Discover Oberndorf am Neckar

In the area around Oberndorf am Neckar, the story of Roman finds leads to Bochingen: an extensive villa rustica once stood there, but its site is now built over and no longer visible. Some of the finds are on display at the Museum im Schwedenbau in Oberndorf am Neckar. The contrast between the former site and the surviving finds offers a tangible archaeological perspective on the Roman heritage.

Roman Traces near Bochingen

The villa rustica was a Roman agricultural estate dating from approximately 100 to 250 AD. The extensive complex was excavated between 1993 and 2005. Here, the term villa rustica refers to an agricultural estate; the site itself is no longer visible. Some of the finds are on display at the Museum im Schwedenbau in Oberndorf am Neckar.

Information about the former site can be found at the sheepfold near the roundabout by the industrial area in Bochingen. If you plan to visit the information boards, check their current condition when you arrive. Museum exhibits and information boards offer different points of connection: the former are finds from the villa rustica, while the latter point to its former location.

Rottweil: City History, Crafts and Hands-On Activities

Rottweil also offers its own perspective on Roman times. The “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section of the Dominican Museum recreates a day in Roman Rottweil on August 4, 186 AD: from the forum in the morning through public and private engagements to the evening feast. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. The account of a day in Roman Rottweil and the history of the agricultural estate in Bochingen thus offer different insights into antiquity.

At the Dominican Museum, visitors young and old can try on a Roman wool tunic and a chainmail shirt, try out a Roman soldier’s helmet or shield, and sit in the saddle of a Roman rider. If these hands-on activities are important for your visit, check in advance what is currently available. The Unteres Bohrhaus Salt Museum in Rottweil, by contrast, focuses on salt production by boiling brine: it presents the process in original buildings with original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps. The museum also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Saltworks of Wilhelmshall, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise.

Along the Roman Trail in Rottweil’s old town, information pillars provide details about important points in the former Roman city. There is also a regional connection for cyclists: Rottweil is linked to the cycling route network of the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb.

Events, Technology and Getting There

The famous Rottweil Narrensprung begins behind the Black Gate at the stroke of 8 a.m. on Carnival Monday. The exact date varies from year to year. At the Test Tower, modern elevators are tested and certified in twelve shafts; their speeds reach up to 18 meters per second. On weekdays, bus 5011 runs from Rottweil railway station to the Test Tower; on Saturdays and Sundays, an on-demand bus is available. Check the travel information before setting off.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans

For the Rottweil attractions, the individual locations and dates matter: check the Carnival date for the relevant year and the public transport information for the Test Tower before setting off.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sulz Am Neckar, Schramberg, Dunningen, Zimmern Ob Rottweil, Villingendorf, Schiltach, Dornhan, Bösingen

Back to the main travel overview: Rottweil.