The German Half-Timbered House Road

Last updated: 2015
Bad Urach
Sasbachwalden
All rights reserved by the German Half-Timbered House
Road and associated member cities.
© Regionalstrecke „Vom Neckar zum Schwarzwald
und Bodensee“
Dezember 2013
Schutzgebühr 2,– €
Herstellung:
Greb&Friends, Fulda
Fotos:
Bildarchiv der beteiligten Städte
© Kartenmaterial: mr-kartographie, Ifflandstraße 5,
99867 Gotha (Maßstab ca. 1 : 240 000)
Geschäftsstelle:
Deutsche Fachwerkstraße
Propstei Johannesberg
36041 Fulda
Tel.: +49 (0) 6 61/4 36 80
Fax: +49 (0) 6 61/94 25 03 66
info@deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de
www.deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de
Kontakt: Bietigheim-Bissingen
Stadt Bietigheim-Bissingen
Marktplatz 8
74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen
Tel.: (0 71 42) 74-2 27
Fax: (0 71 42) 74-2 29
tourismus@bietigheim-bissingen.de
www.bietigheim-bissingen.de
Choose from the comprehensive range of resources
that we have compiled for you:
• Road maps of the six regional routes (incl. cycle routes)
Use of this brochure for the commercial sale of addresses
to third parties is not permitted. Reproduction of this publication (even in part) or the use of excerpts for
commercial purposes is not permitted. Any competition
law violations and copyright infringements will be
punished.
Information on the German Half-Timbered House Road
Herausgeber:
Regionalstrecke „Vom Neckar zum Schwarzwald
und Bodensee“ der Deutschen Fachwerkstraße
Kontakt direkt über die beteiligten Städte
Impressum
www.facebook.com/Deutsche.Fachwerkstrasse
Cover image: Erbach
www.deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de
info@deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de
S T R A S S E N K A R T E
Nienburg
Bad Essen
Vaihingen a.d. Enz
Neckar
zum
Schwarzwald
Einbeck
Northeim
Duderstadt
und
Osterode
mit Radwegeverbindungen
Bodensee
Wernigerode
Halberstadt
Stade
Hamburg
H
Ha
amburg
g
Osterwieck
Haslach im Kinzigtal
LLueneburg
eneb rg
Heath
Dannenberg
Wendland
Biberach an der Riß
Pfullendorf
Meersburg
Northern region
Elbe
Lüchow
From the River Elbe to the Harz Mountains
Altmarkk
Celle
S t r a S S e N k a r t e
Hornburg
Osterwieck
Bockenem
Alfeld
Sollling
So
Wanfried
Wa
e
hin
Hadamar
Limburg
Werra
Fuldaa
V
sberg
sb
b rg
g Fulda
LichVogels
Moun
ntain
nt
t in
ns
Rho
Rh
oen Mo
o
ou
untain
ns
Lauterbach
Grünberg
Steinau an der Straße
Dresden
• Additional cycling brochures are available for routes along the German
Half-Timbered House Road
From the River Elbe to
the Harz Mountains
The German
Half-Timbered
House Road
Steinau a. d. Straße
Bad Camberg
Dreieich
Gelnhausen
Hanau-Steinheim
Seligenstadt
SSpessartt Upl
p ands
Babenhausen
Groß-Umstadt
A complete overview
of the regional routes
Erbach
Walldürn
Southern region
Nuremberg
Mosbach
From the River Neckar to the Black Forest
and Lake Constance
Bönnigheim
Besigheim
Marbach
Bietigheim-Bissingen
Backnang
Vaihingen a.d. Enz
Markgröningen Waiblingen
Schorndorf
Eppingen
Stuttg
gart
Stuttgart
Sasbachwalden
Sindelfingen
Herrenberg
Altensteig
nu
b
e
Da
Esslingen
Kirchheim unter Teck
Calw
You are welcome to order these publications from us.
Simply contact our head office in Fulda, give us a call, or send us an email.
Detailed information on the regional routes and towns, guided tours,
festivals and special events can also be found on our website:
www.deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de
Bad Urach
Neck
Schiltach
Da
ar
Swab
Sw
abian
bian Jur
Jura
ra
Haslach
We wish you a pleasant read and an enjoyable time planning your holiday!
Blaubeuren
Trochtelfingen
be
Dornstetten
Nehren
Gengenbach
Riedlingen
nu
Biberach a. d. Riß
Kind regards,
Munich
Head Office
German Half-Timbered House Road
Pfullendorf
Meersburg
From the Weser Hills via
North Hesse to the
Vogelsberg Mountains
and Spessart Uplands
From the Westerwald via
the Lahn Valley and
Taunus to the River Main
From the River Neckar
to the Black Forest and
Lake Constance
Miltenberg
Odenwald
d Fo
orest
ore
ores
estt
From the Harz
Mountains to the
Thuringian Forest
From the River Rhine to
the River Main
and the Odenwald
M
Wertheim
Hunsrueck Moun
ntaains
Main
ain
Dieburg
Trebur
Reinheim
Blacck
Forre
restt
Schlitz
From the Westerwald via the Lahn Valley
and Taunus to the River Main
From the River Rhine to the River Main and the
Odenwald
Saale
Thurringian
Fo
ore
est
Lauterbach
Idstein
FFrankfurt
Fr
ran
n fu
urtt
Eifel Mountainss
Taunus Mou
untaai
ains Höchst
öcchst
chst
stt
Wiesbaden
sbaden
alsfeld
Gelnhausen
From the Weser Hills via North Hesse
to the Vogelsberg Mountains and Spessart Uplands
Schmalkalden
Fulda
Homberg Ohm
Bad Langensalza
Schlitz
Grünberg
Schwalmstadt
From the Harz Mountains to the Thuringian Forest
EErfurt
rf
Alsfeld Bad Hersfeld
Wertheim
Bad Hersfeld
Leipzig
Mühlhausen
Schwalmstadt
(Ohm)
Walldürn
Miltenberg
Lich
Central region
Homberg (Efze)
Lahn
ahn V
ValleyHomberg
Dieburg
Groß-Umstadt
Erbach im Odenwald
Boerd
de
Bleicherode
Eschwege
Spangenberg Treffurt
Melsungen
Fritzlar
rotenburg an der
Fulda
Elbe
Hessisch
Lichtenau
Rhein zum Main
und Odenwald
Fritzlar
Babenhausen
Harz
H
Mo
M
ountain
o
ns
Stolberg
S
Sto
ol
Osterode
Duderstadt
H
ann
an
nn.
Hann.
M
ünden
Münden
Worbis
Wo
Wolfhagen
Magdeburg
Wernigerode
Northeim
Korbach
Homberg (efze)
Spessart
Halberstadt
Einbeck
Dortmund
korbach
über
Vogelsberg
Vom
Wolfhagen
Weserbergland
und
Weser Hills
Seligenstadt
Melsungen
Vom
Trebur
Dreieich
Hanau-Steinheim
Spangenberg
zum
Königslutter
S T R a S S E n k a R T E
Hann. Münden
eschwege
Berlin
Nordhessen
Bad Essen
laar
Wetzlar
Blaubeuren
Imprint
Weser
Hitzacker
Stadthagen
Braunfels
Sasbachwalden
Me
Mecklenburg
g
Lake
ake Distr
Di
District
t
Hanover
Westerrwald
We
Weste
a
Gengenbach
Riedlingen
Nienburg
Herborn
Nehren
Schiltach
Bleckede
Bleckede
Dillenburg
Bad Urach
Dornstetten
Hitzacker
Salzwedel
R
Kirchheim unter Teck
Altensteig
Dannenberg
Brem
Bremen
Cologne
Esslingen
Calw
Celle
Lüchow
Roth
ha
haar
Mou
oun
ntains
Waiblingen
Sindelfingen
Königslutter
Salzwedel
Duesseldorf
Schorndorf
Herrenberg
Hornburg
Bremerhaven
B
Bremerh
Br
r
ave
en
Marbach a. Neckar
Backnang
Publisher:
German Half-Timbered House Road within the
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutsche Fachwerkstädte e.V.
