sessions.

Volunteer Facilitators Wanted

Volunteer facilitators play a central role in the project. Each facilitator is paired with one child for the entire duration of the project. Therefore, it is important to be available for all twelve sessions.

Before the project begins, the mentors receive comprehensive training from an experienced trainer. In addition, they receive ongoing support throughout the project and have access to supervision and intervision. Upon completion of the project, all volunteers receive a certificate.

Important Dates

The fifth round of the project begins on Monday, September 21, 2026. The two-day training for the volunteer mentors will take place on Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, in Ludwigsburg. The weekly sessions—except during school breaks—will always take place on Mondays starting at 4:30 p.m. at the District Administration Office.

An information session for all interested volunteers will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at the branch office located at Auf dem Wasen 9, 71640 Ludwigsburg, Room 212.

Registration and Information

Interested volunteer companions can contact the trauma coordinators:

Saba Kulmaҫ

Email: Saba.Kulmac[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de

Phone: 0151-61046038

and

Jessica Sinemli

Email: Jessica.Sinemli[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de
Phone: 0170-3864929

Further Information

For more information, interested parties can visit the official website for “Expressive Sandplay” at www.sandwork.org/de.

Dates

Information Session: July 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Training: September 18 and 19, 2026
Project Start: September 21, 2026
Project End: December 14, 2026

This issue focuses on the town of Walheim. Located where the Enz River flows into the Neckar, Walheim is nestled among vineyards and a natural river landscape. Its unique setting—surrounded by water, vineyards, and nature—makes the town an attractive place to live, relax, and enjoy life.

History That Remains Visible Today

Walheim looks back on an eventful history. With the Römerhaus, the town is home to one of the region’s most significant museums of Roman artifacts. Its Roman past remains present in the town’s character and cultural life to this day, blending with modern, vibrant community development.

Nature, Wine, and Quality of Life

The region around Walheim offers a wide range of recreational activities: walking and biking trails along the Neckar and Enz rivers, the award-winning “Most Beautiful Wine View in Württemberg,” and the family-friendly hiking trail around the “Krokodil” in the Walheim Forest provide diverse nature experiences. Viticulture and regional cuisine further contribute to the high quality of life.

Unique Communities in the District

With the “Discover Our Region” series, the Ludwigsburg District Economic Development Agency highlights, step by step, what makes the municipalities in the district unique. Each municipality contributes in its own way to the region’s economic strength, quality of life, and diversity.

Further information and insights are available at www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/landratsamt-landkreis/wirtschaftsfoerderung/ under the “Discover Our Region” tab or on the District Administration’s social media channels on Instagram (www.instagram.com/landratsamt_ludwigsburg/) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/landkreis.ludwigsburg/).

The warnings are directed, among others, at municipalities, outpatient and inpatient care facilities, schools, daycare centers, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and other institutions. They provide information on the expected heat stress, potential health effects, and appropriate protective measures. At the same time, users are encouraged to refer to the fact sheets and action plans included in the Heat Action Plan.

Heat Action Plan Supports Institutions and the Public

To be prepared for prolonged heat waves, the Ludwigsburg district has had a district-wide heat action plan in place since 2024. This plan contains specific recommendations for action and informational materials for various institutions as well as for the general public. The goal is to protect people who are particularly at risk—such as older adults, those in need of care, people with chronic illnesses, and children—from the health consequences of extreme heat.

Cool-Map Shows Cool Places in the District

Anyone looking to cool off on hot days can find suitable places to spend time throughout the district on the district-wide Cool-Map. The interactive map is continuously being expanded as a participatory project. Residents can add additional cool spots.

The Heat Action Plan, the Cool-Map, and further information on heat and health can be found on the Ludwigsburg District website at:
https://www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/de/gesundheit-veterinaerwesen/gesundheit/hitzeschutz/

Ludwigsburg County Under Significant Consolidation Pressure

The consequences of structural underfunding are also clearly felt in Ludwigsburg County. Above all, the steadily rising expenses for legally mandated tasks are placing an increasing strain on the county budget.

As a result, the district administration has been undergoing a comprehensive consolidation process for years. Through the (Re-)Set 2026 project, which began as early as 2024, numerous structural and financial measures have been implemented. For the 2026 budget, consolidation savings totaling approximately 43.5 million euros were achieved. At the same time, investments were prioritized, projects were postponed, and the annual investment volume was capped to ensure the district’s financial flexibility.

Organizational measures were also taken: Through systematic process management, administrative procedures are continuously analyzed and optimized to use resources more efficiently.

Despite these efforts, the district once again faces significant challenges in preparing for the 2027 budget. With (Re-)Set 2027, the consolidation course will therefore continue. The goal is to keep the district levy stable at 33 percentage points. To achieve this, further savings and efficiency gains totaling approximately 24 million euros must be realized.

Hospitals Exacerbate the Financial Burden

In addition, the economic situation of the hospitals places a considerable strain on municipal budgets. As a co-shareholder of the RKH Hospitals Ludwigsburg-Bietigheim, the Ludwigsburg District bears responsibility for providing effective healthcare and, consequently, for the economic stability of the hospitals.

Most recently, the district had to raise approximately 48 million euros to offset the hospitals’ losses. This amount places a significant burden on the district budget. The planned Contribution Rate Stabilization Act further exacerbates the hospitals’ already strained financial situation. Instead of closing the funding gaps, funds are being diverted from patient care, creating additional burdens. This increases the financial pressure on the hospitals and their operating entities.

