Rastatt, Germany | Woking Borough Council

History

Whilst the city of Rastatt is first mentioned in the Middle Ages, it was not until the Baroque period that the city began to expand. Many buildings still remain from the Baroque period, a fine example of which is Rastatt Palace, the residence of Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden. It was built between 1699 and 1705, and is a series of large palaces built as a replica of the Palace of Versailles.

Other fine examples are the Rathaus, the Town Hall, and the Pagodenburg, which was based on the Nymphenburg Park Pagoda in Munich and was built in the 18th century.

One of Rastatt's most notable residents was Carl Schurz, who participated in the revolutionary uprising in Germany in 1848 to 1849 and famously escaped from the Rastatt Fortress through the sewers. He later emigrated to America where he went on to become US Secretary of the Interior.

In 1984, Rastatt was awarded the Flag of Europa by the European Parliament/Senate in Strasbourg in recognition of its links with other European cities.

Rastatt has a large meadowlands area - the Rastatt Rheinau Meadowlands. These are ancient wetlands now legally protected to ensure that the wildlife, some of which is rare, remains protected.

Rastatt today

The town has a population of 51,000. The central pedestrian area boasts local shops and rich Baroque architecture. There is also a colourful markets at Christmas and other times of the year.

Places to visit include the Memorial to the Freedom Movements in Germany, the Military History Museum and the Local History Museum. It also has a large meadow lands area - the Rastatt Rheinau Meadowlands - which are ancient wetlands and legally protected to ensure that the wildlife, some of which is rare, remains protected.

There are many sporting facilities, with more than 20 halls available for schools and club sports and indoor/outdoor pools. Nearby are lakes for swimming and diving, whilst white water canoeing can be enjoyed in the town centre at the Schachtelbach rapids!

Rastatt offers plenty of entertainment too, with a large cinema complex, theatre and concert halls. Every two years the town hosts its famous four-day street theatre festival, the tête à tête, which attracts artists and performers from all over the world. On alternate years the Stadtfest (town festival) takes place in the town square with a large stage, abundant beer, refreshments stalls and entertainment to draw visitors from all over Europe.

Links with Woking

Woking and Rastatt became twin towns in April 2001, when, following contacts first made in 1999, the Mayors signed a Charter of Friendship.

Rastatt is also twinned with 5 other towns in Europe, North and South America.

Location

Rastatt is a vibrant city located in South West Germany, bordered by the Rhine and the Black Forest.

The city benefits from excellent road links, as it is on the A5 motorway from Basel to Karlsruhe. It is conveniently close to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport, about 15 minutes drive away, and both Strasbourg and Stuttgart airports (each about an hour away by car). It also boasts an international rail link.

Nearby is the Baden wine growing district which produces Kaiserstuhl wine.

Rastatt, like Woking, is a popular location for businesses because of its excellent transport links. About 1,200 businesses have their headquarters based in Rastatt, such as Daimler AG, car manufacturers of the Mercedes A Class and B Class series, Siemens Building Technologies, Maquet Getting Group, the medical technologists, and Hauraton Drainage Systems.

How to get to Rastatt

Rastatt can be reached by air via London Heathrow to Stuttgart or Strasbourg airports, or via London Stanstead to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden. Flight times are approximately one and half hours.