Happy TravellerSchramberg is a hidden gem tucked away in the eastern Black Forest region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. With a population of about 22,000 inhabitants, this town in the district of Rottweil boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local architecture, indulging in the regional cuisine, or embarking on an outdoor adventure, Schramberg has something for everyone.
History:
Schramberg’s origins date back to the year 1293, when it was first described as Schrammenberg (wounded hill or scarred hill). From 1643, Schramberg was the center of the Herrschaft Schramberg, belonging to Further Austria until 1805. In the 19th century, industrialization began in Schramberg, and the town became home to the Junghans clock factory, which was the largest clock factory in the world at one point, with 3000 employees. Today, companies such as Kern-Liebers, Trumpf, and the PCB producer Schweizer employ many of Schramberg’s inhabitants and commuters from nearby communities.
Nearby towns and municipalities:
Schramberg is surrounded by many towns and municipalities, including Lauterbach, Schiltach, Aichhalden, Fluorn-Winzeln, Oberndorf am Neckar, Bösingen, Dunningen, Eschbronn, Hardt, Königsfeld im Schwarzwald, Sankt Georgen im Schwarzwald, Triberg im Schwarzwald (Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis), and Hornberg (Ortenaukreis).
Economy:
Schramberg’s economy is primarily based on manufacturing. Many companies, including Junghans, Kern-Liebers, Trumpf, and Schweizer, have established their businesses here, providing employment opportunities for locals and commuters.
Transport:
Schramberg was the terminus of the Schiltach-Schramberg railway, which was formerly an important railway line for freight traffic. The line existed from 1892–1990.
Education:
Schramberg has a range of schools, including a Gymnasium, a Realschule, a special school, two elementary schools, and three combinations of elementary school and Hauptschule. Additionally, there are vocational schools, a nursing school, a school for intellectually disabled people, and a school for the blind and disabled.
Twin towns – sister cities:
Schramberg is twinned with Hirson, France (1958), Charleroi, Belgium (1964), Lachen, Switzerland (1965), Čakovec, Croatia (1989), and Glashütte, Germany (1989).
Notable people:
Schramberg has been home to many notable people, including physician and bone expert Bernhard Heine (1800–1846), architect Otto Ernst Schweizer (1890–1965), footballer Georg Knöpfle (1904–1987), organist Rosalinde Haas (born 1932), sprinter Martin Weppler (born 1958), writer and artist Uta-Maria Heim (born 1963), and politician Kerstin Andreae (born 1968). The town has also been associated with designer Eva Zeisel (1906–2011), politician Martin Grüner (1929–2018), politician Bernd Richter (born 1943), and Franco-German geographer Christophe Neff (born 1964).
Attractions:
Schramberg has many attractions that are worth visiting. One of the streams flowing through the Schramberg valley is the Schiltach, which is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The Bach na Fahrt, a traditional raft race held on Carnival Monday, is known far and wide and attracts up to 30,000 spectators each year. The town also boasts a range of architectural wonders, including Baroque-style churches, medieval castles, and half-timbered houses. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you can hike, bike, or horseback ride in the surrounding forested hills. Schramberg is also home to several museums, including the Junghans Terrassenbau Museum, which showcases the history of clock-making in the region.
In conclusion, Schramberg is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local architecture, indulging in the regional cuisine, or embarking on an outdoor adventure, Schramberg has something for everyone. Come and discover the many treasures of this enchanting destination and see why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
