Schorndorf: Half-timbered houses, museums and trails

Schorndorf offers a range of highlights for your stay: a protected old town of half-timbered houses, several ways to explore the city’s history and culture, public art and trails through the countryside. The themes that interest you most can help shape your plans.

Half-timbered houses, city history and museums

The entire historic old town, with its picturesque half-timbered houses and marketplace ensemble, is protected as a historic monument. Schorndorf is also part of the German Timber-Frame Road. Those interested in the development of the city and region will find a broad historical perspective at the City Museum. Housed in two historic half-timbered buildings, it has more than 900 square metres of exhibition space. The collection includes archaeological finds, objects from the modern era and materials on regional everyday and cultural history. Exhibits on the history of settlement range from the Stone Age and Roman finds to the Middle Ages.

A dedicated section focuses on Gottlieb Daimler: his birthplace in Schorndorf was acquired and restored by Daimler-Benz in 1979. Today, it serves as a museum and conference venue for Daimler AG. Items on display include Daimler’s journeyman’s piece, animal drawings and personal objects. The City Museum offers a way to explore broader historical periods, while the birthplace focuses on one individual and the objects exhibited there.

The family exhibition “Mammoth, Romans, Celts & Co.” is also held at the City Museum. If you plan to visit this exhibition, check the current programme details beforehand. The Forscherfabrik Schorndorf offers another interactive option: its research trail features numerous stations where children and adults can explore a range of themed worlds.

Art and historic sites

More than 40 sculptures are located in Schorndorf’s public spaces; most were created by contemporary artists. In addition, the Q Galerie für Kunst presents six exhibitions a year and has become an important fixture for contemporary art in the greater Stuttgart area. Those who enjoy experiencing art both in galleries and in the urban environment will find two different ways to engage with it.

The Old Cemetery has been preserved as a park with an exceptional collection of trees and is freely accessible around the clock. A small chapel in the Neo-Gothic half-timbered style stands on the grounds; it was designed by Gottlieb Maier in 1879. Since 1989, a memorial by artist Reinhard Scherer has commemorated those persecuted and the victims of fascism.

Schorndorf Castle also combines architectural history with a visible remnant of the former town fortifications: it was built in 1538 as part of the Württemberg state fortress, on the site of what was probably an older moated castle. Remains of the former bastion can be seen in the castle park.

Hiking trails and views

The Jubilee Trail connects the nine districts of the large district town with the central town. It is about 45 kilometres long in total; the route crosses scenic heights, passes through the Rems Valley’s orchards and follows the often wooded slopes of the Schurwald and Berglen. The stated distances are useful when comparing individual sections: the first stage passes through Schorndorf’s town centre and Schornbach and is about 14 kilometres long. The second runs through Schornbach, Buhlbronn, Miedelsbach and Haubersbronn and, at about 20.5 kilometres, is longer.

The “SD4 – Sky Trail” circular hiking route passes through meadows and forests, by Wellingtonias and up to the Grafenberg viewpoint near Schorndorf. Grafenberg lies amid vineyards and cherry orchards; from there, views extend across Schorndorf and the surrounding area. The trail offers a different perspective on the landscape from the Jubilee Trail, whose defining features include heights, orchards and wooded slopes.

Guided tours and wine

The themes of the public city tours change weekly; they are intended for individuals and small groups. As schedules may change, check the latest dates before making plans. Wine hikes are also offered in Schorndorf, with a wine tasting or a glass of sparkling wine. If you would like to include one of these tours in your stay, check the specific options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Korb, Kaisersbach, Waiblingen, Weissach Im Tal, Berglen, Sulzbach, Backnang, Remshalden.

Go to the main travel overview: Rems-Murr District.