Calw is located in Baden-Württemberg. Calw is the district town and the largest city in the district of Calw. Calw has been a major district town since January 1st, 1976. It is part of the Northern Black Forest region and the periphery of the greater European area of Stuttgart.
About the location
Calw is located in the Nagold Valley in the northern Black Forest, at an altitude of 330 to 630 m above sea level. The old town can be found in the west of the river. The newer districts are located on the slopes. Other watercourses in the area are Talesbach, Ziegelbach, Wurstbrunnenbach, Schiessbach, Schlittenbach, Schweinbach, and Wurstbrunnenbach.
Nature meets city
Calw is nestled in the Nagoldtal, between the meadows, hedge-rich, hilly “Gau” and the extensive coniferous forests Black Forest Central/North Nature Park in the West. It blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The city forest is just a few steps away from the market square. Here you can take a walk between the trees or start a longer hike.
About the culture
There is a rare architectural monument in the Hirsau district. One of the most important monasteries of the Middle Ages is the romantic ruin left behind by St. Peter and Paul. An earlier building was dedicated to Saint Aurelius. The name is also associated with a well-known choir, the “Aurelius Sangerknaben”, which is known all over the world.
Udo Lindenberg, a Hesse fan (see insider knowledge), also visited the city. From time to time he gives concerts in town. He enjoys walking the city streets. How many tourists who love the variety of shopping opportunities. It's a small city with no stress. The breathtaking nature of the Black Forest is only a few minutes away.
Insider knowledge
Calw is a small town where culture and tradition coexist. A charming and historic town in the northern Black Forest. The Palais Vischer, which houses the city museum, bears witness to this. The tannery museum is also worth seeing, as is "Der Lange", the prison tower. The center can also be explored through themed tours with audio, text and QR codes. There are 200 listed buildings.
Hermann Hesse stands life-size on the Nikolausbrücke. Calw's most prominent son, the Nobel Prize winner for literature and writers. A bronze statue of him adorns the Nagold Crossing. Here he spent his childhood. He lived in a small town paradise that he cherished all his life. Many of the original features of the cityscape have been preserved. For example the market with its charming half-timbered houses. Hermann Hesse was born in one of these houses on July 2, 1877. The Hermann Hesse Museum can be found in another. It houses the largest exhibition on Hesse's life. It is currently being renovated. In 2023 it will reopen with a new concept.
Out in the open
Enjoy the fresh, clean Black Forest air while you explore the many nature, landscape and bird sanctuaries. With the Black Forest guides and the Heckengau nature guides, you can go on a nature adventure trip individually or in a group.
