S‘ FlädLE and SpätzLE-Trail

The Stettener MTB Trails are a true highlight, built with great passion and dedication. The city of Leinfelden-Echterdingen, together with committed mountain bikers, has created a legal way to enjoy nature on two wheels. The trail names perfectly reflect their location in Swabia: Flädle, Spätzle, and the already well-known Brezel Trail offer not only a diverse route but also a sustainable design aimed at minimizing environmental impact. The paths wind through dense forests, over roots and rocks, providing challenges suited to every riding technique. From flowing berms to technically demanding sections with stones and drops – there’s something for everyone here.

Origins and significance of the trails The idea behind the Stettener Trails arose from the need to provide mountain bikers with a legal opportunity to pursue their sport without conflicts with hikers or environmental regulations. For many years, illegal trails in the region were a problem, leading to tensions between bikers and authorities. To create a sustainable solution, local bikers joined forces with the city and environmental experts. The result: an official trail network that offers both sporting challenges and environmental protection.

However, building the trails was no easy task. Volunteers invested countless hours planning, marking, and optimizing the routes. Great care was taken to use natural features rather than making major interventions. Many sections were reinforced with wooden supports or drainage systems to prevent erosion. Even though the trails are robustly built, their maintenance requires regular care – a task largely undertaken by volunteers.

The mountain bike trails in the forests of Leinfelden-Echterdingen offer a variety of sections with different difficulty levels. While beginners can gain their first experience on gentle flow trails, advanced riders will find technically demanding passages with steep descents, tight turns, and jumps.

The trails extend into the Siebenmühlental valley, enhancing the area for nature lovers and beer garden visitors alike. The region is located between Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Musberg, Stetten, Plattenhardt, Waldenbuch, Steinenbronn, and Schönaich.

However, it is crucial that all mountain bikers follow both official and unofficial trail rules. Unfortunately, I have seen some riders using closed trails. We should respect the work of trail builders and follow the signs. Those who disregard the rules are disrespecting the dedicated people who worked hard to create these trails.

Marcus Wartbiegler from MTB STGT (www.mtb-stuttgart.com) and his team are doing fantastic work here. I briefly met him on the trail and had a chat. His wish: more people actively helping to maintain the trails. Especially after heavy rainfall, the trails can change significantly. In the week before the opening, the team was still busy with repair work. Many people don’t realize that water can drastically alter the ground, exposing roots and accelerating erosion. That’s why we should all show more respect for their efforts. Without these volunteers, such trails simply wouldn’t exist.

At this point, I’d like to remind everyone of a few etiquette rules. Instead of listing all the rules, I’ll focus on some particularly important points:

1. Don’t build new trails. Creating unauthorized tracks not only damages nature but also jeopardizes the legality of the entire area.
2. Avoid trails after heavy rainfall. Soft ground is especially prone to erosion and needs time to recover.
3. Don’t widen the trails. Stick to the designated path to protect the surrounding environment.
4. Don’t lock your rear wheel on steep descents. This last point is crucial for both beginners and professionals. Beginners often do it out of fear, while pros sometimes do it for the spectacle. However, every unnecessary skid damages the trail and requires costly repairs.
5. Communicate with other users. Always be mindful of hikers when using shared paths.
6. Protect yourself and others. Always wear a helmet and, if necessary, additional protective gear. Especially on challenging sections, falls can have serious consequences.

The future of the Stettener MTB Trails The trails have already established themselves as a hotspot for mountain bikers, but there are plans for future expansions. However, such projects can only be realized with the support of the community – whether through active participation, financial contributions, or simply respectful behavior on the existing trails.

And one last important appeal: If you don’t want to actively help, consider joining a local MTB club as a paying member. The trails are free for everyone, and your contribution supports those who maintain them. Only through a strong community can such fantastic projects be sustained and expanded.

My conclusion: The MTB trails are a prime example of a successful balance between sport, nature, and community. Those who use them should be aware of their significance and actively contribute to ensuring their preservation in the future.