Discover Waldensian history in Althengstett

Althengstett is an interesting destination for travelers who would like to combine their stay with a focus on cultural history. In Neuhengstett, within the municipality of Althengstett, the museum, Häusle, and Waldensian Stone tell the story of the Waldensians. These places offer different ways to explore it: a permanent exhibition, a concise multimedia show, a recreated living space, and a stone memorial. This makes it possible to plan a stay centered on history and culture.

Waldensian history in Neuhengstett

The museum’s permanent exhibition presents notable figures from Neuhengstett’s history, and special exhibitions change over time. Directly behind the small museum building, a multimedia show in the new building presents the history of the Waldensians in seven sections and runs for about 22 minutes. It offers a concise thematic introduction alongside the exhibition. The show may not be available during events. If it is important to your plans, ask in advance whether it will be shown during your visit.

The museum is open from March to October on the first Sunday of each month, from 2 to 5 p.m. As the schedule may change, check the opening hours before you travel. Group tours are available by prior arrangement, so plan ahead. A solo visit and a group tour therefore have different planning requirements: for the former, use the stated Sunday hours; for the latter, arrange your visit in advance.

The Häusle stands on Waldenserstraße. Built around 1824, it reflects the town’s original style of construction. Inside, a living space from the mid-19th century has been recreated. The building date and the way of life depicted refer to two different points in time: the building dates from the early 19th century, while the recreated living space shows a later period.

Another memorial is the Waldensian Stone, the landmark of Neuhengstett. It was erected on May 3, 1881, in memory of the Waldensian families who had immigrated there at the time. While the museum and Häusle present history through exhibitions and a recreated living space, the stone commemorates the reason for remembrance in a specific place. The Waldensian Church is also listed as a sight in Neuhengstett.

Route and more travel ideas

In 2026, a guided pilgrimage walk followed the Spiritual Waldensian Trail around Neuhengstett. The circular route ran from the New Cemetery through the forest at Esslesbrunnen, past Hofgut Georgenau and the Waldensian Stone. The return route went via the Waldensian Church and the Waldensian Ensemble to the starting point. This route links several of the places mentioned in a single loop; check current trail conditions before setting out on your own.

The wider destination of Calw offers a different focus. In and around Calw, there are well-marked paths and routes where you can explore the Black Forest Central/North Nature Park on foot. In Haiterbach, the nature trail offers children an accessible way to learn about trees and their leaves, as well as the geology of the quarry; at the animal long-jump station, you can compare animals’ jumping abilities. In Schömberg, the barefoot park offers a course about 800 meters long, with more than 20 different materials. Check its seasonal opening period before visiting.

Base your search on the themes you would like to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Enzklösterle, Simmozheim, Rohrdorf, Simmersfeld, Ostelsheim, Calw, Bad Herrenalb, Bad Liebenzell.

Back to the wider travel overview: Calw.