Elbe zum Harz
Markgröningen
Vom
Bockenem
Von der
Eppingen
Bietigheim-Bissingen
Alfeld
Die Schönsten im Norden
Mosbach
Besigheim
Stadthagen
Head Office:
Deutsche Fachwerkstraße
Propstei Johannesberg
36041 Fulda, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)661 43680
Fax: +49 (0)661 94250366
Stade
S t R A S S E N K A R t E
German Half-Timbered House Road within the
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutsche Fachwerkstädte e.V.
Deutsche Fachwerkstraße
Propstei Johannesberg
36041 Fulda
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)661 43680
Fax: +49 (0)661 94250366
Email: info@deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de
Welcome
Half-timbered structures in Germany
Dear Guests,
Half-timbered towns and villages remain a characteristic of the
landscape in many parts of Germany to this day. Indeed, the country’s
more than 2.5 million half-timbered structures are the pride and joy of
municipalities and owners.
We would like to wish you a very warm welcome, and to invite you to
explore the towns along the around 3,000 km long German HalfTimbered House Road.
Founded in 1990, this popular holiday and cultural route runs from
Stade on the River Elbe to Meersburg beside Lake Constance. It has
been divided into a total of six regions, and passes through just as
many federal states: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Hesse, Thuringia,
Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Around one hundred towns have joined together under the motto of
“Half-timbered unites” to present their charming historic old towns. The
German Half-Timbered House Road not only brings together idyllic
half-timbered towns, stunning scenery, historic sites, and carefully
restored monuments, but also the people who live and work there.
Spa resorts and festival locations alternate with nature parks and
romantic spots, and the culinary offerings in our half-timbered towns
are as diverse as the varied entertainment on offer. Relax in romantic
half-timbered surroundings, indulge in regional products, wander
winding alleyways, embark on fun tours with the kids or adventure
tours, hike or cycle the route – the German Half-Timbered House Road
really does have something for everyone.
We would like to invite you to enjoy a cultural journey of discovery
along the German Half-Timbered House Road. Our member towns look
forward to your visit!
Kind regards
Head Office
German Half-Timbered House Road
German half-timbered construction styles
Wood is the basic material used in the construction of half-timbered
buildings. The characteristic features of this wood, the climatic
conditions and the carpenter’s skills are decisive to the dimensions and
forms of the half-timbered houses.
Half-timbered structures have a wood-saving skeleton with selfsupporting timber and curtain walls made of clay or brick. This building
method is extremely ecological, environmentally sustainable and
aesthetic.
In Northern Germany, the half-timbered buildings are essentially based
on the Lower German hall house in which people, livestock and the
harvest were brought together under one roof. Central German timber
frames are characterised by a central section divided into three areas
open to the eaves, which primarily served as living space. In Southern
Germany, the half-timbered frame developed from the Alemannic
wooden post structure, an earlier construction method with wide post
positions.
With the half-timbered houses, we immerse ourselves in the ways of life
and structures of centuries past. We encounter living testimonies here in
an abundance of forms, embellishments and symbols, such as the Saint
Andrew’s cross (the other cross of the Germanic people), which came to
commemorate holy Saint Andrew, who was nailed to a slanted cross, in
Christian times. “Wild men” and fanned rosettes, flared and straight
rhombuses, and a whole variety of trees of life through to Christian
symbols count among the traditional tradesmen’s embellishments added
to half-timbered buildings.
However, half-timbered constructions are not merely individual gems:
streets, squares, and often even entire half-timbered towns are
characterized by unique half-timbered ensembles of inestimable
historic value.
Professor Manfred Gerner
260 km
From the Harz Mountains to the Thuringian Forest
For many generations now, the
people dwelling between the
Harz Mountains and Thuringian
Forest have been accustomed to
adopting cultural influences
from all over and lending these
their own characteristic touch.
The architectural styles from
Gothic to historicist, regional
particularities from Lower
Saxony to Southern Germany,
and ultimately the function of
representative town halls
through to labourers’ dwellings
led to the construction of a
multitude of half-timbered structures developed over a period of six
hundred years.
The strictly structured half-timbered construction style and palmette as
a characteristic of Lower Saxon half-timbered structures is clearly
discernible in the towns of Stolberg and Worbis. These influences are
particularly visible on the half-timbered structures in Wanfried, which
was once the terminus of the historic Werra-Weser waterway. The
former potash town of Bleicherode is a rare example of the short-lived
revival of the half-timbered construction method at the end of the
nineteenth century.
