Furtwangen im Schwarzwald is a town in the southern Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg. It is a center of the German clock-making industry and home to the German Clock Museum.
Understand
[edit]In the 18th century, making clocks was a secondary source of income for mountain farmers in the area during the winter months. To professionalize this trade, Germany's first watchmaking school was founded here in 1850. This institution laid the foundation for the local precision engineering and electronics industries that remain important to the city's economy today.
The town gained city rights in 1873 and oversees several outlying villages, including Linach, Neukirch, Rohrbach, and Schönenbach, as well as numerous traditional hamlets. Geographically, Furtwangen is notable for the Bregquelle, the source of the Breg river, which is the longer of the two headstreams of the Danube.
Get in
[edit]By airplane
[edit]The nearest airport 1 EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is about 120 km away. The second nearest airports are 2 Stuttgart Airport and 3 Friedrichshafen Airport, both about 130 km away.
By train
[edit]Furtwangen is off the track. There are well-accessible railway stations in Triberg, Villingen-Schwenningen, Donaueschingen and Freiburg. From Villingen, Donaueschingen and Triberg you can easily get by bus to Furtwangen.
By bus
[edit]Furtwangen is connected by bus station 1 Rössleplatz to the regional bus network.
By car
[edit]Furtwangen is located on the B500 between Triberg and Titisee-Neustadt. The next motorways are the A864 near Bad Dürrheim and the A5 near Freiburg.
Get around
[edit]A special feature of the region are call buses. You will drive to the regular scheduled schedule and stop at the usual stops, but only when booking in time at least 60 minutes before you arrive by phone! Bus plans, especially on villages, should therefore be read precisely.
See
[edit]- 1 German clock museum, Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1, 78120 Furtwangen, ☏ +49 7723 9 20-28 00, [email protected]. Closed for major renovations until 2027. Home to the world's most extensive collection of Black Forest clocks. While the main museum building is closed for refurbishment until 2027, the "StattMuseum" workshop space remains active, offering temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events at nearby locations. Check the official website for current "Museum on the Move" activities.
- 2 Hexenlochmühle. At the Neukirch district. It opened as a nail forging, and later extended to the sawmill. Wooden frames for watches were made here. Tour with free entrance.
- 3 Rotenbauernhof (Rotenfarm). Founded in 15th century. It is now home to a Obstbrennerei. Visit of the farm and the distillery after prior registration possible.
- 4 Martinschapel (Martinskapelle). It is a little house of God. The direct source of the Breg river is also referred to as Donauquelle.
- 5 Brend und Brendtower. The Brend mountain, including the view tower, offers views to the Alps, Feldberg and Alsace. There is a good view of sunsets.
- 6 Bregspring (Donauspring).
- 7 Günterrock (Günterfelsen).
- 8 Fatima-Chapel (Fatima-Kapelle), Friedhofweg 6, 78120 Furtwangen im Schwarzwald. A small chapel with a good view of furtwangen from elevated postition.
Do
[edit]Hiking
[edit]The distance hiking trails Westweg from Pforzheim to Basel and Mittelweg from Pforzheim to Waldshut-Tiengen lead through the area of Furtwangen. There are good hiking possibilities. The Farnberg-Plateau with the peaks of the Brend (1149m high, view tower), the Roßeck (1152m), the Obereck (1177m) and the Rohrhardsberg (1155m) with good views. Also worth mentioning the Historical Path at Furtwangen-Neukirch
Winter sports
[edit]Furtwangen offers good opportunities for winter sports. There are ski and sled rentals. Ski courses are provided through the Tourist Information.
Swimming
[edit]- 1 Bregtalbad, Jahnstraße 11, 78120 Furtwangen, ☏ +49 7723 9149710, [email protected]. The Bregtalbad offers a 50-metre pool with a separation between the swimmer and non-swimmer area, a separated toddler area and a kiosk. The water is solar heated.
Buy
[edit]Furtwangen is a practical place to buy authentic Black Forest timepieces directly from local specialists.
- 1 Uhren-Park (Cuckoo Clocks), Baumannstraße 2, ☏ +49 7723 912250. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-16:00. A large selection of traditional cuckoo clocks, grandfather clocks, and modern designs, with worldwide shipping options available.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Gasthof zum Ochsen, Marktplatz 9, ☏ +49 7723 93116, [email protected]. 11:30-14:00, 17:30-21:00; closed Tu. A traditional inn on the market square serving regional Baden dishes and seasonal Black Forest specialties. Mains €15–28.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Kulturzentrum Speicher, Roßbergstraße 9, ☏ +49 7723 503525. Varies by event; typically opens around 20:00 for concerts or cinema.. Located in a historic warehouse, this volunteer-run cultural center hosts live music, independent cinema (Kino im Speicher), and themed pub nights. It is the town's primary hub for alternative culture and evening socialising.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Gasthof zum Ochsen, Marktplatz 9, ☏ +49 7723 93116, [email protected]. A central, family-run hotel offering bright, modern rooms and regional cuisine. Double rooms from €85.
- 2 Hotel Brend (Berggasthof Brend), Auf dem Brend 7 (Summit of Brend mountain), ☏ +49 7723 504870. Located at an altitude of 1,149 m, this mountain inn offers panoramic views of the Alps. It is directly situated on the Westweg hiking trail. Double rooms from €90.
Connect
[edit]Free Wi-Fi is often available for guests at the larger hotels and near the university campus.
Go next
[edit]- Triberg: Famous for Germany's highest waterfalls and the "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock," just a 20-minute drive away.
- Villingen-Schwenningen: A twin city featuring a well-preserved medieval center in Villingen and the Clock Industry Museum in Schwenningen.
- Titisee-Neustadt: A popular resort town centered around a scenic glacial lake.