Mettenberg Beaver Trail

Mettenberg, formerly an independent municipality, was incorporated into the city of Biberach in 1975, but retained its autonomy in important matters through its local administration and village council.

Early History

• First documented mention in 1258 as “Metenberc”
• Presumed to have been founded in the 9th/10th century, originating from Warthausen
• By 1275, Mettenberg was already referred to as a parish
• In 1282, local nobles were mentioned for the first time: Egolof de Mettenberg and his wife Adelhaid

Feudal Affiliation

• Belonged to the Warthausen domain until 1819
• In 1331, the Warthausen domain passed to the Habsburgs, meaning Mettenberg belonged to Further Austria until 1806
• In 1806, the Warthausen domain fell to the Kingdom of Württemberg
• In 1819, Mettenberg became an independent municipality in the Kingdom of Württemberg

Ownership and Development

• In the 13th century, the Biberach Hospital and Heggbach Abbey held property in Mettenberg
• In 1304, Salem Abbey acquired estates from Heggbach Abbey
• In 1353, 20 households (approx. 120 people) were recorded
• The population lived primarily from agriculture

Wars and Conflicts

• During the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), Mettenberg suffered greatly from the plague, famine, and raids
• During the French Wars of 1796–1812, the village was once again devastated
• Thirteen residents of Mettenberg were killed in World War I, and seventeen in World War II

Modern Development

• Late 19th/early 20th century: Introduction of modern technology (water supply, electrical grid, street lighting)
• From the 1960s onward: Major structural changes in agriculture
• 1963–1973: Development of new residential areas
• 1975: Incorporation into Biberach as part of municipal reform
• 2008: 750th anniversary celebration
• 2017: Inauguration of the new gymnasium and festival hall
• In 2022, Mettenberg received the silver medal in the village competition “Our Village Has a Future” (Link to the Mettenberg film)
• Today, Mettenberg has approximately 1,194 residents and is a district of Biberach an der Riß
• Mayor: Christoph Kapfer

• The new town hall was built in 1969. A farm previously stood on the same site, and where the village well with drinking water is located today was the old “Stande.” That was the name given to the cattle trough, which all local farmers were allowed to use for their livestock.
• In 2020–2021, the main road through the village was renovated and a village square was created.
• For its sustainable village design and active community life, Mettenberg will be awarded the silver medal in 2022 by Peter Hauck, Minister for Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection, as part of the “Our Village Has a Future” competition.