Calw, Historic market town in Northern Black Forest, Germany
Description
Calw is a town in the northern Black Forest along the Nagold River, known for its timber-framed houses and narrow lanes around the central market square. The buildings show painted wooden beams, small windows, and steep roofs that line up along the riverbank and on the adjacent hills.
History
A castle belonging to the Counts of Calw stood here from 1037, before the site grew into a trading hub for cloth and leather. In medieval times, these industries brought wealth and new trade connections to other regions.
Culture
The museum dedicated to the literature laureate displays handwritten pages, photographs, and objects from the author's childhood years. The rooms show how his family lived in the 19th century and which influences shaped his later novels.
Practical
A rail line connects the town to Stuttgart and Pforzheim, and hiking paths start directly from the center into the woods. The lanes are mostly cobbled and sometimes steep, so sturdy shoes make walking easier.
Did you know?
The market square preserves a row of restored houses from the 16th century, including the writer's birthplace at number 6. The building now carries a memorial plaque and houses a small bookshop on the ground floor.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Calw District).
Hirsau Abbey
2.7 kmAusweichsitz der Landesregierung Baden-Württemberg
5.6 km
Zavelstein Castle
4.3 km
Waldeck Ruins
4.7 km
Hermann-Hesse-Höri-Museum
179 mBruderhöhle
3.8 km
Wanderheim Zavelstein
3.7 km
Palais Vischer
173 mBurg Calw
486 m
Transmission site Landespolizeidirektion Karlsruhe
6.9 km
Stadtkirche Calw
160 m
Zavelsteiner Krokuswiesen
4.1 km
Lerchenberg
7 kmHofgut Georgenau
5.7 km
Hof Dicke
4.1 km
Gültlinger und Holzbronner Heiden
7.8 kmGräberfeld von Gültlingen
8 km
Wackelstein Calw
1.7 kmHirsau
2.5 km
Würm-Heckengäu
4 km
Hörnle und Geißberg
6.5 km
Calwer Heckengäu
4.5 km
Haus Reichert
135 m
Gebersack
6 km
Simmozheimer Wald
5.5 km
Martinskirche Stammheim
3.1 km
Waldenserkirche
4 km
Bartholomäuskirche Oberhaugstett
8 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes