In Neuhengstett, a locality in the municipality of Althengstett, several aspects of Waldensian history come together: a museum, the Waldensian memorial stone and a described circular route around the village each offer a different perspective. Two practical decisions can help with planning your trip: time your museum visit to match its opening schedule, and check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

Waldensian history at the museum

The museum’s permanent exhibition presents notable figures from the history of Neuhengstett. A multimedia show in the new building of the WaldenserEnsemble, directly behind the small museum house, provides information about the history of the Waldensians in seven sections and lasts about 22 minutes. The show may not be available during events; if you are planning a visit specifically to see it, check in advance whether it will be shown that day. The two formats focus on different aspects: notable figures from local history on the one hand, and the history of the Waldensians on the other. Additional temporary exhibitions change over time.

The museum is open to visitors from March to October on the first Sunday of each month, from 2 to 5 pm. As the opening schedule may change, check the date before travelling. Group tours of the museum in Neuhengstett are available by arrangement; book a tour in advance.

Places of remembrance

The small house on Waldenserstraße in Neuhengstett reflects the village’s original building style. Built around 1824, it recreates a domestic setting from the mid-19th century. The Waldensian memorial stone is the landmark of Neuhengstett. It was erected on 3 May 1881 in memory of the Waldensian families who had immigrated there at the time. The small house illustrates a historical living situation, while the stone and its date commemorate a specific occasion. The Waldensian church is also listed as a sight in Neuhengstett.

Circular route around Neuhengstett

In 2026, a guided pilgrimage hike followed the Spiritual Waldensian Trail around Neuhengstett. A circular route described in 2026 also starts at the New Cemetery and runs through the forest by Esslesbrunnen, past Hofgut Georgenau and the Waldensian memorial stone. The return route passes the Waldensian church and the WaldenserEnsemble before reaching the starting point. The sequence of stops described provides guidance on the route; check current trail conditions before setting out on the hike.

More to discover in the wider Calw travel destination

The wider Calw travel destination offers more to explore. In and around Calw, well-signposted trails and routes provide opportunities to hike in the Northern Black Forest Nature Park. In Nagold, the foundations of various buildings in the castle’s central complex, dating from the 12th century, are still preserved in the ruins of Hohennagold Castle on Schlossberg. In Schömberg, the Barefoot Park has a trail about 800 metres long featuring more than 20 different materials; check whether the park is open for the season before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Unterreichenbach, Altensteig, Bad Wildbad, Nagold, Simmozheim, Simmersfeld, Enzklösterle, Ebhausen.

Back to the overview of the wider travel destination: Calw.