Backnang: Discover the Old Town, Museums and Trails

Urban history and art in the old town

The town tower became a landmark of Backnang after Schickhardt had the tower of the former St. Michael’s Church raised in 1614. The Historic Town Hall also tells a story of several building phases: it was built from 1599 to 1601, destroyed in the town fire of 1693, and rebuilt in 1716/17 as a half-timbered building to plans by Johann Ulrich Heim, the Württemberg master builder. If you are interested in the town’s development, you can combine these two buildings with the Helferhaus. This listed cultural monument was first mentioned in 1583 and is now used for talks, including the “Altstadtstammtisch” (Old Town regulars’ gathering), as well as exhibitions.

The Helferhaus is also home to the Graphik-Kabinett. Since 2002, it has presented changing selections from the Ernst Riecker Foundation. The collection comprises around 1,600 prints from the 15th to the 19th century, including 75 prints by Albrecht Dürer. The Backnang Municipal Gallery complements this focus on art with contemporary works: the historic Turmschulhaus in the centre of the old town offers 450 m² of exhibition space, with four exhibitions held there each year. As exhibitions and dates may change, it is worth checking the current program.

Museums and distinctive trails

The Backnang Technology Forum brings together a museum, a technology archive, an event venue, and a technology workshop for children and young people. In the workshop, young participants learn to work with tools and materials under the guidance of dedicated instructors. The specific activities may change, so check what is currently on offer before planning a workshop visit. The Scheuerle Museum in the Waldrems district offers a different insight into past ways of life and work. Its exhibits include agricultural tools and machinery, a complete shoemaker’s workshop, a farmhouse kitchen, and a rural living room and bedroom.

The Hungarian German Heritage Museum is considered the largest museum of its kind in Germany. It is open from May to October on the first and third Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m., as well as by appointment. Check opening hours before your visit. For art and walks around town, the “Weg der Besinnung” (Path of Reflection) sculpture trail runs from Postgasse via Ölberg Street to the Helferhaus behind the town tower. Created at Ölberg in 1987, the trail has been continuously expanded since then and invites visitors to take their time and reflect.

Cycling and hiking tours around Backnang

The s'Äpple landscape trail is an 83.6-kilometre cycling and circular hiking route. Hikers can follow it in several stages, joining and leaving at different points; one possible starting point is Backnang S-Bahn station. Check current public transport connections before travelling. The route passes through the Backnanger Bucht, known as the Swabian Cider Quarter. Orchards and the adjoining woodlands of the Swabian Forest shape the landscape. Highlights include the Buchenbachtal nature reserve with its waterfalls and numerous historic sunken lanes. The route’s length and the option of walking it in stages can help you decide whether to include a single section or a longer tour in your trip.

Other cycling and hiking trails around Backnang also pass through orchards, river landscapes and idyllic villages. They are well signposted and developed; infrastructure and trail conditions may change over time. Plattenwald, a local recreation area, lies north of Backnang at the entrance to the Swabian-Franconian Forest Nature Park. So, as well as longer tours, you can consider other landscapes when planning your stay.

An autumn tradition

The Backnang Goose Market takes place every year in autumn and revives a tradition dating back to the 17th century. If the market is a reason for your trip, check the current dates and program in advance. This seasonal event adds another reason to stay, complementing the historic sights and trails through the countryside.

Discover more destinations: Großerlach, Weissach Im Tal, Fellbach, Oppenweiler, Aspach, Rudersberg, Weinstadt, Allmersbach Im Tal

View the overarching travel overview: Rems-Murr district.