“Our hospitals have already embarked on a strict consolidation course, adjusted their structures, and tapped into efficiency potential. This must be acknowledged,” says District Administrator Allgaier. “Further financial burdens would increase the pressure to consolidate even more. We are not alone in this: In Baden-Württemberg, around 73 percent of hospitals are now operating at a loss.”

The District Administrator makes it clear: “The district itself is also under considerable budgetary pressure. Additional deficits cannot be offset in the long term without having to make noticeable cuts elsewhere.”

Nationwide Trend with Far-Reaching Consequences

The strained situation is not a local phenomenon. Nationwide, municipalities recorded a deficit of around 30 billion euros in 2025. At the same time, social spending in particular has been growing significantly faster than municipal revenues for years.

The consequences are already visible in many places: investments in schools, roads, and public transportation are being postponed, while financial leeway for programs in the areas of youth, culture, and social infrastructure is increasingly dwindling.

Clear expectations for the federal and state governments

Against this backdrop, counties, cities, and municipalities are calling for reliable and adequate funding for all mandated responsibilities, a sustainable stabilization of municipal finances, a consistent reduction in bureaucracy, and a realignment of the welfare state.

Furthermore, the principle of connectivity must be consistently applied. New responsibilities or higher standards must not be imposed at the expense of municipal budgets. Those who demand additional services must fully finance the resulting costs.

Capable municipalities ensure social cohesion

“The ‘Municipalities at the Limit’ day of action sends an important signal,” District Administrator Allgaier emphasized in conclusion. “The municipal level can no longer shoulder the ever-growing financial burdens on its own. If cities, municipalities, and counties are to reliably fulfill their responsibilities toward citizens, they need a stable financial framework. Capable municipalities are the foundation of a functioning state. That is why decisive action is now required at the federal and state levels.”

The project will be carried out in two construction phases. In the first phase, the main access road will be built within about three weeks. Subsequently, in the second phase, a traffic light system will be installed on the L 1100 just before the “Steinbruch” tunnel entrance. An additional one to two weeks are scheduled for this work.

The speed limit in the construction zone is 30

During the construction period, drivers on the L 1100 should expect traffic restrictions. Due to narrowed lanes, a 30 speed limit applies in the construction zone. However, a detour is not necessary. On the dirt road “In der Au” between the wastewater treatment plant and the bike path junction leading to the Murr Bridge underpass, increased construction traffic is also expected. There will be no changes to bus service for the time being.

After summer break, access to Häldenmühle from Marbach will be possible again

The temporary access road is intended solely to ensure access to the affected facilities and properties during the construction phase of the Oehler intersection. After the summer break, access to the Häldenmühle from Marbach will be possible again. At that time, access to the wastewater treatment plant, the composting facility, and the community gardens will once again be via Marbach. The temporary access route will then be used by bus lines heading toward Marbach.

The state will cover the construction costs of approximately 470,000 euros. The District Office asks all road users and residents for their understanding regarding the disruptions and restrictions.

A Community Where Everything Is Close By

Affalterbach offers a high quality of life: an elementary school with a teaching pool, good infrastructure, and a lively town center with shops for everyday needs. Over 30 clubs and organizations foster an active community life.

Nature Right on Your Doorstep

Whether it’s Lemberg, the vineyards, or the Buchenbach Valley—recreational opportunities in Affalterbach begin right on your doorstep. At the same time, the excellent transportation links to Stuttgart ensure easy access to the surrounding region.

Information and Insights

For more information and insights, visit www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/landratsamt-landkreis/wirtschaftsfoerderung/ under the “Discover Our Region” tab or on the District Office’s social media channels on Instagram (www.instagram.com/landratsamt_ludwigsburg/) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/landkreis.ludwigsburg/).

The Old Washhouse in Neckargröningen, located in Remseck am Neckar, demonstrates just how labor-intensive laundry was in the past. The former community washhouse vividly illustrates the tools and techniques used for washing in the past—from washboards and wood-fired wash kettles to the first electric washing machines.

The visit is made particularly authentic by museum guide Erika Müller, who, as Neckargröningen’s last laundress, shares many personal stories and memories. Original, well-preserved machines, historical laundry detergents, and numerous exhibits make the museum a special experience for visitors of all generations.

Local History You Can Touch—the Affalterbach Local History Museum

At the Affalterbach Local History Museum, guests are immersed in life around 1900. The former mayor’s house of the Kurz family has been restored with great attention to detail and conveys an authentic impression of everyday life at that time.

Historically furnished living rooms, kitchens, workshops, and numerous original objects show how people used to live and work. The themes of crafts, agriculture, and local history also play an important role. Particularly impressive is the wide variety of exhibits, which come from local residents and have been carefully preserved to this day.

The Art of Distillation and Cultural History – The Swabian Schnaps Museum in Bönnigheim

At the Swabian Schnaps Museum in the Steinhaus Bönnigheim, everything revolves around the history of schnapps distillation and the region’s distilling culture. Housed in a historic 13th-century building, the museum displays historic distillation equipment, exhibits on moonshining, and offers fascinating insights into the cultural history of alcohol.

Museum director Kurt Sartorius not only shares technical knowledge about the art of distillation but also provides social and historical context. Multimedia stations and rotating special exhibitions round out the experience.

Travel reports and videos available online

Detailed travel reports and short videos on all the featured museums are available on the district’s website. The “Musea im Flecka” series showcases additional museums and galleries from the district there.

In addition, a museum brochure provides information about the diverse museum scene in the Ludwigsburg district. It is available at the tourist information offices in the towns and municipalities, as well as at the district administration office, and can be accessed online.

For more information and all travel reports, visit www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/landratsamt-landkreis/tourismus-freizeit/den-landkreis-erkunden/museen/