{"id":8471,"date":"2024-01-13T13:54:41","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T12:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angiestravelroutes.com\/?p=8471"},"modified":"2026-02-17T17:29:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:29:33","slug":"12of12-january-2024-rottweil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angiestravelroutes.com\/en\/12von12-januar-2024-rottweil\/","title":{"rendered":"Rottweil - Towers, Gates and History in Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg's Oldest Town"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rottweil is one of those cities that I have put off visiting for a long time - even though it is only around 70 kilometers away from my home in Sindelfingen. Yet Rottweil is considered the oldest town in Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg: the Romans founded a military base here back in 73 AD under the name Arae Flaviae. Towers, gates and historic buildings still characterize the townscape today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rottweil is also a stronghold of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival and combines centuries-old tradition with modern architecture. A striking example of this is the TK Elevator Test Tower, which has been standing at the gates of the city since 2017 and is considered the tallest elevator test tower in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I arrive in Rottweil around midday, there is still fog over the hills surrounding the town. On the way, I hear on the radio that the farmers want to take to the barricades in Rottweil today. Well, I've picked the right day for my excursion. But I'm not going to let that put me off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of driving straight to the test tower, I decide to take a walk through the historic old town first. The fog still hangs between the alleyways, squares and towers, giving the city a special, almost mystical atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I park my car on the Parking lot P6 in the Stadtgrabenstra\u00dfe<\/strong> - Centrally located and inexpensive. From here, I can walk to the Black Gate in just a few minutes and start my tour of a city whose history is visible on almost every corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The lower part of the Black Gate (Schwarzes Tor) was built in 1230 from humpback ashlars as part of the Staufer town fortifications. The famous Rottweiler Narrenspr\u00fcnge (literally: fools' leaps - thats what we call the carnival processions of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival) begin at the Black Gate on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From up here, I can also see the TK test tower, which sticks out of the landscape behind the houses like a giant finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Heilig-Kreuz-M\u00fcnster was built as early as the 12th century. In the 15th century it was rebuilt in the Gothic style and baroqueized in the 17th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think the inside of the cathedral is also very beautiful. It was completely renovated a few years ago, which was obviously worthwhile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The larger-than-life crucifix in the main choir is attributed to Veit Sto\u00df. Unfortunately, it can only be admired from a distance as it is not permitted to enter the chancel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During my tour of Rottweil, a convoy of agricultural vehicles passes through the town, honking their horns loudly. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A tractor stops for me so that I can cross the road - I think that's very nice of the driver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Dominican church was built from 1268 in the High Gothic style. During the Thirty Years' War, it became a pilgrimage church after 42 churchgoers testified that the statue of the Virgin Mary on the altar of the rosary had moved their eyes twice in November 1643. In 1753, the church was given its current Baroque interior and frescoed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I walk back to the main street with its many beautiful houses. One of the most striking is Kirsner's house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Kirsner house on Hauptstra\u00dfe dates back to the 15th century, but the west gable was not painted until 1938. The Apostle Fountain in front of the house is a copy of the former R\u00f6ssle Fountain and was only installed here in 1984.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But now it's time for a coffee. Between the Old Town Hall and Kirsnerschem Haus, I turn into Rathausgasse, where Caf\u00e9 Sch\u00e4dle<\/a><\/strong> offers delicious cakes and homemade apple strudel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Decorated wrought-iron signs often attract attention at Rottweil's stores, restaurants and caf\u00e9s. Here is the sign for Caf\u00e9 Sch\u00e4dle opposite the Old Town Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can't resist homemade apple strudel. I remember that at the 12 of 12 December in Cochem at the Moselle river<\/a><\/strong> I also ate one \ud83d\ude06. It's hard to say which was the better one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Caf\u00e9 Sch\u00e4dle's homemade apple strudel is a sensation! I've rarely eaten a better one ... <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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In the caf\u00e9, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed - when I leave the caf\u00e9, 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<\/a><\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The TK Elevator test tower is 246 m high and has the highest visitor platform in Germany (at a height of 232 m). There are twelve elevator shafts in the tower where engineers test elevators at speeds of up to 18 m\/s. The visitor elevator takes me to the platform in 30 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Suspension bridge NECKARLINE<\/a><\/strong> 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 bridge is expected to attract 100,000 to 200,000 visitors a year. Grand opening is on April 24, 2026!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The futuristic test tower from TK Elevator looks particularly spectacular just before sunset.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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