Near Bochingen, in the vicinity of Oberndorf am Neckar, there was an extensive Roman villa rustica: an agricultural estate dating from around 100 to 250 AD. The site has been built over and is no longer visible. Some finds from the complex are on display at the Museum im Schwedenbau in Oberndorf am Neckar. The site and the exhibits therefore offer different ways to explore this archaeological topic: the former complex itself is no longer a visible ruin today.
Putting the Roman traces near Bochingen into context
The villa rustica was excavated from 1993 to 2005. Information boards about the former site are located at the Schafstall near the roundabout by the industrial estate in Bochingen. The dates refer to different things: around 100 to 250 AD marks the period when the Roman estate operated, while 1993 to 2005 is when it was excavated. If you plan to visit the boards, check their condition on site.
When looking for a hotel in Oberndorf am Neckar, you can first consider whether the archaeological site near Bochingen will shape your stay, or whether you would also like to explore other topics in the broader destination of Rottweil.
More historical topics in the broader destination of Rottweil
In Rottweil, the Salinenmuseum Unteres Bohrhaus introduces visitors to salt production by boiling brine. The process is presented in original buildings with original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps. The museum also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Saltworks Wilhelmshall, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise. This offers a different historical focus from Roman agriculture near Bochingen: here, salt production takes centre stage. For travellers interested in industrial history, it offers a distinct way to explore the broader destination of Rottweil.
The Dominican Museum in Rottweil also explores the Roman past, but through a narrative and interactive exhibition. The “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section takes visitors through a day on 4 August 186 AD: from the forum in the morning through public and private engagements to the evening feast. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. The hands-on activities are for visitors of all ages: you can try on a Roman wool tunic, chain mail, a Roman soldier’s helmet or shield, and the saddle of a Roman cavalryman. Check before your visit whether this activity is currently available.
In Rottweil’s old town, information pillars along the Roman Path describe important points in the former Roman city. The route offers another perspective on Rottweil’s Roman past. Together with the exhibition at the Dominican Museum, it provides a contrast in approach: there, reconstructions and interactive areas guide visitors through a particular day, while the information pillars focus on significant sites in the former city.
Events, technology and getting around in Rottweil
The Rottweiler Narrensprung is an annual event. It begins on Shrove Monday at 8 am, when the bells ring, behind the Black Gate. The exact date varies from year to year, so plan your trip around the date for the year in question.
The Test Tower offers a technical perspective: modern lifts are tested and certified in twelve shafts, with speeds of up to 18 metres per second. On weekdays, bus 5011 is scheduled to run from Rottweil station to the Test Tower; on Saturdays and Sundays, a call bus is provided. Check the connection before travelling, as transport details may change. Rottweil is also connected to the cycling network of the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb. This means that, alongside museums and historic sites, technical and cycling-related activities are also options when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bösingen, Dietingen, Deißlingen, Zimmern ob Rottweil, Schenkenzell, Hardt, Schiltach, Lauterbach.
Back to the broader travel overview: Rottweil.
