Backnang between the Town Tower, museums and orchards
Accommodation in Backnang
Backnang combines a distinctive history with an extensive route through the countryside: the Town Tower is its landmark, and the s'Ă„pple scenic trail leads through the Backnang Basin, known as the Swabian Cider Region. The town also offers technical collections, historic buildings and contemporary art. This means your stay can focus very much on either culture or outdoor activities. If you are looking for places to stay in Backnang, first consider whether museums and architectural history or days spent cycling and hiking should take priority.
History between the Town Tower and the Helferhaus
The Town Tower originated as the tower of the former St. Michael's Church: Schickhardt had it raised in 1614, after which it became Backnang's landmark. The Historic Town Hall also tells a story of rebuilding and change. It was first built between 1599 and 1601. After the town fire of 1693 destroyed the building, it was rebuilt in 1716/17 as a half-timbered building, based on plans by Johann Ulrich Heim, the WĂĽrttemberg master builder.
The Helferhaus is a cultural monument first mentioned in 1583. Today it hosts talks, including the “Old Town Regulars' Table,” as well as exhibitions. The Graphik-Kabinett is part of the building: since 2002, it has presented changing selections from the Ernst Riecker Foundation collection. This comprises around 1,600 printed graphic art sheets dating from the 15th to the 19th century, including 75 sheets by Albrecht Dürer. As the selections change, each visit offers a chance to discover a different part of the collection.
Technology, everyday history and art
The Backnang Technology Forum serves several purposes: it is a museum, technology archive, event venue and technology workshop for children and young people. In the workshop, young visitors learn how to use tools and materials under the guidance of dedicated instructors. It gives families a practical insight into how technology is not only collected but also taught through hands-on activities. If you plan to visit a workshop, check the current programme in advance.
The Scheuerle Museum in Backnang's Waldrems district offers a different perspective on life in earlier times. Exhibits include agricultural tools and machinery, a complete shoemaker's workshop, a farmhouse kitchen, and a farmhouse living room and bedroom. The Museum of the Danube Swabians is considered the largest museum of its kind in Germany. It is open from May to October on the first and third Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 pm, and at other times by appointment; check opening hours before your visit.
The Backnang Municipal Gallery, housed in the historic Turmschulhaus in the centre of the old town, offers 450 m² of exhibition space for contemporary art. It hosts four exhibitions each year. The combination of collections, technology and contemporary art makes Backnang's cultural offering varied, so a visit need not be limited to a single museum.
Explore on foot or by bike
The s'Ă„pple scenic trail is 83.6 kilometres long and is both a cycling route and a circular hiking trail. Hikers can complete it in several stages, with various options for joining and leaving the route. One possible starting point is Backnang S-Bahn station; check current public transport connections before travelling. This lets you plan your tour according to the time you have, without having to tackle the entire circular route as a single hike.
The route is characterised by orchards and adjoining woodland in the Swabian Forest. Highlights include the Buchenbach Valley nature reserve with its waterfalls and numerous historic holloways. Backnang also offers cycling and hiking tours through orchards, river landscapes and idyllic villages. The routes are considered well signposted and maintained; nevertheless, it is worth checking the current route before setting out on a specific tour. The Plattenwald recreation area, at the entrance to the Swabian-Franconian Forest Nature Park in the north of Backnang, offers another point of reference for exploring the surrounding landscape.
If you are looking for a route for quiet reflection as well as longer excursions, consider the “Path of Contemplation.” The sculpture trail, created on Ölberg in 1987, has been continuously expanded ever since. It runs from Postgasse along Ölberg Street to the Helferhaus behind the Town Tower. In this way, it connects several named places through an artistic theme, while s'Äpple offers a longer cycling and hiking route.
Seasonal events
Events can also shape the character of a stay. The Backnang Goose Market takes place every autumn and revives a tradition that dates back to the 17th century. Check the latest dates when planning your trip. The wine festival on Adenauerplatz is a sociable meeting place for locals and visitors of all ages; its programme and dates may also change.
Discover more destinations: Urbach, Weinstadt, Sulzbach, Allmersbach Im Tal, Oppenweiler, Berglen, Spiegelberg, Kaisersbach.
Back to the regional travel overview: Rems-Murr District.
