Hochburg is one of Baden’s largest castle complexes; it was first mentioned in writing in 1161. A museum run by the Association for the Preservation of the Hochburg Ruins and the association’s guided tours add to the experience of the site. If you plan to take a guided tour, check the specific dates in advance.
Discover castle and town history
Kastelburg also offers a traceable historical record: in 1289, it was first named as the place where a document issued by the Lords of Schwarzenberg was drawn up. The design of its keep suggests it was built around the middle of the 13th century. Here, then, a written first mention sits alongside an architectural dating—although the latter remains an estimate.
The Leonhardt estate is located on the market square. It is the oldest surviving farmhouse in Emmendingen and a cultural monument. The complex includes the main house, the “Alte Metzig,” the “Magazin” and a barn. Two museums focus on other aspects of history: the Hirsmüller Photography Museum presents the company and family history of the Hirsmüller photography business in Emmendingen from 1861 to 1993. The Psychiatry Museum at the Emmendingen Centre for Psychiatry (ZfP) uses historical photographs, documents and medical equipment to show living, housing and treatment conditions in earlier times.
Wine and music throughout the year
Viticulture in Emmendingen district is part of the Kaiserstuhl and Breisgau wine-growing areas and covers around 2,300 hectares. At the Breisgau Wine Festival in Emmendingen’s old town, more than 15 Breisgau winegrowers’ cooperatives and wineries present local wines, sparkling wines and new creations. The festival is held annually on the third weekend in August; dates and participants may change. Check the latest festival details in advance.
Music is also part of the events calendar: every Sunday in July, free pavilion concerts take place in Emmendingen’s Stadtgarten from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Regular courtyard concerts directed by Frank Goos are held in the inner courtyard of the Leonhardt estate. This offers two different formats: a regular Sunday time slot in the Stadtgarten and concerts in a historic courtyard complex. Pavilion concert dates may change, so check them before your visit.
On foot, by bike and at Kandel
For cycling, Emmendingen district has 900 kilometres of routes, including 250 kilometres of signposted trails. The hiking network comprises 800 kilometres of hiking trails and routes. For more specific guidance, there are five circular hiking routes signposted by the Emmendingen Tourist Information office together with the Emmendingen local group of the Black Forest Association; route details may be updated. The Elz and Simonswäldertal valleys also have family-friendly routes that are often suitable for pushchairs.
At 1,242 metres, Kandel is the highest mountain in Emmendingen district. Its winter sports offerings include downhill ski runs, cross-country ski trails, a snowboarding fun park, toboggan slopes and opportunities for snowshoeing. This sets Kandel apart from the signposted circular hiking routes and the extensive cycling network: here, the focus is on several winter sports. If you plan to take part in winter sports, check the latest conditions in advance.
Emmendingen therefore offers a variety of starting points for planning your trip: castles and town history, museums, wine and concerts, as well as routes for hiking and cycling.
Discover more destinations: Elzach, Simonswald, Waldkirch, Sexau, Malterdingen, Kenzingen, Herbolzheim, Gutach im Breisgau, Emmendingen, Denzlingen, Bahlingen, Rheinhausen, Biederbach, Freiamt, Vörstetten, Endingen am Kaiserstuhl, Riegel am Kaiserstuhl, Teningen, Sasbach am Kaiserstuhl, Winden im Elztal, Forchheim, Weisweil and Wyhl am Kaiserstuhl.
For the overarching travel overview: Baden-WĂĽrttemberg.
