Wilhelmsfeld

Wilhelmsfeld is a state-certified climatic health resort in the hills of the southern Odenwald, between 260 and 533m above sea-level. The surrounding communities are Heidelberg, Schriesheim, Heiligkreuzsteinach, and Schönau. Wilhelmsfeld was established in 1710, when Johann Wilhelm, prince-elector of the Electorate of the Palatinate, granted five farmers from the Steinach river valley the right to settle there. The settlement was named after the prince-elector, but it belonged to Heiligkreuzsteinach administratively. Wilhelmsfeld became independent in 1810, after the region was annexed by Baden. The municipal council includes 14 councilors excluding the mayor (Bürgermeister). The coat of arms is based on a seal from 1818. The coat of arms was created by the General State Archive in 1911 on basis of the seal. The sickle and the handaxe represent agriculture and forestry, the most important industries in Wilhelmsfeld in the 19th century.