Etteln: The most digital village in the world impresses with innovations!

Etteln: The most digital village in the world impresses with innovations!

Etteln, a tranquil village in North Rhine-Westphalia with just 1,750 inhabitants, has developed into a pioneer in digitalization. At a time when many rural regions in Germany are struggling to keep up, Etteln has managed to secure the title of the most digital village in the world. This success is mainly due to Ulrich Ahle (62), the IT professional and local mayor, who has been working on implementing this ambitious digitalization strategy since 2012 to stop the migration of young people and make the village fit for the future, reports Bild.de.

The first big step in this journey was the installation of a fiber optic connection for every house in the village. This was implemented with a lot of initiative, so that even the most remote farms had a connection to high-speed internet. Thanks to the “Etteln-aktiv” association, citizens not only have access to the latest technology, but also to an innovative village app that, among other things, offers a digital village pub and a barter market. Around 500 of the 850 registered citizens actively use this app every month. A lively community is promoted here, which also contributes significantly to the village successfully preserving its identity Deutschlandfunk culture reported.

Innovations as life savers

Etteln offers a wealth of digital solutions that make life easier for residents. A digital ride-share bank ensures that people in town can get together better, while an app provides the local electric car. In addition, sensors in the river help with flood warnings, and fire service drones provide live situation reports in an emergency. These intelligent systems have not only improved the quality of life, but also show how rural regions can benefit from technological advances. The village even has a digital twin that analyzes real-time data on weather, traffic flow and water levels to increase citizen safety.

Thanks to the approximately 1.5 million euros in funding invested in the projects, the village underwent a complete transformation. Not only technical solutions are offered, but also free courses and technology kits that help citizens find their way better in the digital age. All of this contributed to Etteln winning the IEEE Smart City Award in Thailand in 2024, ahead of cities like Hong Kong.

Sustainability and community

But digitalization in Etteln is not just limited to the latest technology. The town produces 34 times its energy needs through wind turbines and solar panels installed on the roofs of every third house. This has resulted in residents paying 30% less in electricity bills than elsewhere. The alternative energy supply is a further step towards increasing the quality of life of the villagers and strengthening the community. The seal of quality and the awards show: Where community and innovation go hand in hand, that is where the future lies.

At a time when many rural towns are struggling to survive, Etteln is a shining example of how digital solutions and engaged citizens can ensure that their village not only survives, but thrives. It is clear proof that even in a small town like this, the path to a digital future can be paved if you have the right courage and the necessary initiative, like this Smart City Dialogue underlines.