Pfinztal-Kleinsteinbach

Welcome to Pfinztal-Kleinsteinbach

Named after the river “Pfinz” the community of Pfinztal was founded in 1974 from the formerly independent communities of Berghausen, Kleinsteinbach, Sölligen and Wöschbach (Wöschbach is not on the Bertha Benz Memorial Route). With approximately 18000 inhabitants Pfinztal is the biggest community without town charter in Baden-Württemberg. The community cooperates with several towns and cities on a partnership base – these are Leerdam (Netherlands) and Rockycany (Czech Republic).

More than half of the communities area is under nature and landscape protection. The landscape is quite interesting topographically. Picturesque riversides of the Pfinz, pristine forests, meadows and vine slopes characterize the landscape.

Due to the close proximity to Karlsruhe and other cities the community is fast to reach by car and pubic transportation, and hence a popular trip destination and as well as a living space. Not only the excellent reachability but the tranquil location and the intact community life are the reason for the villages’ attractiveness.

The community is very active concerning the use of renewable energies. Despite the use of photovoltaic facilities on several public buildings a hydroelectric power plant helps to deliver the green energy the community needs. Two wood chip-heating facilities create more then 50% of the heating needed for public buildings.

Trivia

• Kleinsteinbach. With 2254 inhabitant, is the smallest local district of the community Pfinztal. First authentic mention of Kleinsteinbach was made in a document in 1328 as “Niedern Steinbach”. The district then belonged to the castle Remchingen. In 1526 the community got sold to margraves of Baden. During the war against France in 1692 Kleinsteinbach was raided and destroyed. Up till the 19th century Kleinsteinbach remained a peasant community, until the railroad was built in 1859.
• For decades the “Hammer Mill Söllingen”, run by the Krupp company and situated at the border between the two districts, was the largest employer in Kleinsteinbach. Today Krupp is a globally acting stainless steel producer that not only produces parts for the aviation and space exploration industry but clappers for some of the most famous bells in the world. Till today the company remains the biggest employer for the community.
• The famous and renounced architect Friedrich Weinbrenner designed the evangelic Thomas-Church. Since its inauguration in 1817 the church is home to the oldest church bell in the district of Karlsruhe. The bell is names “Michaels Bell”, the bell was cast 1468 and first used in the former monastery Frauenalb.
• In 2001 the “Pfinztaler Skulpturenweg” (Pfinztal sculpture path) was opened alongside the “Bocksbach” (a creek). 23 sculptures by various artists are on display with the Rokycanyplatz (Rokycany square) (Ochsenstraße) at its center. Periodically tours are offered.