The “Thuringian ladder” and “wild man” gain in importance as
half-timbered construction elements from the town of Mühlhausen
through the Werra meander to Treffurt.
The spa and rose town of Langensalza is not only impressive due to its
parklands but also due to the great many half-timbered buildings
featuring baroque stucco façades. In Schmalkalden, a special style
combining Hessian and Franconian elements dominates the town’s
historic centre.
During a tour, visitors are able to admire the carefully restored
half-timbered structures and a variety of stone testimonies to times
long past in all eight towns, follow in the footsteps of historic figures,
enjoy the local hospitality, and relax in the undulating landscape of the
Wartburg-Hainich World Heritage region.
629 km
From the Weser Hills via North Hesse to the Vogelsberg
Mountains and Spessart Uplands
A varied half-timbered region lies
ahead. It is not without reason that
establishment of the German
Half-Timbered House Road began in
this region in 1990. The diversity of
half-timbered styles and forms with
influences from Lower Saxony, Hesse
and Thuringia via Franconia to Italy
is simply unique.
This regional route leads through
pretty river valleys featuring
medieval sandstone bridges over the
Weser, Fulda, Werra, Eder and
Schwalm rivers, past mountains
shrouded in myths such as the Hoher Meissner, Knüll Mountain Range and
Vogelsberg Mountains, and features half-timbered structures that are well
worth seeing all along the route.
Charming towns can be found all along this route, such as the half-timbered
three-river town of Hann. Münden, half-timbered town of Eschwege in Werra
Valley, centre of the art and hiking region in Spangenberg, and idyllic little
town of Wolfhagen in Habichtswald nature park.
Visitors are also able to explore the imperial cathedral town of Fritzlar,
Hessian reformation town of Homberg (Efze), and Little Red Riding Hood
countryside in Schwalmstadt. The half-timbered gem of Homberg beside
the River Ohm, European half-timbered town of Alsfeld, town of Schlitz
brimming with romance and zest for life, Grünberg offering 500 years like
in a picture book, and town of Lich exuding half-timbered tradition and
modernity also make worthy trip destinations.
Interesting insights can moreover be gained into the gold mining at Eisenberg
Mountain near Korbach, the town of Lauterbach nicknamed the “Town of the
Lost Sock”, the oldest half-timbered church in Hesse in Gelnhausen, the home
town of Frau Holle from the well-known German tales in Hessian Lichtenau,
the woodcutter town of Melsungen, the performing arts festival in Bad
Hersfeld and oldest folk festival in Germany held there, as well as the many
fairy-tale figures that you will encounter at every turn in the Brothers Grimm
town of Steinau. All of these towns are quintessential of the unprecedented
cultural diversity of the 19 member towns.
Lower German half-timbered style
Characterised by two- and four-post constructions for large
hall houses, houses in the Lower German half-timbered style
typically feature a central hall that can be accessed directly
from the street. Houses are divided into three sections,
whereby the sections at either side were originally used as
stalls for the livestock, the central section formed the hallway,
and the living area and bedrooms faced the garden. This basic floor plan was adapted
early on, particularly in towns where the typical oriel windows were developed.
Central German half-timbered style
This style is common in all low mountain range areas as far
as around the River Neckar in the south, Poland in the east
and French Alsace in the west. The gables of these houses
mostly face the street and are divided into different
sections: the parlour faces the front, followed by the kitchen
and stairway, with the bedrooms at the back. The stalls, crop
store and bake house were mostly housed in separate
buildings. In larger settlements, the houses were adapted to
urban conditions early on.
We have compiled the details of particularly magnificent,
unusual, and romantic – so charming – hotels and
restaurants along the German Half-Timbered House Road for
you in this brochure.
“The most beautiful in the
north” – River Elbe, Elbe Valley and
Wendland, Altmark, Harz, Eichsfeld,
Weser Uplands, Middle Weser and
Wiehen Hills: the scenery along the
regional route from the River Elbe
to the Weser Hills could hardly be
more diverse.
