Host Nation Update, Feb. 20, 2026
S-Bahn Closure and Construction Stuttgart faces traffic chaos with massive congestion
Starting February 24, not only will the S-Bahn line between Waiblingen and Bad Cannstatt be closed, as well as the Leuze interchange will be temporarily closed. Experts anticipate significant disruptions. Once the railway line between Waiblingen and Bad Cannstatt is closed for a month starting Feb. 24, commuters and visitors traveling to the state capital from the northeast will need considerable patience. The often-used switch to cars is also threatening to become a traffic bottleneck this time, warns the Stuttgart Integrated Traffic Control Center (IVLZ). This is because the construction of the new Nesenbach Canal under the B14 highway is taking place simultaneously. In addition, the Leuze interchange will have to be temporarily closed. However, the final work on the Leuze Tunnel could cause absolute chaos. In recent years, the important traffic hub between the Neckar Valley, Pragsattel, and Stuttgart city center, which sees up to 120,000 vehicles daily, has undergone extensive reconstruction as part of the construction of the Rosenstein Tunnel. However, the work on the junction of the B10 and B14 highways, near the mineral baths on the Neckar River in Bad Cannstatt, is not yet complete. Although the work has been scheduled for the weekend, disruptions are still expected. The B10 between Poststraße and Leuzeknoten going to Stuttgart, will be closed from the evening of March 6, to the morning of March 9. Two weeks later, from March 20 -23, work will take place in the direction of Neckarpark. As a result, “there will be extensive detours,” explains the IVLZ (Independent Transport Authority). This will also affect the replacement bus service provided by Deutsche Bahn. These works have been scheduled for the weekend, but disruptions are still expected. For the final acceptance of the operational technology, additional fire tests will be necessary in the Schwanenplatz, Leuze, and Rosenstein tunnels on the weekends of March 21-23 and March 28-30. Some tunnel tubes will need to be closed at night for this purpose. The work is part of the completion of the Leuze interchange renovation has been planned for some time. According to IVLZ, further postponement is not an option due to major events and other planned measures. Stuttgart traffic experts advise commuters to avoid using back roads. The main roads remain the most efficient access routes to the city center, even though they are restricted by construction. Those who can should work from home or carpool.
Weather in Baden-Württemberg Winter break in the southwest: Sunshine and milder temperatures in sight
After rain, cold, and snow in recent weeks, people in Baden-Württemberg can take a breather from winter – the weather is getting more pleasant. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), Friday offers a first good opportunity for this. Those who want to soak up some sunshine outdoors will have the chance to do so in the morning, especially in the northeast. It will remain dry with temperatures around 8 degrees Celsius (46F) until the afternoon, before the rain returns. The rain on Saturday will move across the north of the state, while the DWD expects a mix of weather in the south. Temperatures will rise significantly, however. Between 6 degrees Celsius (40F) in the Black Forest and 13 degrees Celsius (55F) along the Rhine are possible, according to a DWD spokesperson. Temperatures will rise again on Sunday: The German Weather Service (DWD) is forecasting highs of up to 16 degrees Celsius (56F) in the Ortenau region. A silver lining in the rain: Avalanche danger decreases, “there’s a silver lining to the rain,” says the DWD spokesperson. It’s not heavy enough to warrant thaw warnings. And it means the avalanche danger is decreasing. Previously, the Black Forest Mountain Rescue Service had already announced that the avalanche danger on the Feldberg mountain had eased. However, avalanche danger still exists outside of the secured areas – particularly on the northeast-facing slopes in the summit area and on the Herzogenhorn –. Within the designated and monitored ski area on the Feldberg, there are no slopes at risk of avalanches.
Weekend Tips Carnival Finale, Shopping, and Music
A long week of celebrations comes to an end. But for those who aren’t into Carnival or aren’t recovering from a severe hangover, there are a few interesting events this weekend. The Magstadt Fire Department is hosting its 16th annual bonfire on Saturday, Feb. 21. On the Saturday after Ash Wednesday, a fire is lit to drive away evil spirits and the cold winter. Food and drinks will be available in a heated tent in the field behind the high-rise buildings starting at 5 p.m. At dusk, around 5:30 p.m., a torchlight procession will begin at the fire station. Firefighters in historical uniforms will lead the procession, accompanied by music from the “Grün-Weiß Böblingen” brass band. Then the bonfire will be lit. Later in the evening, the “Funki Bar” will open. Parking is available at the cemetery; access to the festival grounds is closed to vehicles. Also on Saturday, a concert featuring the bands Interference and Lounge Kick will take place in the pavilion in Sindelfingen starting at 8 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Disco, soul, funk, jazz, pop, and rock rhythms – the audience will get a little bit of everything that evening. Browsing the Girls’ Flea Market Those who want to spend the weekend browsing have the opportunity in Herrenberg: A girls’ flea market will be held in the multi-purpose hall there on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories will be available.
Tourism in Baden-Württemberg Number of guests reaches record high
Despite the lack of major events like the European Football Championship: The number of guests in Baden-Württemberg has reached a record high. What role do overnight stays play? Slightly more visitors, but fewer overnight stays in Baden-Württemberg: Accommodation establishments counted 24.1 million guests last year, as reported by the State Statistical Office in Fellbach. This was an increase of 1.5 percent to a record level. The number of overnight stays, however, fell by 0.3 percent to 58.7 million, according to the statisticians. The highest level was recorded in 2024.. The record year of 2024 was partly due to the men’s European Football Championship. The fact that the guest figures for 2025 are so positive confirms the attractiveness of Baden-Württemberg as a travel destination.