Discover Villingen-Schwenningen: moorland, the Neckar and culture

Villingen-Schwenningen offers fascinating natural landscapes and a rich urban history: the Schwenninger Moos, the source of the Neckar and Villingen’s cultural sites each bring a different focus to your travel plans.

Experience moorland trails and nature

The Schwenninger Moos and neighbouring Kugelmoos are almost entirely part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. With nine listed habitat types, including moorland forests and calcareous fens, both are part of the 2,300-hectare Baar Special Area of Conservation (SAC 8016-341). The moor is therefore a focus not only as a landscape, but also as a special habitat.

In the Schwenninger Moos nature reserve, a 3.5-kilometre circular trail passes information boards along the history and nature trail. They provide information about peat extraction and moorland habitats. Themed guided tours are also available and can be booked through the environmental centre. Check current availability before your trip.

Villingen’s museums and architectural history

The Franziskanermuseum in Villingen’s town centre offers 2,500 square metres of exhibition space. It is the region’s largest museum of cultural history, with a collection spanning from prehistory to the present day. The permanent exhibition is divided into three sections: the history of the town from its beginnings to the present day, the Black Forest collection and the Celtic princely grave at Magdalenenberg. Admission is free; check current visitor information before your visit.

The Church of Our Lady (Münster Unserer Lieben Frau) also tells the story of several building phases. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries in the Romanesque style, it was remodelled several times and completed in the Gothic style in 1284. Visitors interested in historic buildings can see a distinct transition here from Romanesque beginnings to a Gothic completion.

On the “Gates and Towers” tour in the Villingen district, participants get a glimpse inside historic towers and walls, including areas that were previously locked and inaccessible to the public. Check dates and ticket availability before your trip.

Cycling and choosing a base

The Neckar rises in Möglingshöhe City Park. The Neckar Valley Cycle Route follows the river. From there, the Neckar travels 362 kilometres to Mannheim; the cycle route is suitable for the whole family.

Villingen and Schwenningen are accessible by InterCity and regional trains. Check current train connections and which location best suits your planned visits.

More to discover in the Schwarzwald-Baar district

The wider Schwarzwald-Baar district also has its own nature destinations: a 2.5-kilometre circular trail around the oval Kirnbergsee runs across the dam. The lake is part of a Special Area of Conservation; rare plants grow near the shore. Together with the 3.5-kilometre circular trail in the Schwenninger Moos, these two routes offer a direct comparison of their stated lengths.

The Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet is part of the culture of the Schwarzwald-Baar district. In December 2014, it was added to Germany’s national UNESCO register of intangible cultural heritage. Carnival in the Schwarzwald-Baar district lasts six days, from Schmotziger Dunnschtig (Fat Thursday) to Ash Wednesday.

The Move fare applies to all local public transport buses and trains in the Schwarzwald-Baar, Tuttlingen and Rottweil districts. As fare conditions can change, check the latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pfaffenweiler, Triberg im Schwarzwald, Unterkirnach, Schonach im Schwarzwald, Königsfeld im Schwarzwald, Nußbach, Furtwangen im Schwarzwald, Bräunlingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Schwarzwald-Baar district.