Happy TravellerWelcome to Crailsheim, a historic town located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Founded in 1338, Crailsheim is a town steeped in history and culture. The town is located 32 kilometres (20 miles) east of Schwäbisch Hall and 40 km (25 mi) southwest of Ansbach in the Schwäbisch Hall district. Crailsheim is famed for withstanding a siege by forces of three imperial cities – Schwäbisch Hall, Dinkelsbühl, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber – lasting from 1379 until 1380, a feat which it celebrates annually. Today, Crailsheim is a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage and a range of attractions to explore.
One of the main attractions in Crailsheim is its churches. The town is home to two Evangelical churches and a Catholic church, each with its own unique history and architecture. The 67 metre tower of its town hall is also a must-see attraction, offering stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Crailsheim has a fascinating history, having been a possession of the Burgrave of Nuremberg following the siege. In 1791 it became part of the Prussian administrative region, before returning to Bavaria in 1806 and becoming a part of Württemberg in 1810. During World War II, Crailsheim’s railroad and airfield were heavily defended by the Waffen-SS. Following an American assault in mid-April 1945, the town was occupied briefly by US forces before being lost to a German counter-offensive. Intense US bombing and artillery shelling destroyed much of the city, with subsequent fires consuming its historic inner city. Only the Johanneskirche (St. Johns Church) escaped unharmed. Crailsheim became the postwar home to the U.S. Army’s McKee Barracks until the facility closed in January 1994.
Crailsheim is a great place to explore on foot, with a range of walking trails and paths to discover. The town is also served by the Upper Jagst Railway, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. Major employers in the Crailsheim area include Voith Syntegon Technology GmbH and Gerhard Schubert GmbH.
Crailsheim is twinned with Biłgoraj, Poland; Jurbarkas, Lithuania; Pamiers, France; and Worthington, United States. The town is also home to the Crailsheim Merlins, the city’s basketball team. Founded in 1986, they originally played in lower leagues. In 1995 they moved into a new sports hall, improved, and were promoted in 2001 to the 2. Bundesliga, the second division of German basketball. In 2015 they were first promoted to the Bundesliga but relegated after two seasons. They achieved promotion again in 2018.
Crailsheim is a hidden gem in the heart of Germany, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich heritage, sampling its delicious local cuisine, or simply taking in the stunning views, Crailsheim has something for everyone. Come and discover this charming town for yourself!
