Haigerloch: History, Art and Special Places

Haigerloch brings together Jewish history, the history of science, art and a historic walking tour. Each theme offers a different perspective: remembrance, a special site in the history of research, painting and architecture each provide their own way of discovering the town. This lets you choose which sides of Haigerloch are of particular interest to you during your stay.

History at Two Special Places

The former Haigerloch Synagogue was built in 1783 in the heart of the Jewish quarter. The exhibition of the House of History of Baden-Württemberg in the former synagogue traces the lost history of Jewish life. The building and the exhibition’s subject matter are closely connected: the history of the place and the remembrance of Jewish life form a shared focus.

The Atomic Cellar Museum is located at the site of the world’s first nuclear reactor. It is housed in a rock directly beneath the castle church—a striking setting that makes the place distinctive. In terms of content, the museum offers a different perspective on Haigerloch’s history from the exhibition in the former synagogue. Exploring both topics side by side reveals contrasting historical perspectives in two very different places.

Art Between Image and Landscape

The Karl Hurm Art Museum presents a cross-section of Karl Hurm’s work, comprising more than 300 exhibits. Here, you can compare and reflect on images and landscapes, dreams and reality. The museum therefore offers not only an overview of Hurm’s work, but also an opportunity to consider how its themes relate to one another and affect the viewer.

The artist’s connection to the area is also reflected in his biography: Karl Hurm lived and painted in the Haigerloch district of Weildorf for 89 years. His extensive body of work is deeply rooted in the Haigerloch area and the surrounding Alb landscape. His art can thus be linked to a specific regional influence without being limited to local history.

Historic Walk and St. Anna

The historic walk through Haigerloch is an easy circular route covering 2.31 kilometres and taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. It visits 15 places of historical interest. The distance and stated duration give you a clear guide when planning the walk as a separate activity.

One of the stops is the pilgrimage church of St. Anna, a well-known Baroque-Rococo church. It was created by Haigerloch master builder Christian Großbayer, with the help of the young sculptor Johann Georg Weckenmann and court painter Meinrad von Au of Sigmaringen. At this stop, architecture comes together with the work of several artists. St. Anna thus adds an art-historical dimension to the walk’s historical sites.

Which Themes Should Shape Your Trip?

If you are planning a trip with a range of interests, you can weigh up Haigerloch’s themes: the synagogue and the Atomic Cellar Museum represent different historical perspectives, the art museum focuses on painting, and St. Anna on church architecture. The walk brings together places of historical interest on an easy circular route with a clearly stated duration.

If you would like to discover more destinations, explore Bad Imnau.

Discover more destinations: Grosselfingen, Schömberg, Burladingen, Jungingen, Hechingen, Zimmern unter der Burg, Laufen.

See the overview of destinations in the wider area: Zollernalb District.