The beautiful historical town of Backnang is just over 24 km or 15 miles away from Stuttgart. It sits along the banks of the River Murr, in a countryside filled with rolling hills and fruit orchards.
In 1900, there were about 7,650 people living in this area. Just one-hundred-and-five years later that number had exploded to over 35,000! This population boom has earned Backnang its nickname of “The Metropolis on the Murr.”
The center of the town can be found in the Burgberg and is the site of some splendid old architecture. In the Protestant Collegiate Church, you’ll find some medieval tombs of the Margrave family of Baden.
The Margraves founded another well-known spot here, the Backnang Abbey in 1116. The Abbey served as the seed that would later grow into the town proper in the 1200s. Because of its early beginnings in the 1100s, there are many historians who consider Backnang to be the “cradle” of the Baden region.
History aside, let’s take a look at all the cultural events this town has to offer. The most popular is arguably the annual Straßenfest, or street fair. It is typically held in the last weekend of June, from Friday to Monday.
Food and drink are to be found everywhere during the Straßenfest, which is sponsored by the local cultural and sports clubs. A cannon shot set off from the city tower announces the start of all the fun at 6 p.m. on Friday. This four-day party usually attracts about 100,000 guests!
Another fun summer activity is the Classic-Ope(r)n-Air concert. Set in the marketplace, this festival presents concerts, stage performances, dance and of course, opera for its patrons.
For those who prefer non-performance art, just follow the Sculpture Path of the Backnang Art Group. This road will take you past some interesting sculptures made back in 1987. And don’t forget the Town Gallery, housed in the Tower Schoolhouse. Look inside and you’ll be treated to avant-garde, modern art exhibitions.
