Every autumn, the old town is transformed into a sea of lights that bathes the half-timbered houses and historic towers in atmospheric colours. Historical and modern elements merge into a unique spectacle during this time. In addition to the light installations, the lively culture and the diverse gastronomy offer a rich supporting program. As you stroll through the picturesque alleys, you will experience an atmosphere that impressively combines tradition and innovation. This combination makes the visit a journey through time, both honoring the past and celebrating the present.

Between the historic walls of the Waiblingen Civic Centre, a cultural programme unfolds, kept alive by local and international artists. From the intimate atmosphere of a reading to the pulsating rhythm of a concert, this center offers a platform for diverse cultural encounters. Here, history and modernity merge, with traditional architecture creating the framework for contemporary artistic expressions. In this cultural melting pot you will find inspiration, encounters and entertainment, embedded in the charming flair of one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in southern Germany.

Works of art on and made of paper in all their diversity await you in the Stihl Waiblingen Gallery. From classic drawings and prints to modern visual media and three-dimensional objects, this is where the creativity and innovation of the art scene is revealed. Annually changing exhibitions offer insights into the works of famous artists such as Picasso and Rembrandt, as well as contemporary art forms that reinterpret the medium of paper. This art experience is enriched by the architecturally impressive building, which perfectly stages art and culture in the idyllic surroundings on the banks of the Rems.

The world of STIHL unfolds in front of you on three levels, from the revolutionary beginnings of Andreas Stihl, who changed forestry work with his idea of bringing the saw to the tree, to its status as a world market leader. The spirit of innovation permeates every floor, from historic milestones to pioneering technologies for forestry, landscaping and gardening. A revolving forest cinema and expert insights into forestry will broaden your horizons about the forest ecosystem. This journey through time, technology and nature combines inventiveness with a passion for the environment.

Nestled between the historic city wall and the gentle banks of the Rems River, a world is revealed in which art and architecture enter into a unique symbiosis. The award-winning architectural ensemble, created by Hartwig N. Schneider, includes the Lower Remstal Art School and the Stihl Waiblingen Gallery, both encased in translucent industrial glass. Their elliptical shape and identical height reflect the close relationship they maintain with each other and with the surrounding nature. Here you will learn how the gallery's themes come to life in everyday art school life, a link that is unparalleled in Germany.

History comes alive through multimedia narratives that are acoustically accompanied by the sound of sirens or the ringing of church bells as you wander through time. Two models depict the city around 1700 and 1938, immersing you in past worlds. Iron shackles of the Waiblinger pillory and the oldest preserved organ in Baden-Württemberg connect you directly to history. A whimsical highlight is Remsi, the mummified house rat. These finds, embedded in the oldest secular building in the city, tell the story of how work and life changed from Roman times to the present day.

At the Old Town Festival in Waiblingen, the historic backdrop of the half-timbered town awakens to a lively hustle and bustle. For three days, stalls of local associations and schools, live concerts and impressive cabaret fill the alleys with a cheerful atmosphere. At the same time, the Staufer spectacle on the Alder Island takes you back to the Middle Ages with old crafts, knights' tournaments and hearty food. Above the rooftops of the old town, the high watchtower offers a spectacular view, while peace and nature await you in the city forest. Waiblingen combines tradition and modernity in a unique festival.

From lively world music concerts to inspiring theatre performances, the Kulturhaus Schwanen offers a unique stage for cultural diversity. Here, local amateur art and international professional productions blend to create a rich cultural experience. Whether you want to feel the energy of rock and pop, immerse yourself in the world of cabaret or discover new cultural hybrids, it is a vibrant meeting place for artists and culture enthusiasts. With open stages and diverse events, it is a vibrant hub of exchange and creativity that reflects commitment and passion for culture in all its facets.

Marionettes come to life in a rustic vaulted cellar and take you into the realm of fantasy. Fairy tales, classics and Punch and Judy stories are presented here in a unique way that makes both children's and adults' hearts beat faster. Parents can introduce their children to the joy of traditional puppetry, while the whole family is immersed in a world of magic and adventure together. Perfect for a cultural family outing where the imagination knows no bounds and the fascination for handmade theatre is rediscovered.