The River Enz, which flows through the district from Roßwag to Besigheim, has been very popular with recreationists for many years. It is still very pristine and natural in large parts. With its sensitive areas, it is a designated NATURA 2000 area (FFH and bird sanctuary Enztal near Mühlhausen, Strohgäu and lower Enztal). The ordinance of April 25, 2006 already restricted the exercise of so-called public use in the district of Ludwigsburg to protect nature and regulated behavior on and along the River Enz. This was necessary at the time in order to ensure that canoeing on the River Enz was compatible with nature. The primary objective - nature compatibility - was guaranteed through regulated canoeing, closure of the most sensitive area near Roßwag from 1 May to 30 September and signposted entry and exit points.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, however, the recreational pressure on and along the Enz has changed dramatically. Riding on inflatable boards on the water (stand-up paddling) has become a trend sport and has ensured that the Enz is highly frequented.
For the most part, board users do not adhere to the requirements of the previous Enz regulation (VO), such as the use of fixed entry and exit points or the water level regulation, according to which the Enz may only be used under certain conditions above a certain water level. Standing on the board triggers increased flight reactions in the birds. This creates a potential for disturbance that significantly impairs important habitats such as breeding, resting and wintering areas for water-bound bird species.
Between March 1 and September 30: stand-up paddling only in designated zones
Deterioration is prohibited in NATURA 2000 areas. For this reason, the regulations of the Enz-VO have been adapted. The local authorities along the River Enz fully support these changes.
One major change will be that between March 1 and September 30, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) may only be used on the Enz in the designated zones in Bietigheim-Bissingen and Vaihingen/Enz. Canoes and other boats may continue to be used on the Enz as before.
Furthermore, the section in Roßwag that requires special protection may not be used at all during the same period (i.e. not even with canoes or other boats). Previously, this regulation only applied
from May 1st. Due to the early breeding season and new species occurrences in this area, the period had to be extended.
District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier has issued the amending ordinance regulating public use of the River Enz. The ordinance comes into force on August 30, 2024. Appropriate signs will be placed at the entry and exit points.
Citizens can also find out more on the Ludwigsburg district website and via a newly published leaflet, which is available at the Ludwigsburg district office and in the municipalities bordering the River Enz: https://www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/de/umwelt-technik-klimaschutz/umwelt-und-naturschutz/wasser-und-abwasser/bootsfahren-auf-der-enz/
The district of Ludwigsburg asks recreationists along and on the River Enz to behave in accordance with the new regulations in order to continue to protect and preserve biodiversity.
The new regulations in brief:
In the period from March 1 to September 30
- it is not permitted to use the River Enz from the district boundary at Roßwag to the footbridge at the Alter Badplatz in Vaihingen with small vehicles without their own propulsion (e.g. canoes, boats, SUPs, water bikes, etc.);
- it is not permitted to use the entire River Enz in the district of Ludwigsburg with small vehicles without their own propulsion, which are generally operated in an upright position (e.g. SUPs, water bikes, etc.);
The following areas are exempt from this:
a.) In the district of Vaihingen/Enz, riding stand-up paddle boards is permitted in the inner-city area between the pedestrian footbridge at Alter Badplatz and the weir of the T 30 power plant, Enzgasse (SUP zone 1).
b.) In the Bietigheim-Bissingen district, stand-up paddling boards are permitted between the entrance to the bathing area at the viaduct and the Wobachsteg (SUP zone 2).
