Südheimer Platz
Between water fountains and calisthenics
In summer 2004, Südheimer Platz was redesigned. Before this could happen, the bridge over Südheimer Platz had to be demolished as part of the redevelopment work. The redesigned square area has a size of approx. 7,500 m², which is roughly the size of Stuttgart's market square. As a result, the current three-part square structure with areas for different activities was created.
The meadow area is used as a sunbathing lawn and communal sports area in summer. Right next to it has been the calisthenics facility since 2016. Calisthenics is an intensive self-weight training programme that is carried out in public using bars, poles and other training equipment and your own body weight. The equipment there is the aid for this. At the opposite end are the play areas for small children, which are also meeting points for mums. At the rear is a ball game area with a table tennis table in front. All these areas are used a lot and there is always a lively hustle and bustle to be observed. During demolition of the bridge, the former concrete pillars were preserved and converted into a water feature with attached illuminated cylinders. If you approach the pillars, a wall of fine water mist builds up - a welcome shower for young and old on hot summer days!
The station of the Stuttgart cable car (line 20) is just 200 metres from Südheimer Platz. This unique cable car takes you 536 metres up to the Waldfriedhof cemetery. This cable railway was put into operation in 1929. With its old wooden carriages built at an angle to suit the gradient and their brass fittings, it is now one of the most nostalgic and certainly the most beautiful means of public transport in Stuttgart. A wire rope connects the two carriages and they shuttle each other by transmitting power to each other. In the past, when there was no road connection to the Waldfriedhof cemetery, funeral parties including coffins and wreaths were transported up by cable car. The nickname ‘Erbschleicher-Express’ also dates back to this time.
For a few years now, the Heslach district initiative has been livening up Südheimer Platz with a self-organised neighbourhood festival, the Südfeuer. This transforms Südheimer Platz into the lively centre and living room of the district several times a year! It regularly hosts swap meets, flea markets, cinema evenings and neighbourhood festivals. Located slightly offset from Südheimer Platz is the old Heslach rifle clubhouse. This was built in 1895 by the shooting guild in Heslach as their new home. In 1907, the Schützenhaus was the venue for the International Socialist Congress. According to legend, Rosa Luxemburg, Clara Zetkin and even Lenin were there. Since 2022, it has been home to Mauritius, a franchise chain that operates over 20 locations in southern Germany. Its concept: a summery atmosphere with tasteful lounge furniture, creative design objects, colourful accents and a modern beach house look. On the menu you will find light meals, healthy dishes, bowls, pizzas and our own beach food creations. Opposite the tram stop is the Lievito Madre pizzeria. The sourdough pizza tastes delicious!
