Bertha Benz Memorial Route

The history

In 1886, Dr. Carl Benz from Karlsruhe invented the automobile in Mannheim/Baden (Reich patent 37435) - but nobody wanted to buy it.

It was not until his wife Bertha Benz proved the suitability of the horseless carriage for everyday use in 1888 with her 13 and 15 year old sons, incidentally without his knowledge, that it became a tremendous success - with almost one billion car drivers worldwide today!

Bertha Benz not only paved the way for a new, energetic image of women, but as early as 1888 she demonstrated a skill that even today has not caught on everywhere: Team spirit!

The trip to Pforzheim also only became a success because Bertha Benz spontaneously formed a team together with her sons.

A 194km monument

This probably most successful marketing campaign of all time was in danger of being forgotten. So in 2007, with a small grass-roots initiative, the Bertha Benz Memorial Route was launched as a dynamic monument reflecting the energetic and dynamic achievements of Bertha Benz. Because today, everyone can follow in the footsteps of the great Baden car pioneer.

In addition, the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, as a monument to industrial history, brings the memory of Bertha Benz's intrepid achievement back to the world far beyond the borders of North Baden.

The new holiday route not only links the authentic driving route of Bertha Benz with almost forgotten original locations of her journey, but also leads through one of the most beautiful holiday regions in the world - with highlights such as the romantic city of Heidelberg, the castle garden of the asparagus town of Schwetzingen and the world-famous Black Forest!

The digital route upgrade for the 125th anniversary

In summer 2013, MAQNIFY started to support the Bertha Benz Memorial Route with an innovative concept and to permanently provide all relevant sights along the route with QR panels.

Via our website, which is optimised for mobile devices, all information on the respective sight, as well as the route display on the route are available to all visitors at all times and make the journey on the world's oldest automobile road an even greater experience.

A project with many winners

By installing QR boards at the sights along the route, visitors are specifically invited to stay in the towns and communities on the route. In addition to presenting the cultural and tourist attractions, this also strengthens the local economy. The special focus here is on small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in the gastronomy and hotel industry, which profit sustainably from our offer. In this way, MAQNIFY not only benefits the tourists but also the local economy and ensures an all-round successful experience.

Presentation with recognition value

MAQNIFY has developed its own QR panels especially for the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, which have been installed at 31 sights in 18 towns and cities along the route.

Strong partners

For this project, which is unique in Germany so far, MAQNIFY was able to rely on strong partners who have taken on cultural sponsorship for individual locations and sections of the route. We would like to take this opportunity to say: Thank you very much!

Further expansion

MAQNIFY will continue to expand the digital tour along the Bertha Benz Memorial Route until autumn 2014. All information will then also be available in English.