Balingen: Town Church, Castle and the History of Weighing

Town Church and Zollern Castle: A Look at Architectural History

The Protestant town church on the market square is a Late Gothic hall church. It was built from 1443 to 1541 as an addition and extension to St Nicholas's Chapel, which is documented as existing as early as the 14th century. This sequence makes it possible to trace the long development of church building in Balingen: the town church was not built without a history, but grew out of and expanded the older chapel. If you are interested in historic architecture, you can make this building a focus in its own right alongside visits to the museums.

Zollern Castle also has a distinctive architectural history. It was rebuilt from 1935 to 1937 to an earlier design, using some old structural elements. At the castle, you will therefore encounter both surviving historic components and a 20th-century reconstruction. This offers a different perspective on history from the town church: here, the focus is on how the present-day building came into being, while there it is on the addition to and expansion of a chapel already known to have existed.

Weighing Technology and Farming Implements

A visit to the Weighing Museum in Zollern Castle brings the history of weighing technology to life. Around 600 exhibits trace the development of scales over 2,000 years, with almost no gaps. The exhibition thus spans a long period, while the individual objects make the subject tangible through actual scales. For visitors interested in the history of technology, the museum offers a clearly defined focus; it can also be combined with a look around the castle building.

The Ostdorf Farm Museum offers a different perspective. Its rooms on the ground floor of the town hall house an extensive collection of farming implements. Balingen is therefore home to two distinct collections: the development of scales over a period of 2,000 years, and tools used in agricultural work. If you are travelling with children or several generations, different interests can shape your choice of activities for the day without everyone having to follow the same theme.

A Walk Along the Eyach and Art in the Public Realm

The Eyach riverside nature trail starts at Zollern Castle. A walk along the trail can be combined with a shopping trip. This makes for a change of pace from the historic buildings and collections: instead of focusing your visit on indoor spaces and exhibitions, you can include an outdoor walk in your day and combine it with shopping. The stated starting point at the castle provides a clear landmark for your walk.

Another destination for art lovers is the chair by Rottweil artist Jürgen Knubben (born 1955). It has stood by the Eyach in the “Little Venice” area since 2005. Its name, location and installation year make this work a specific point of interest if you would like to include public art in your explorations. Together with the town church, castle and museums, it shows just how many different themes can shape a stay in Balingen.

Which experiences in Balingen suit your interests? You can choose how much emphasis to place on architectural history, weighing technology, farming implements, a walk and art in the public realm. You can also discover Endingen as another place to visit.

For the broader travel overview: Zollernalb District.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Grosselfingen, Hausen Am Tann, Ratshausen, Bisingen, Schömberg, Unterdigisheim, Weilen Unter Den Rinnen.