Discover Oberndorf am Neckar

The Villa rustica near Bochingen

The Villa rustica near Bochingen, close to Oberndorf am Neckar, was an extensive Roman agricultural estate. It existed from around 100 to 250 AD and was excavated between 1993 and 2005. The site has since been built over and is no longer visible. This contrast is useful for putting the site into context: the location marks where the estate once stood, while the archaeological finds are preserved and displayed elsewhere.

Information boards about the former site are located at the sheep barn near the roundabout by the industrial estate in Bochingen. Check their current condition before visiting. Some finds from the Villa rustica are on display at the Museum im Schwedenbau in Oberndorf am Neckar. The boards and museum exhibits offer different perspectives: the boards refer to the former site, while the finds bring individual objects from the Roman estate to life.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Oberndorf am Neckar, consider what you would like to focus on: the archaeological traces near Bochingen or the finds on display at the museum. The Villa rustica itself is no longer visible, so take this distinction into account when planning your trip.

Roman history and museums in Rottweil

In the wider travel destination of Rottweil, the “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section at the Dominican Museum takes visitors through a day in Roman Rottweil: the day depicted, 4 August 186 AD, begins at the forum and continues through public and private appointments to an evening feast. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. Another way to engage with the past is to try out Roman objects: visitors of all ages can try on a wool tunic, a chainmail shirt, a Roman soldier’s helmet or shield, and the saddle of a Roman horseman. Check before visiting whether this hands-on activity is currently available.

The Unteres Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum in Rottweil explores another aspect of history. It presents salt production in original buildings with original equipment, including 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. Rottweil thus presents Roman urban history and industrial history as distinct subjects.

The Roman Trail in Rottweil’s Old Town traces the history of the former Roman city with information steles marking important points. Another city experience is the Rottweil Narrensprung, the traditional carnival procession. Every year, it begins on Carnival Monday when the bells strike 8 am, behind the Black Gate. Exact dates change each year, so plan around the relevant Carnival date.

More perspectives on Rottweil

Modern lifts are tested and certified in twelve shafts at the Test Tower, reaching speeds of up to 18 metres per second. For travel by public transport from Rottweil station, the Test Tower visitor information lists bus 5011 on weekdays and an on-demand bus on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the connection before travelling, as transport details may change. Rottweil is also a key point for cyclists: the city is connected to the cycling network of the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Oberndorf am Neckar, first compare the themes you want your trip to focus on: the Villa rustica near Bochingen, its finds at the museum in Oberndorf, or the distinct museums and city experiences in Rottweil. This selection can help you decide what to focus on when planning, without treating the different places as a single sightseeing destination.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Dornhan, Dietingen, Aichhalden, Bösingen, Schenkenzell, Lauterbach, Wellendingen, Zimmern ob Rottweil.

Go to the wider travel overview: Rottweil.