Rottweil: Roman History, Saltworks and Test Tower

Rottweil can be explored through several themes: its Roman past comes to life at the Dominican Museum and along the Roman Trail, while the Unteres Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum focuses on salt production and the Test Tower on modern elevator technology. The Rottweil Narrensprung carnival procession and the town’s links to the cycling network of the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura also add different dimensions to a stay.

Salt Production and Industrial History

The Unteres Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum showcases the production of evaporated salt in original buildings. Original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps offer a practical insight into the technology on display. Beyond the equipment, the museum explains the history and significance of the former Royal Saltworks of Wilhelmshall, considered Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise. A visit thus takes you from the process of salt making to its historical context in Rottweil. Those interested in industrial history will find a clear contrast here to the Roman themes at the Dominican Museum.

A Day in Roman Rottweil

The “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section at the Dominican Museum takes you through a day in Roman Rottweil on August 4, 186 AD: from the forum in the morning through various public and private engagements to a feast in the evening. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. At the Dominican Museum, visitors of all ages can also try on a Roman wool tunic, chain mail, a Roman soldier’s helmet or shield, and the saddle of a Roman rider. If these hands-on activities are important to your visit, check their availability in advance.

Roman Trail in the Old Town

The Roman Trail in Rottweil’s old town offers a different perspective. Steles along the trail provide information about key sites in the former Roman city. The distinction may help you choose: at the museum, the story unfolds over the course of a day, from the forum in the morning to a feast in the evening, while the Roman Trail provides information at sites around the former city.

Test Tower and Getting There

The Test Tower focuses on a different technical subject than the Saltworks Museum: modern elevators are tested and certified in twelve shafts, with speeds of up to 18 meters per second. For public transport from Rottweil station to the Test Tower, bus 5011 operates on weekdays, while a dial-a-ride bus is available on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the connection before your trip, as transport details may change.

Fasnet and Cycling

The famous Rottweil Narrensprung begins at 8 a.m. on Fasnet Monday behind the Black Gate. Exact dates vary from year to year, so plan your trip around Fasnet Monday in your chosen year and check the event date before finalizing your travel plans. Rottweil is also connected to the cycling network of the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura. In the area around Rottweil, there are also walks through the medieval town center and to the Test Tower.

Discover More Destinations

Schramberg, Epfendorf, Aichhalden, Deißlingen, Rottweil, Sulz am Neckar, Schenkenzell, Schiltach, Lauterbach, Dornhan, Wellendingen, Dunningen, Oberndorf am Neckar, Zimmern ob Rottweil, Hardt, Bösingen, Dietingen, Eschbronn, Fluorn-Winzeln, Villingendorf, Vöhringen.

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