Motorhome pitches along the German HalfTimbered House Road
German Half-Timbered House Road photo
book
In the fourteenth century, a different style of house with wide
post positions and double frame beams developed from the
Alemannic wooden post structure in the region between the
River Neckar and Lake Constance, Black Forest and Bohemian
Forest. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, more and more
construction methods were adopted from Central Germany until
the basic construction methods ultimately became identical in
around 1600.
Saint Andrew’s Cross
Our early ancestors, the Germanic people, already used “the
other cross” as the symbol for multiplication, which we still use
in calculations today. In Christian times, the cross was
reinterpreted as the Saint Andrew’s cross commemorating holy
Saint Andrew. In its flared form, the Saint Andrew’s cross is also
known as the “firedog”.
In the first third of the sixteenth century, the fanned
rosette appeared as an ornamental motif in Lower Germany
in particular, and dominated as the gable embellishment in
the centuries that followed. The shape is believed to
originate from the classic shell form or from symbols for
the sun.
Grudger heads
In medieval times, one of the evils people had to protect
themselves against was not only “the evil eye” but also envy.
Frowning heads or figures sticking out their tongues to the
grudgers known as “grudger heads” were therefore affixed to
half-timbered houses.
From the River Elbe to the Harz Mountains
Discover the cultural highlights along the
German Half-Timbered House Road in your home on wheels.
This brochure features the details of selected motorhome
pitches with all relevant information in our member towns.
Upper German half-timbered style
Fanned Rosettes
Charming hotels and restaurants along the
German Half-Timbered House Road
The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutsche Fachwerkstädte e.V. has
updated the German Half-Timbered House Road photo
book. It showcases a total of 97 attractive travel destinations throughout
Germany, from Lake Constance in the south to Stade in the north.
The foreword by Professor Manfred Gerner introduces the German
Half-Timbered House Road in all its facets. This is followed by the details of
the six regional routes along the German Half-Timbered House Road. Each
of the regional routes comes with a map overview, and a chapter
introducing the route’s course as well as the regional particularities of the
half-timbered structures. An account is then given of the history of each
half-timbered town and a description of the local sights. A comprehensive
glossary informing of the key terms for the halftimbered house construction styles completes the
book.
With its road maps and detailed contact information,
the photo book will not only spark your desire to
travel during a browse at home, but also provide the
perfect companion when planning your trip or for
rapid reference when travelling.
Half-Timbered House Road app for on the go (FachwerkApp): this travel guide for your phone provides mobile
support during your tour of the half-timbered structures in
Germany.
182 km
From the Westerwald via the Lahn Valley and Taunus to
the River Main
This route leads past key historic
sites, the residences of former
dynasties, significant trade centres,
spas and festival locations. Learn
about our cherished old towns
featuring picturesque half-timbered
houses, splendid palaces and castles,
and impressive churches, monasteries
and cathedrals. Your journey begins
in the northern foothills of the
Hessian Westerwald, and leads along
the banks of the Dill River to one of
the most romantic rivers in Germany,
the Lahn. The route then follows the
river’s course to explore the beautiful
Middle Lahn Valley. Continuing on, the route passes through the Taunus
Mountain Range to the Rhine-Main metropolitan region.
Allow yourself to be captivated by the beautiful half-timbered houses in a
Hessian-Franconian style. Every town will impress with a range of other
highlights in addition to its half-timbered structures.
Thus Dillenburg awaits with one of the largest underground fortifications
in Western Europe dating from the Early Modern period, while the unique
flair of the multi-floor half-timbered houses in the town Herborn form a
chain of half-timbered highlights in the Dill Valley. A young Goethe gained
inspiration for his epistolary novel ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’ in
Wetzlar from his lodgings overlooking the town’s mighty cathedral. The
historic town ensemble in Braunfels is among the most charming in Hesse,
and the princely residency of Hadamar awaits with a splendid Renaissance
palace complex, baroque sacred and secular buildings, and an English rose
garden. Seven-turreted Saint George’s cathedral, which is one of the most
impressive architectural monuments in Europe, is the landmark of the
town of Limburg. Bad Camberg – the oldest Kneipp spa town in Hesse –
awaits visitors with a fabulous Kneipp spa park and one of the longest
half-timbered houses in Germany. Idstein impresses with its sheer density
of half-timbered buildings, castles and castle grounds in addition to the
splendidly ornate Union Church. Bolongaro Palace, Saint Justin’s church
and the world-famous porcelain factory are sites well worth visiting in the
town of Höchst. Your Hessian hosts wish you a very warm welcome.
