Discover Schorndorf: Half-timbered houses, art and trails

Schorndorf combines protected half-timbered architecture with museums, public art and trails through vineyards and forests. The entire historic old town, with its picturesque half-timbered houses and market square ensemble, is protected as a historic monument. As part of the German Half-Timbered House Road, the town is also of interest to visitors who want to discover historic urban spaces and architectural styles.

Half-timbered houses and town history

The Schorndorf City Museum is housed in two historic half-timbered buildings and has more than 900 square metres of exhibition space. Its collection includes archaeological finds, objects from the modern era, and records of regional everyday and cultural history. Exhibits on the history of settlement range from the Stone Age and Roman finds to the Middle Ages. A visit to the museum thus brings together different periods and themes.

Another historic site is the birthplace of Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler-Benz acquired and restored the house in 1979; today it serves as a museum and conference venue for Daimler AG. Items on display there include Daimler’s journeyman’s piece, animal drawings and personal belongings. Schorndorf Castle, in turn, was built in 1538 as part of the Württemberg state fortress, on the site of what was probably an older moated castle. Remains of the former bastion have been preserved in the castle park.

Art and places of remembrance

Art in Schorndorf is not confined to exhibition spaces: more than 40 sculptures, mostly by contemporary artists, can be found in public spaces. The Q Galerie für Kunst Schorndorf presents six exhibitions a year and has become an important fixture for contemporary art in the greater Stuttgart area. These changing exhibitions complement the artworks you can discover throughout the town.

The Old Cemetery also brings together parkland and history. The grounds have been preserved as a park with an exceptional collection of trees and are freely accessible around the clock. There is a small chapel in the grounds, designed by Gottlieb Maier in 1879 in the Neo-Gothic half-timbered style. A memorial by artist Reinhard Scherer has commemorated the persecuted and victims of fascism there since 1989. The different sites give a walk through the grounds both an architectural and a commemorative dimension.

Trails and views

Schorndorf offers hiking routes of varying lengths and character. The Jubilee Trail connects the nine districts of the large district town with the town centre and is about 45 kilometres long in total. It passes over scenic heights, through the Remstal’s traditional orchards and along the largely forested slopes of the Schurwald and Berglen hills. The first stage runs through Schorndorf town centre and Schornbach and is about 14 kilometres long. The second passes through Schornbach, Buhlbronn, Miedelsbach and Haubersbronn and is about 20.5 kilometres long.

The circular hiking trail “SD4 – Sky Trail” offers a different landscape: it passes through meadows and forests, past giant sequoias and up to the Grafenberg viewpoint. Located near Schorndorf among vineyards and cherry orchards, it offers views across the town and its surroundings. This route combines woodland and meadows with a viewpoint; the Jubilee Trail, by contrast, focuses on several districts and the different landscapes along the way.

Hands-on activities and guided town tours

The Forscherparcours at the Schorndorf Forscherfabrik introduces children and adults to fascinating worlds of discovery at numerous interactive stations. The city museum also offers the family hands-on exhibition “Mammoth, Romans, Celts & Co.” Check the latest programme and dates for this exhibition before travelling. The open guided town tours are for individuals and small groups, with different themes each week. It is also a good idea to check the current schedule before your visit.

Those who want to discover Schorndorf through its wine country can consider a wine walk with a wine tasting or a glass of sparkling wine. Check the individual offers before travelling. Together with the museums, half-timbered architecture and outdoor trails, these provide a range of options for different interests during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Waiblingen, Alfdorf, Winnenden, Urbach, Ebni, Korb, Berglen, Sulzbach.

Back to the regional travel overview: Rems-Murr District.