Villingen-Schwenningen: a Guide to the Watch Capital

During my travels in Germany I fell in love with every single town and city I visited. There is just something so romantic and charming about German cities in the winter. Or maybe it’s the ancestral pull of being in a country where many, many, many moons before I entered this world, my distance relations were living and thriving in this space. But whenever someone asks me what were my favourite places to visit, I always answer Villlingen-Schwenningen.

What did you say? Where is that?

Villingen-Schwenningen is a picturesque town nestled near the Black Forest in southern Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It’s roughly a 7 hour drive south-west of Berlin, 3.5 hours south east from Munich or 1.5 hour south of Stuttgart.

I travelled to Germany with an ex-boyfriend (we were together at the time – unfortunately) and we spent several days in Villingen-Schwenningen so he could catch up with one of his German friends he had met in his travels.

One thing I learned on this trip was that spending time with locals allows you to see a city or town in a way that you may never have seen as a ‘tourist’. Tourism brochures kind of sell you the movie version of a town whereas locals give you the behind-the-scenes experience. Well, that’s what I feel happened on this trip.

If you’re ever thinking about visiting Villingen-Schwenningen (I mean, the name alone makes it a must!), here are some MUST DO activities:

1. Franziskaner Museum Villingen

A museum full of local and heritage artifacts and exhibits. People often wonder why I am keen to visit museums when I visit a new city and it’s quite simple – it’s where we learn about the important events and people that shaped a place. I find that it then gives you a different perspective and even a more intimate connection to a place as you explore.

2. Villinger Münster

Ok, so I’m not a religious person – at all. But I am always captivated by the architecture of churches and their back stories. History is always fascinating.

This was erected in the 12th and 13th centuries and has expanded several times since then. But what is fascinating is that the building has design remnants of three architectural eras: Romanesque (rounded arches); Gothic (pointy arches); and Baroque (a lot of concaves and domes).

3. Münsterbrunnen Villingen

It’s no Trevi fountain, but it’s pretty spectacular and the meaning behind it is pretty cool. The Munster fountain was erected in 1989 and is an artistic masterpiece by well known Black Forest artist Klaus Ringwald.

The water fountain makes reference to well-known personalities from different eras to retell the history of the town. Pretty cool when you think about it.

4. Aussichtsturm auf der Wanne

This is a lookout tower that was erected in 1888 and is one of the oldest lattice towers in the world!

5. Heimat- und Uhrenmuseum (Watch house and museum)

I didn’t know this until I visited, but Villingen-Schwenningen is BIG on watches – they’re kind of a big deal. In 1858, Villingen-Schwenningen established itself as the best watch making place in the world and has a rich history in the watch making industry ever since.

It’s been almost 10 years since I visited Germany and my husband and I are eager to go on another overseas adventure together. I am hoping in the next few years I can share the experience of adventuring around Germany and revisit my favourite places, such as Villingen-Schwenningen, with my wonderful husband. But I am also very interested in getting to know one of my ancestral countries better and to learn more about my roots.

Until next time, dear friends, be happy, kind and continue adventuring through this thing called life.

Love,
Lara Xx

Main article image source: Economy & Tourism, Villingen-Schwenningen