Aurich lies in the Kreuzbach Valley. Picturesque half-timbered houses and St. John’s Church, which has shaped the townscape for centuries, give the village a distinctive historic character. You can explore the historic walking tour independently using the StadtRundgänge auf eigene Faust brochure; the trails in the Kreuzbach Valley offer a different focus. This gives you a clear choice when planning: would you like to focus on the town’s history or the route of a walk?
Half-timbered houses and the history of church construction
The lower level of St. John’s Church is housed in a stone defensive tower built around 900; its walls are 1.6 metres thick. The term “defensive tower” refers to its military function. The approximate date and precise wall measurement bring the building’s history to life. Alongside the impact of St. John’s Church on the townscape, the construction date, function and dimensions of a single building element offer different ways to explore Aurich’s history.
The former Pfleghof is a substantial half-timbered house built in 1609 that served as a Pfleghof of Hirsau Monastery. The year places the building in its historical context, while its former function adds its institutional role. This means the building’s history can be viewed through more than its architectural features: its former connection to the monastery is also part of the history of the Pfleghof. Together with the half-timbered houses, it offers a glimpse of different historical aspects of local architecture.
Walking tour and trails in the Kreuzbach Valley
For independent exploration, there is a historic walking tour that you can follow using the StadtRundgänge auf eigene Faust brochure. The brochure is specifically intended for exploring the area independently. If you would like to focus on Aurich’s history, the walking tour provides a clear framework; for choosing a route, however, the starting point and route are useful landmarks.
The V10 Hasenlauf circular trail starts at the hiking car park in the Kreuzbach Valley in Aurich. Check the trail signs before setting off. The VAI tour passes the “Roi Igel” viewpoint before descending to Aurich and the picturesque Kreuzbach Valley. The difference between the routes lies in their landmarks: the V10 has a specified starting point, while the VAI tour is described by its route via the viewpoint to Aurich and into the valley. Consider whether a specific starting point or a described route would help you plan better.
Agriculture and the Aurich wine press
Until the mid-20th century, Aurich was shaped by fruit and wine growing. This period adds an agricultural perspective to the history of its buildings. The former “Auricher Kelter” was renovated and refurbished in 1983 through a long and careful process; today it serves as the choir association Eintracht Aurich e.V.’s own rehearsal hall. The press brings several periods into focus: its former use as a wine press, its refurbishment and renovation in 1983, and its present-day use by the association. In this way, Aurich’s agricultural history is linked to the changing story of a single building.
Discover more destinations: Riet, Enzweihingen, RoĂźwag
Return to the main travel overview: Vaihingen An Der Enz.