1083 km
235 km
From the River Rhine to the River Main and the Odenwald
Following in the footsteps of
the Romans, Nibelungen and
Charles the Great, from the
Wildbannforst hunting ground
to the green hills of the
Odenwald, this varied regional
route leads from southern
Hesse to Baden-Württemberg
and Main-Franconia.
Discover a whole millennium
of medieval castle and palace
architecture, opulent
half-timbered embellishments
coupled with vibrant and
traditional customs amidst magnificent forests and romantic valleys,
meadows and plains.
Countless types of embellishments, richly ornate oriels and elaborate
window constructions characterise the half-timbered construction
style between the River Rhine, River Main, Odenwald and Spessart
Uplands. This reflects the significance and heyday of the half-timbered
towns of this region as early as the Middle Ages.
The half-timbered house route from the River Rhine to the River Main
and the Odenwald can not only be explored on foot or by motorhome.
The region also offers plenty for cyclists and e-bikers to see as well as
well-maintained trails and picturesque scenery.
In this region, great importance is attached to outstanding hospitality
with delectable regional specialities. Whether on a flying visit or
longer break, backpacking, or travelling by bike or train, the historic
town centres and scenic farmsteads certainly should not be missed.
Centuries-old half-timbered
structures await visitors at every
turn.
Owners and inhabitants, towns and
municipalities appreciate the
historic value of these half-timbered structures as individual hand-crafted
creations, unique contributions to the townscape, and cultural assets. The
half-timbered structures are valued and cared for with love.
Dukes, counts and kings have influenced the towns, yielding outstanding
testimonies to European cultural history.
The towns’ history is brought to life. Cosy inner courtyards, sprawling
squares, and splendid façades testify to centuries past.
The towns’ museums skilfully bridge the gap between tradition and
modernity.
Take your time to enjoy the many sights during a stroll through the
half-timbered towns.
Visitors are invited to stop off in homely hotels, cosy cafés, rustic wine
cellars, corner pubs, and classy restaurants.
Whether travelling by car, motorhome, motorcycle or bicycle, the
half-timbered towns from the Elbe River to the Harz Mountains offer a
very special experience at all times of the year.
772 km
From the River Neckar to the Black Forest and Lake
Constance
This star-shaped regional route in
southern Germany leads from
Mosbach in the Neckar Valley
through Sasbachwalden in the
Black Forest to Meersburg beside
Lake Constance. Fertile farmlands,
steep vineyards, colourful fruit
orchards and vast forests as well as
untouched waters, moors,
picturesque mountains and wide
valleys can be found here.
Thirty half-timbered towns
affording medieval flair and
romantic charm are located along
this regional route, and offer visitors the most varied of Southwest German
half-timbered construction styles (though predominantly the “Alemannic”
and “Franconian” styles). The diversity of the Southwest German halftimbered structures is due to the lengthy construction era, as well as the
different construction types and stylistic embellishments.
Magnificent half-timbered buildings dating from the thirteenth to the
nineteenth centuries adorn these historic towns. The oldest houses still in
existence can be found in the towns of Esslingen and Markgroeningen in
the central Neckar region as well as in Biberach an der Riss in Upper
Swabia.
The holiday regions of the Odenwald Forest, Northern and Central Black
Forest, Swabian Jura and Lake Constance-Upper Swabia as well as the wild
and romantic valleys of the Neckar, Enz, Kinzig, Riss and Danube rivers offer
variety and opportunities for regeneration. This ensemble of charming
landscapes and half-timbered silhouettes brings the charm of ancient
towns to life, and creates a tranquil ambiance that will allow visitors to
relax and regenerate. The age-old tradition of market rights is upheld in
the towns, and markets and festivals are today special occasions that draw
the crowds and help fill the towns with life.
Take a stroll through the street of our towns, and sense the spirit of days
gone by in many of these places.