You can explore Merklingen as a place of cultural and historical significance through its medieval fortified church. The complex once belonged to Herrenalb Abbey. The group of buildings around the Protestant Church of St. Remigius was once a town in its own right, protected by a ring of walls and a moat. This combination of church architecture and defensive history gives a visit to Merklingen a clear focus: historic architectural styles and their traces in the town take centre stage.
Fortified Church and Church of St. Remigius
The Church of St. Remigius was rebuilt with Late Gothic elements after the fire of 1417. Its sturdy eastern tower has loopholes; inside, notable details include tombs and memorial plaques dating from 1574 and 1612. The church brings together different historical reference points: its Late Gothic architectural history and the later-dated tombs and memorials.
Guided Tour or Village Walk
You can take guided tours in and around the fortified church or opt for a self-guided historic village walk. The walk starts at the town hall and leads to the gatehouse, the defensive tower, the Church of St. Remigius, the Stone House and other historic buildings. The two options differ in format: a guided tour focuses on the fortified church, while the self-guided walk connects several stops relating to the town’s history. Before your visit, check whether a guided tour is taking place; changes at short notice are possible.
Cultural History in the Wider Destination of Weil der Stadt
The wider destination of Weil der Stadt offers other distinct themes: astronomy, town history and Fasnet. In spring 2012, the Kepler Society and the town of Weil der Stadt created a planetary trail along a scenic hiking route in the northern WĂĽrm Valley. Information boards about the Sun and the inner rocky planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are located within the town limits of Weil der Stadt. The trail is 10.1 km long; walking time alone is about 2Âľ hours. It also leads to a Neptun endpoint in neighbouring Tiefenbronn and can be explored by bicycle.
The Kepler Museum is housed in the birthplace of astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571–1630). Some of his major works are on display there, mostly in original editions. Modern presentation techniques, computer simulations and video screenings explain scientific principles; individual exhibits may change. In Weil der Stadt’s historic old town, narrow lanes and attractive half-timbered houses cluster around the Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul.
The Town Museum also gives the town’s history a dedicated setting: it presents it as an immersive chronicle spread across 15 rooms on three floors. The ground floor focuses on the political history of the Imperial City of Weil, from the Middle Ages to the end of its status as an Imperial Free City in 1802. In Weil der Stadt, both the town’s longer history and Kepler’s scientific work are therefore in the spotlight.
The Fools’ Museum explains why Weil der Stadt has been considered a stronghold of fools since the 17th century and how Swabian-Alemannic carnival blended with Rhenish-Franconian carnival there. Life-size figures illustrate the various groups of Weiler Fasnet. The well-established and well-known Fasnet is also an experience for visitors. At Meisterin Eva’s Puppet Theatre, the Weiler Clowns guild regularly stages plays written by Rudolf Karl himself. More than sixty hand puppets from the Hohnstein Puppet Theatre are also on display there. Check the current play schedule before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Grafenau, Schönaich, Mötzingen, Magstadt, Nufringen, Steinenbronn, Waldenbuch, Leonberg
See the wider travel overview: Böblingen.
