Established in 1975 with the merging of several boroughs, Ostfildern sprawls across a fertile plateau south-east of Stuttgart. It has long been a centre for printing and publishing and was home to the U.S. Army between 1945 and 1992, who operated a barracks at the now redeveloped Scharnhauser Park.
Things to do in Ostfildern
South of Ostfildern is Scharnhausen, which was built in 1784 by Duke Karl Eugen von Württemberg for his future wife, Franziska von Hohenheim. Designed in a Classical style, it is fronted by four Ionic columns with a triangular gable inscribed with the words "Carolus Otio”. Surrounding the palace is an English-style parkland featuring landscaped flower beds and the ornate “Temple of Love”.
One of Ostfildern’s most impressive feats of engineering is the Körsch Viaduct, which spans the River Körsch near Nellingen. Constructed in the 1990s by incremental launch, it extends 724 metres and rises to 55 metres above the valley below. You can marvel at the Körsch Viaduct from beneath its whitewashed expanse or enjoy the views from above while cycling along its bike lane.
In the nearby town of Denkendorf is a beautiful old monastery with origins dating from the 12th century. It was destroyed by fire during the 14th-century war between Württemberg and the Swabian League of Towns and was used briefly as a mustard factory in the late 19th century. You can experience the tranquility of Denkendorf Monastery’s church before learning about the theologian Johann Albrecht Bengel in the small memorial exhibition.
Getting around Ostfildern
Ostfildern is 10 minutes’ drive from Esslingen and 20 minutes from Stuttgart. Stuttgart Airport is 15 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. U-Bahn services stop at stations dotted throughout Ostfildern and buses travel through the town.