Boroughs

Hugsweier, on the northwest edge of the city, is Lahr’s smallest borough with around 1,500 inhabitants. In 2014 it celebrated its 1,100th anniversary. The village once dominated by agriculture developed to become a popular residential area following construction of the military airport in the second half of the 20th century. The Schutter River and its two historical sandstone bridges are the main features of the old heart of the village.

Kippenheimweiler lies to the southwest of Lahr and currently has 1,970 inhabitants. It was first documented in 1365. Historically, Kippenheimweiler was always closely tied to Kippenheim and became an independent municipality only in 1805. The village is dominated by its sandstone-decorated Church of the Redemption. In the centre is the chapel of St. Blasius. Built in 1650, it is the oldest building in Kippenheimweiler. In the summer, many people enjoy the local Waldmattensee recreation area – a picturesque bathing lake nestling in the Kaiserswald with large lawns for sunbathing and play areas for youngsters.

Covering 185 hectares, and with 1,480 inhabitants, Kuhbach is Lahr’s second-smallest borough. The foothills of the Black Forest to the north and south, the borough of Reichenbach to the east, and the city centre to the west restrict further expansion. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, life in Kuhbach has its own particular charm. Its proximity to the city centre, as well as to woodland and nature, mean that living in Kuhbach you have the best of both worlds.

Langenwinkel was founded in 1797, and relocated to its current position between 1969 and 1971 due to its proximity to the former NATO air field. Of the 250 inhabitants living there at the time, just over 200 signed up to the government’s resettlement programme. Today, Langenwinkel is home to around 2,000 people in some 600 households, including about 50 so-called ‘Old Langenwinkelers

Mietersheim is Lahr’s oldest borough. It was first mentioned in 762 and developed from an old farming and labourers’ village to become the modern residential neighbourhood it is today. The small church here was built in 1510. The construction of new housing developments has increased the number of inhabitants from 1,055 in 1963 to almost 2,000 people today. The establishment here of the 6th division of the Baden-Württemberg riot police, whose premises are now used as a university training institute for the Baden-Württemberg police — as well as of various commercial enterprises and a retail park — have helped to create a good infrastructure.

Lahr-Reichenbach is a state-approved health resort that sits at the foot of the ‘Hohengeroldseck’ stronghold ruins at the start of the Schutter Valley. To the northwest, the valley opens up beyond Lahr to the foothills of the Black Forest and the Rhine plain. Two romantic side valleys, the Giesental and the Gereutertal, place Reichenbach and its approximately 3,000 inhabitants in a special location, with a delightful and harmonious blend of fields, meadows and forests. From the ruins of Hohengeroldseck, there are magnificent panoramic views over the peaks of the Black Forest and as far as the Vosges mountains. Its well-maintained woodlands make this place an oasis of peace, promising anyone seeking relaxation unique experiences in natural surroundings on gentle hikes along well-defined and marked trails at a height of 190 to 500 metres.

Currently home to around 3,500 inhabitants, Sulz is the largest borough of Lahr. Nestling among woodland and vineyards, Sulz has developed to become an attractive residential community close to the city centre. It has well-signposted hiking trails. The Langenhard is a particularly popular destination for an excursion. From there, the far-ranging views across the Black Forest and as far as the Vosges are magnificent. With a few hours to spare, you can walk the picturesque, beautifully situated Sulzbachtal Valley river path, crossing stepping stones and wooden bridges. The adventure-packed path leads you through the habitats of rare animals and plants. Idyllically situated among woodland and fields is the ‘Naturbad Sulz’ freshwater pool. Its naturally purified water is completely free from chemicals and perfect for swimming and bathing.