A monument 194 km long
From Mannheim to Pforzheim
As much as 126 years ago, in August 1888, Bertha Benz brought mobility to the world without which today's modern life on earth would be hard to imagine.
Therefore, we, the initiators, did not want to erect a static stone monument, but rather a monument that reflects the energetic and dynamic achievement of Bertha Benz.
Being a monument of industrial history, the Bertha Benz Memorial Route will arouse memories of the courageous achievement of Bertha Benz not only within the boundaries of North Baden, but even worldwide, and make it unforgotten
The authentic route taken by Bertha Benz not only links almost forgotten original sites she passed on her way, it also leads to one of the world's most beautiful holiday regions.
With her Motorcar No. 3, Bertha Benz had to use roads that actually did not deserve being called roads. After all, the carts and carriages pulled by horses at the time normally rolled over simple bumpy field tracks. So she followed the dead straight Roman street from Ladenburg to Heidelberg. But also her route from Heidelberg to Karlsruhe followed the "Via Montana", a former Roman street that bequeathed its name to today's "Bergstrasse" ("Mountain Street").
The towns and villages were much smaller than today. Therefore, the few carts passing them went straight through the centres - by-pass roads were not necessary at the time. Shortly before reaching Karlsruhe, Bertha branched off into the Pfinztal valley leading her to Pforzheim, her native town, where she wanted to visit her mother.
For her return trip, she then preferred the route through Bretten in order not to have to go down the steep hills she had had to climb on her way to Pforzheim. From Bruchsal, she drove to Schwetzingen and back to Mannheim, once again following a Roman street for many kilometers near Kirrlach, which still leads dead straight through the forest today.
The second largest Baroque palace complex in Europe, after Versailles (Learn more)
Discover Ilvesheim on a historical tour though the city. (Learn more)
Experience the automobile history as if you would have been a part of it. (Learn more)
Discover the historic footprints of Carl and Bertha Benz. (Learn more)
Start your tour at the town hall in the center of Dossenheim. (Learn more)
From the parking lot to the castle it is a 15 minute walk. (Learn more)
Explore the mining history of Dossenheim. (Learn more)
World famous palace that attracts visitors from all over the world. (Learn more)
Discover the first "gas station" in the world. (Learn more)
Start your tour at the Historic Kursaal Sigel. (Learn more)
Enjoy your stay in Bad Schönborn. (Learn more)
Explore the history of the first service station in the world. (Learn more)
One of many highlights is the famous Baroque staircase by Balthasar Neumann. (Learn more)
The historic watch tower hosts a little museum. (Learn more)
This historic building is now home to a Romantikhotel and restaurant. (Learn more)
Welcome to the district Berghausen of the community Pfinztal: (Learn more)
Welcome to the district Soellingen of the community Pfinztal. (Learn more)
Welcome to the district Kleinsteinbach of the community Pfinztal. (Learn more)
Explore the home town of Bertha Benz from here on foot. (Learn more)
Your starting point for the tour: underground car park 'Löwenhof'. (Learn more)
Your starting point for the tour: car park "Seedamm". (Learn more)
Your starting point for the tour: car park "Sporgasse". (Learn more)
One of the first 'gas stations' in the world at the historic market square. (Learn more)
Visit the tradional Inn with more than 300 years of history. (Learn more)
Your starting point for the tour: city hall Gondelsheim. (Learn more)
Your starting point for the tour: train station Gondelsheim. (Learn more)
Start your walking tour in the center of town. (Learn more)
Explore the numerous historic and cultural sights. (Learn more)
The world famous motor racing circuit offers a variety of things to discover. (Learn more)
The Palace Gardens are one of a kind in Europe. (Learn more)