Discover Wildberg: Schäferlauf, Old Town and Monastery Route

Discover Wildberg through two distinct cultural themes: the Schäferlauf tradition and the history of the old town. Since the decree of 7 December 2018, the Schäferlauf has been part of Germany’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The old town can be explored along the historical heritage trail. Both themes offer different starting points for planning your trip: the festivities, exploring the town, or combining both interests.

Schäferlauf: race, dance and pageant

The Schäferlauf festival tradition in Wildberg includes the classic race, in which shepherds compete barefoot on a stubble field or meadow, the shepherds’ dance, shepherding skills competitions and the pageant. The combination of racing, shepherding, dancing and the pageant gives the cultural programme a broader focus than a single competition. If you want to plan your trip around attending the festival, check the date for your intended year of travel.

The old town and Monastery Route: two different ways to explore

The historical heritage trail offers a way to explore Wildberg’s old town. In addition, the fourth stage of the Northern Black Forest Monastery Route leads from Calw to the former Dominican convent of Reuthin in Wildberg. The trail and the route have different focuses: the heritage trail is for exploring the old town, while the Monastery Route links Calw as its starting point with the former convent as the stage’s destination.

Wildberg is on cultural railway line 774 between Pforzheim, Calw, Horb and Tübingen. Check current train services before travelling. Then focus your search on what you want to shape your stay.

More things to discover in the wider Calw destination

The wider Calw destination offers further attractions of its own. In Nagold, the foundations of various buildings in the castle’s central complex, dating from the 12th century, are still preserved in the ruins of Hohennagold Castle on Nagold Castle Hill. In Schömberg, the barefoot park offers a course about 800 metres long, featuring more than 20 different materials. Check the park’s seasonal opening times before your trip.

In and around Calw, a wealth of well-signposted paths and routes offer opportunities to hike through the Northern Black Forest Nature Park. In Haiterbach, the nature trail introduces children to trees and their leaves, as well as the geology of the quarry. At the animal long-jump, visitors can compare how far different animals can jump. The Calw destination therefore offers everything from historic castle ruins and hiking trails to nature-themed experiences that combine learning with an activity.

Culinary events can also play a part in planning your trip: the Backhausfest in Ebhausen takes place every year on the first weekend in May. As part of the programme, visitors can sample onion tart and wood-fired oven bread baked in the local bakehouses. If you plan to attend the festival, confirm the date for your intended year.

Discover more destinations

Gültlingen, Sulz Am Eck, Egenhausen, Simmersfeld, Höfen An Der Enz, Enzklösterle, Bad Teinach-Zavelstein and Bad Wildbad

Back to the wider travel overview: Calw.