Grünwinkel lies in the southwest of Karlsruhe, bordering Daxlanden and Mühlburg. Its origins lie in "Kregen Winkel," a 100-acre farmstead first mentioned in a margravial rent register in 1468. In 1597, just over 100 years later, the estate was described as "Kreenwinckel," a farm and inn. In the 18th century, a workers' colony formed on the former estate, and these workers received 80 acres of land by agreement from Bulach and Daxlanden. From this, an independent village with its own district emerged in 1784. By the 20th century, Grünwinkel's population had grown to 2,022, and it had become a district of Karlsruhe.

Following its incorporation into Karlsruhe, the district underwent further development, leading to a significant increase in population – and consequently, an expansion of its land area. Thanks to excellent transport links, Grünwinkel is easily accessible and offers a variety of recreational opportunities along the Alb River. With the closure of the Karlsruhe-Forchheim airfield and the new Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center, a significant source of noise pollution has been eliminated. A highly valued characteristic is the proximity to nature. The "d' Badisch Bühn" is a dialect theater, renowned far beyond Grünwinkel and Karlsruhe, and thus a unique feature of the district.