Updated on March 7, 2024 by Angelika
For 12 of 12, I am once again exploring a city that I don't know yet. Although Rottweil is only 70 km away from my home town Sindelfingen, I've never been here before. Yet it is the oldest town in Baden-Württemberg - founded by the Romans in 73 AD as the military base Arae Flaviae. It is also a stronghold of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival. Since 2017, Rottweil has been home to the tallest elevator test tower in Europe - Thyssen-Krupp erected it just outside the city gates.
After a leisurely breakfast at home, I set off and arrive in Rottweil at around 11:30. On the way, I hear on the radio that the farmers want to go on the barricades in Rottweil today. Well, I've picked the right day for my excursion. But I stick to my plans anyway!
Originally, I wanted to go to the test tower first and then into town. When I reach Rottweil, however, there is still a lot of fog hanging between the hills, so I decide to see the old town first and then, hopefully with better visibility, tackle the test tower in the afternoon.
I park my car in P6 in Stadtgrabenstraße - a good choice. Parking costs just 2 euros for four hours and I can walk to the Black Gate in just a few minutes.
The main street is Rottweil's parlor with picturesque old houses, many of which have beautifully decorated bay windows. But first I walk through the gate and uphill to the Hochturm (literally: high tower).
Unfortunately, the tower is covered in scaffolding. To enjoy the panoramic view of the Neckar valley, Swabian Alb and Black Forest foothills from the tower, you have to pick up the key from the tourist information office next to the Old Town Hall. I don't do this because it's still foggy and I want to go up the test tower later anyway. A thin blanket of snow has transformed the park around the tower into a magical winter wonderland.
From up here, I can also see the TK test tower, which sticks out of the landscape behind the houses like a giant finger.
I go back into town and have a look at the cathedral. In the meantime, the protesting farmers have arrived in Rottweil. The honking of the tractors contrasts with the tranquillity of the town.
I think the inside of the cathedral is also very beautiful. It was completely renovated a few years ago, which was obviously worthwhile.
I make my way to the Dominican church, but the farmers are honking their tractors as they drive along the street Kriegsdamm, which I have to cross to get to the church. A few passers-by wave to them. I wonder how I will get out of the city later, and whether I will even make it to the test tower.
A tractor stops for me so that I can cross the road - I think that's very nice of the driver.
I walk back to the main street with its many beautiful houses. One of the most striking is Kirsner's house.
But now it's time for a coffee. Between the Old Town Hall and Kirsnerschem Haus, I turn into Rathausgasse, where Café Schädle offers delicious cakes and homemade apple strudel.
I can't resist homemade apple strudel. I remember that at the 12 of 12 December in Cochem at the Moselle river I also ate one 😆. It's hard to say which was the better one.
In the café, I find out that the farmers are going to a rally after the convoy ride. It's getting quieter outside. My hope grows that I will be able to drive to the test tower unhindered.
Indeed - when I leave the café, I no longer see or hear any honking. After a short drive, I park in the visitor parking lot directly in front of the TK-Elevator test tower. The license plate number is automatically read and saved when you enter the car park, so you don't need a parking ticket. You then enter your license plate number at the machine before exiting and pay the fees incurred. The barrier opens automatically as soon as you stand in front of it with your car. Very practical.
The fog has lifted a little, but unfortunately the visibility is not really good. Nevertheless, the ride in the high-speed elevator alone is impressive.
I am amazed when I come across a group of around 30 farmers at the top (shouldn't they be at their rally?) who are taking part in a tour of the tower. I listen to the motivated guide for a while and learn that poor Rottweil will be getting a suspension bridge and a prison in the next few years. Both are intended to bring additional money into the municipal coffers.
The "Neckar Line" suspension bridge will span the Neckar valley at 606 m and connect the test tower and the Berner Feld, on which it stands, with the city. The Neckar Line is expected to attract 100,000 to 200,000 visitors a year.
12 of 12 info
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The photo project 12 of 12 was initiated by Caro from Draußen nur Kännchen. On the 12th of the month, you take lots of photos throughout the day, and in the evening, you pick 12 of them to write a short description about. Under Caro's 12 of 12 posting you will find a list in which you can enter your own 12 of 12 blog post.
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Hello Angelika,
Now I'm really curious about a visit to Rottweil! If I manage a visit (unfortunately quite far away from northern Germany), then thanks to your 12 out of 12 I already know what I can see and where to get the best apple strudel. 🙂
Warm regards
Wiebke
Thank you for your kind comment, dear Wiebke. If you ever come to the Stuttgart area, I can give you lots more sightseeing tips😅. The TK test tower, the old town and the apple strudel are definitely worth a visit to Rottweil.
Love,
Angelika