Rottweil: Roman Era, Salt History and Technology

Rottweil combines Roman urban history, an industrial past and modern elevator technology. At the Dominican Museum, Roman life is brought to life through a narrative; the Saltworks Museum showcases salt production by boiling in original buildings. The Test Tower provides a technological contrast.

Roman History in the Museum and Old Town

The “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section at the Dominican Museum takes visitors through a day in Roman Rottweil on August 4, 186 AD. The day unfolds from the forum in the morning through various public and private engagements to a feast in the evening; reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. This chronological sequence provides a clear narrative framework for exploring the past.

Visitors young and old can try on a Roman wool tunic and chain mail, and handle a Roman soldier’s helmet or shield, as well as a Roman rider’s saddle. This hands-on experience offers a second way to engage with the story of the day. Availability may change, so check before your visit whether these activities are currently available.

Another way to explore the Roman past is the Roman Trail in Rottweil’s old town: along the trail, information pillars highlight important sites in the former Roman city. While the museum explores Roman life through the events of a single day, the pillars provide context for individual sites in the ancient city.

Salt Production and Industrial History

The Unteres Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum showcases salt production by boiling in original buildings, with original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps. The exhibition also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Wilhelmshall Saltworks, considered Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise. Alongside the Roman past, Rottweil’s industrial history is also in the spotlight.

Technology, Fasnet and Regional Activities

Modern elevators are tested and certified in twelve shafts at the Test Tower; speeds of up to 18 metres per second give a tangible sense of scale to the technology. You can reach the Test Tower from Rottweil station by public transport: bus 5011 on weekdays, and an on-demand bus on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the service before travelling.

The famous Rottweil Narrensprung parade begins on Fasnet Monday at the stroke of 8 a.m., behind the Black Gate. As the exact calendar date varies each year, check the date for your travel year if you want to experience this tradition.

Walks through the medieval town centre and to the Test Tower are also among the options in the wider Rottweil area. Rottweil is also connected to the cycling route network of the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura.

Choose Your Travel Dates Based on Your Interests

Discover more destinations: Dornhan, Lauterbach, Schiltach, Schenkenzell, Sulz Am Neckar, Rottweil, Deißlingen, Aichhalden, Zimmern Ob Rottweil, Epfendorf, Schramberg, Wellendingen, Dunningen, Oberndorf Am Neckar, Hardt, Bösingen, Dietingen, Eschbronn, Fluorn-Winzeln, Villingendorf, Vöhringen.

For the regional travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.