Discover Calw: Hirsau, Hermann Hesse and nature

In the Calw destination, themes range from the monastic history of Hirsau and the literary traces of Hermann Hesse to hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. This lets you choose the focus of your trip: put culture first, explore the trails or include other places in the destination.

Hirsau Monastery: Church and monastic history

The three-aisled, exceptionally long Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in Hirsau was consecrated in 1091 and is one of the largest Romanesque churches of the 11th century in Germany. The former Benedictine monastery of St. Peter and Paul was the most important German reform monastery north of the Alps within the Cluniac Reform movement in the 11th and 12th centuries. French troops destroyed the monastery in 1692 during the War of the Palatine Succession.

On guided tours of the monastery, guides show visitors the monasteries of St. Peter and Paul and St. Aurelius, as well as the monastery museum. They share the monasteries’ history, which spans more than 1,000 years. Details may vary by date; check the schedule in advance. Numerous information boards also invite visitors to explore the monastery complex and its history on their own.

Discover Hermann Hesse in Calw

The “Hermann Hesse Trail” features 37 steles, running from the Hermann Hesse Museum via the market square and historic town centre to the town gardens. The steles feature historical images and text excerpts with quotations from Hesse’s works. Selected poems are presented in the town gardens; the former Waldcafé and the Dr. Emil Schüz memorial stone are also featured.

Places, streets and buildings in Calw mentioned in the “Gerbersau story cycle” can still be discovered today. They bring Hermann Hesse’s childhood and youth to life in the 21st century. Guided tours of Hermann Hesse’s hometown are also available in Calw. They feature anecdotes, raise questions and fill in gaps in visitors’ knowledge. Check dates and booking details in advance.

Hiking and nature in the Calw destination

Hirsau Monastery lies in the Nagold Valley, between the densely wooded heights of the Black Forest. There is a wealth of well-signposted paths and routes in and around Calw where you can explore the Black Forest Central/North Nature Park on foot. One literary-themed hiking option is the Hermann Hesse hike: it loops around Calw through the Northern Black Forest and follows in the footsteps of Knulp, Hans Giebenrath and the young Josef Knecht. Along the way, the route passes through forests and mountain towns, accompanied by legends steeped in history. Check in advance whether this hike is currently available.

Other places and experiences in the Calw destination

In Nagold, the ruins of Hohennagold Castle on Nagold Castle Hill still contain the foundations of various buildings in the castle’s inner ward, dating from the 12th century. In Schömberg, the barefoot park offers a trail about 800 metres long with more than 20 different materials; check its seasonal opening dates in advance. The Haiterbach nature discovery trail teaches children about trees and their leaves, as well as the geology of the quarry. At the animal long-jump station, visitors can compare how far different animals can jump.

Culinary and active experiences offer even more ways to shape your trip. At the coffee roastery in Calw, visitors can discover coffee using all their senses and learn the secrets of the coffee bean; check booking conditions in advance. Handcrafted single-seat hot rods are used for trips through the Black Forest from the grounds of the former Alten Deckenfabrik factory in Calw. They can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h; check with the provider to see whether trips are available.

The Backhausfest takes place in Ebhausen every year on the first weekend in May. As part of the programme, visitors can sample onion cake and wood-fired bread from the local bakehouses. Confirm the date for your intended year of travel in advance.

Find hotels in Calw

If you’re looking for hotels in Calw, start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: Hirsau’s monastic history, the literary traces of Hermann Hesse, hiking or experiences in other places in the destination.

Discover more destinations: Stammheim, Gechingen, Schömberg, Ebhausen, Wildberg, Neubulach, Egenhausen, Nagold.

Back to the main travel overview: Calw.