Varied topography, charming views, diverse cultural landscapes: The Stuttgart Region has a very attractive landscape. Another plus point is the close proximity of settlements and countryside. This proximity provides excellent conditions for nature-based leisure and recreation.
Not only the Verband Region Stuttgart sees it this way, but also the people in the region. Nature and landscape - these are by far the most frequently mentioned answers to the question of what people in the region like best.
A fact that motivates us as the Verband Region Stuttgart even more to secure and enhance these areas. This is why, at the beginning of 2024, we asked citizens for suggestions for improving existing or ideas for new local recreation projects in the broad-based RegioNah campaign with on-site events in all districts of the region. In addition to the general public, local authorities, associations and clubs also had the opportunity to enter suggestions for expanding the range of nature-based leisure activities, increasing the ecological quality and improving the landscape in an online participation map. Over 800 ideas, many of which were commented on, were received via digital and analog channels.
Notes on the participation card
- Information on infrastructure, traffic, danger spots
As part of the Mitmap participation map and the RegioNah events, numerous valuable comments were submitted on infrastructure measures in the broader sense - for example, on missing path connections, the poor condition of cycle paths and footpaths or danger spots on roads.
We forwarded these comments to the responsible local authorities and district offices.
As the region's local recreation concept primarily serves as a tool for identifying and developing specific project ideas to improve the quality of recreation, infrastructure measures were not included in the map - despite their importance for recreational use. We have forwarded specific suggestions for public transport services to the relevant authorities.
- Notes on editorial revisions
Some of the texts relating to the tips and ideas from the participation map have been editorially revised - for example to improve readability. No changes were made to the content.
We have removed information and comments that were not relevant to the actual question.
Proposals of a predominantly commercial nature were also not included in the participation map, as their implementation falls within the remit of private investors.
- General information
Many of the suggestions were of a general nature - for example on local or regional cultural, natural and recreational landscapes as well as on specific excursion destinations. These will be incorporated into a leisure map, which is currently in progress.
800 ideas - and now what?
The evaluation of the submitted project ideas reflects the social needs and interests and forms the framework for action for the future development of local recreation and corresponding investments by the Verband Region Stuttgart.
Eight fields of action could be derived and relate to local and regional natural features of the Stuttgart Region:
- spatial networking - regional leisure trail network
- Local area - residential and commercial areas and settlement edges
- Rivers, streams and lakes - water-related local recreation
- Nature and environment - biotope network and biodiversity promotion areas
- Characteristic cultural landscapes - treasures of the region: vineyards, orchards, heaths and fields
- Characteristic cultural landscapes - Treasures of the region: Forests
- Special natural features - Topography: sport and play
- Special natural features - Topography: Views and panoramas
The summary and evaluation of the ideas received for each field of action will be presented graphically and published towards the end of 2025. Together they form the local recreation concept.
How do the municipalities benefit?
All municipalities were informed about the project ideas and suggestions received for their districts and possibilities for support were outlined.
At the same time, particularly concise and regionally significant project ideas were selected for each field of action, which are now being discussed with the municipalities and stakeholders concerned with a view to possible implementation and support. The Verband Region Stuttgart offers advisory and financial support via the Stuttgart Region Landscape Park program and the associated co-financing.
What else happened?
Workshops with nature and landscape-related associations and clubs as well as the municipalities in summer 2023 and 2024 and an exchange with experts from various fields at the beginning of 2025 served to ensure transparency and reflection (documentation of the regional workshops and the think tank for download) on the entire process. The process was scientifically supported in part by a MORO Regional Parks research project funded by the federal government.
Contact us
- Dr. Christine Baumgärtner // Landscape development
- Stuttgart Region Association
- Kronenstrasse 25
- 70174 Stuttgart
- Phone 0711 22759-74
- Mail baumgaertner(at)region-stuttgart.org
