The church, town hall and Fasnet carnival give Wellendingen a distinct historical character; in winter, the ski lift behind Altberg adds a seasonal attraction, depending on snow conditions. You can plan your trip around local history, local traditions or winter activities.
Church and Town Hall: Wellendingen’s History
The dates associated with the church refer to different historical records: Wellendingen’s church is first mentioned in 1441; a church in Wellendingen dedicated to Saint Ulrich, Bishop of Augsburg, is first documented in 1469. The originally Gothic Ulrich Church in the town center was extended to the east in 1863–1864. A transept and a new rectangular choir were added. Its construction history therefore encompasses both its Gothic origins and a clearly dated later renovation.
The town hall building also has a long history. It was first mentioned in a document in 1258 as the manor house of the local nobility at the time. A fire destroyed the building in 1540; it was rebuilt in 1543. This sequence of earlier use, destruction and reconstruction adds a distinct perspective on the history of the local nobility and the town hall to the church’s architectural history.
Fasnet: Evidence from Different Centuries
Municipal accounts provide evidence of the local Fasnet carnival in 1595: on Ash Wednesday, the parish priest held a Weiberzeche, a gathering for women. Five measures of wine were also served to farmers and the Junker’s household staff. These records link a specific day to particular customs and groups of people.
Fasnet plays, also known as Fasnet theater, provide another historical trace. Records of them date back to the 19th century. The performances were popular with local residents and also attracted visitors from outside the area. This distinguishes the early evidence from 1595 from the later theater tradition: they describe different periods in Wellendingen’s Fasnet history.
Winter at Altberg: Plan for Skiing and Refreshments
When snow conditions are sufficient, the ski lift behind Altberg is scheduled to operate daily from 2 p.m. from December to March. The TSV Wellendingen ski hut is also located behind Altberg. It is scheduled to serve refreshments on weekends during the winter months, and on weekdays when snow conditions are suitable. The information for the lift and the hut therefore differs for day-to-day planning. Before a specific winter visit, check whether the lift is currently operating and refreshments are available.
Rottweil: Cultural and Technological Highlights in the Wider Destination
Other attractions feature in the wider destination of Rottweil. The Unteres Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum presents salt production in original buildings, with original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps. It also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Saltworks of Wilhelmshall, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise. The focus here is on salt production and industrial history.
At the Dominican Museum, the “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” exhibition takes visitors through a day in Roman Rottweil on August 4, 186 AD: from the forum in the morning through various public and private engagements to a feast in the evening. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. At the Dominican Museum, visitors of all ages can also try on a Roman wool tunic and a chain mail shirt, handle a Roman soldier’s helmet or shield, and try a Roman rider’s saddle. If you are planning a visit, check whether these hands-on activities are available.
Another highlight is the test tower: modern elevators are tested and certified in twelve shafts, reaching speeds of up to 18 meters per second. For travel by public transport from Rottweil station, the test tower’s visitor information lists bus 5011 on weekdays and a request bus on Saturdays and Sundays. Check connections before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Rottweil, Schramberg, Aichhalden, Sulz Am Neckar, Dietingen, Schenkenzell, Schiltach, Dunningen.
Back to the main travel overview: Rottweil.
