A vantage point with history: the Birkenkopf grew by 40.2 metres between 1953 and 1957, when more than 15,000,000 cubic metres of rubble from the 53 air raids of the Second World War were deposited on its summit. If you look closely, you can still see remains of facades of destroyed buildings on the summit - hence the mountain is popularly known as "Monte Scherbelino". A plaque attached to the rubble reminds you of its origin with the inscription: "This mountain, piled up from the ruins of the city after the Second World War, stands as a memorial to the victims, and as a reminder to the living".
At 511 metres, the Birkenkopf is the highest point in the inner city (almost 300 metres higher than the Neckar!) and offers a fantastic view over Stuttgart. On a clear day you can also see the Strohgäu, the Black Forest, the Wartberg near Heilbronn, the Neckar valley, the Swabian Forest and the Swabian Alb.
