Low-emission zone in Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd was one of several German cities to introduce a low-emission zone on 1 March 2008. Within the low-emission zone, an emissions sticker is required for most motorized vehicles. On this page we have a map and some practical information for you. Also look at this list of all low-emission zones if you plan to visit other German cities. An explanation about the emissions sticker and which vehicles are eligible can be read on the homepage.
Order the official German emissions sticker, now for only €13,95 including VAT and delivery costs.
Map of the low-emission zone in Schwäbisch Gmünd
On the map above, the low-emission zone of Schwäbisch Gmünd is shown with orange. As you can see, almost the entire city lies within the zone. In the villages surrounding Schwäbisch Gmünd an emissions sticker is not required. Keep in mind that the B29 and the B298 both lie within the low-emission zone. This route is often used to drive from Stuttgart to the A7. Taking the B8 to Ulm might be a better option if you want to avoid having to buy an emissions sticker.
Parking outside the low-emission zone
Because Schwäbisch Gmünd lies in a valley, it is a bit more difficult to park outside the low-emission zone than in most other cities. You could park at the local swimming pool (A on the map) and from there walk to the city center, but to reach the swimming pool you would have to drive to one of the surrounding villages first instead of taking the B29. Simply buying an emissions sticker is probably an easier solution
Which emissions sticker do you need in Schwäbisch Gmünd?
As in most German cities, it is the green emissions sticker that is required in the low-emission zone of Schwäbisch Gmünd. If you do not have this sticker, or if your vehicle has one of the older red or yellow stickers, you risk a fine of €100.
Where to buy the emissions sticker
If you are a foreigner that wants to drive to Germany, by far the easiest way to get an emissions sticker is to order it online. Your sticker will then be sent to your postal address, which takes anything between two to several days depending on your country of residence. A copy of your vehicle registration certificate needs to be uploaded with your application. You can see example photos of registration certificates from different European countries on the order page.
If you are in Germany already, you can still stop by at vehicle inspection companies such as DEKRA or TÜV where an emissions sticker can be issued as well. Be sure to take your vehicle registration certificate and ask for an Umweltplakette, as the emissions sticker is called in German. Gas stations on the highway do not sell the sticker.
What is there to see and do in Schwäbisch Gmünd?
Photo of Schwäbisch Gmünd by Woody Colorado (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Schwäbisch Gmünd has a bit more than 50.000 inhabitants. While it is not a large city, it has a well preserved medieval city center with a lot to see and do. The Heilig-Kreuz-Münster is a beautiful old church and the half-timbered houses and a small museum are also worth checking out.
Order the official German emissions sticker, now for only €13,95 including VAT and delivery costs.