The Schwarz Group with its brands Lidl and Kaufland is Europe's largest retail group – and its headquarters are in Neckarsulm, right next to Heilbronn. Thousands of business travelers, consultants and project staff come to the region annually. But where is the best place to stay when working at the Schwarz Group or Audi?
The Schwarz Group as an Employer
With approximately 575,000 employees worldwide, the Schwarz Group is not only the largest employer in the region but one of Germany's largest private employers. The campus in Neckarsulm is steadily growing – new office buildings, a dedicated data center and the expansion of Lidl headquarters attract an increasing number of professionals.
The demand for external specialists is particularly high in IT, digitalization, logistics and management consulting. Consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG and Accenture regularly send teams to Neckarsulm. Additionally, IT service providers, SAP consultants and project managers are on site for weeks or months.
Audi Neckarsulm is the second major employer. The plant with over 16,000 employees manufactures the A6, A7, A8 and e-tron GT models. Suppliers, engineers and technicians regularly commute to the site. During model changeovers or production ramp-ups, demand for temporary accommodation increases significantly.
The Best Neighborhoods for Commuters
Where should you stay if you commute to Neckarsulm daily? These neighborhoods offer the best combination of short commute times and quality of life:
Heilbronn City Center: The most popular location for business travelers. You can reach the Schwarz Group via the S42 light rail in just 10 minutes or by car in 12–15 minutes. The city center offers restaurants, shops and leisure activities right at your doorstep. TravelSuites offers fully furnished apartments here from 89 EUR per night – most of them located directly in the Rosenberg district in Heilbronn.
Sontheim: A quiet district in southern Heilbronn with excellent access to the A6 toward Neckarsulm. By car, you're at the Schwarz Group in 8–10 minutes. Sontheim offers a pleasant living environment with recreational areas along the Neckar.
Neckarsulm directly: Those who prefer the shortest commute can also stay in Neckarsulm itself. However, the selection of furnished apartments is significantly smaller than in Heilbronn, and evening entertainment is limited.
Böckingen: Heilbronn's largest district offers excellent value for money. The light rail connects Böckingen via the city center to Neckarsulm. Travel time is approximately 20–25 minutes.
| Neighborhood | Commute Schwarz Group | Commute Audi | Light Rail | Rent Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Center | 10–15 min. (car/S42) | 12–18 min. | Yes (S42) | Medium–High |
| Sontheim | 8–10 min. (car) | 10–15 min. | Partially | Medium |
| Neckarsulm | 3–5 min. | 5–8 min. | Yes | Medium–High |
| Böckingen | 20–25 min. (light rail) | 25–30 min. | Yes | Affordable |
Getting There: How to Reach the Schwarz Group and Audi
By car: The Schwarz Group is located directly on the B27 between Heilbronn and Neckarsulm. Parking at the campus is available but limited during peak hours. The drive from Heilbronn city center takes 10–15 minutes.
By light rail: Line S42 runs from Heilbronn main station to Neckarsulm. The Neckarsulm Mitte stop is within walking distance of the campus. The journey takes about 10 minutes, with trains running every 15 minutes.
By bicycle: Between Heilbronn and Neckarsulm, there is a well-maintained cycle path along the Neckar. The route is about 7 km and can be covered in 20–25 minutes. Some apartments offer bicycles or e-bikes for rent.
Audi plant: The Audi plant is located in southern Neckarsulm. From Heilbronn city center, it's 12–18 minutes by car. By light rail, you can reach the Audi-Forum stop in about 15 minutes.
Apartments for Corporate Teams
For companies that regularly send employees to the region, professional providers offer special conditions:
Framework agreements: Fixed prices for the entire year, regardless of seasonal fluctuations. This allows you to plan travel budgets precisely.
Consolidated invoicing: One monthly invoice for all booked apartments – instead of individual billing per employee.
Priority availability: Companies with framework agreements have priority booking, even during peak periods.
Dedicated contact: A dedicated contact person handles all matters – from booking to special requests.
TravelSuites offers all these services and specializes in corporate teams. With a rating of 4.95 on Airbnb and 9.4 on Booking.com, TravelSuites is among the highest-rated providers in the region.
Tips for Daily Life in Neckarsulm
Lunch: Around the Schwarz Group campus, there are several restaurants and bakeries. In Neckarsulm itself, the selection is limited – many employees use the campus canteens. Those staying in an apartment with a kitchen can quickly prepare lunch or take something along.
Shopping: In Heilbronn, you'll find all major supermarkets – including Lidl and Kaufland, of course. For daily needs, every district has at least one supermarket within walking distance.
After work: Heilbronn city center offers significantly more evening entertainment than Neckarsulm. Restaurants, wine bars and cultural offerings are concentrated around Lohtorstraße and Hafenplatz. Find more tips in our Heilbronn City Guide. For an inspiring evening, we also recommend visiting the Experimenta.
FAQ
How many employees does the Schwarz Group have in Neckarsulm?
How long is the commute from Heilbronn to the Schwarz Group?
Which Heilbronn district is best for Audi commuters?
How much does an apartment near Schwarz Group and Audi cost?
Where do consultants working at the Schwarz Group stay in Neckarsulm?
Sources
- Schwarz Group – Corporate Website
- Audi Neckarsulm – Location
- City of Heilbronn – Light Rail
- IHK Heilbronn-Franken
- Schwarz Group – Wikipedia
- Audi – Wikipedia
- Heilbronn – Wikipedia
