July at the Franciscan Museum is all about the KULT(UR)WALD: excursions following in the footsteps of the Romans, insights into the Iron Age at Celtic Day, and public guided tours demonstrate that the cultural history of the Black Forest is much older than people often expect.
Join us as we delve into the early history of our region—it’s well worth it!
The Celts come to life! For one day, the courtyard of the Franziskaner Museum is transformed into a Celtic camp featuring artisans, warriors, and merchants. Combining scholarly rigor with vivid reenactments, living history groups transport visitors back to a distant past. Enjoy craft demonstrations, museum tours, and hands-on activities for the whole family—all with free admission, thanks to the support of Sparkasse Schwarzwald-Baar and the Friends of the Municipal Museums in Villingen-Schwenningen. Food and drinks are available at the Café im Franziskaner.
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Demonstrations by the Carnyx Celtic group;
Celtic blacksmithing techniques with archaeotechnician Frank Trommer;
Hallstatt-period pottery with Bettina Kocak, Goldgrubenkeramik
1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.: Short guided tour of the “Magdalenenberg Celtic Princely Tomb” section
2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.: Family tour “In the Footsteps of the Magdalenenbergers”
4:30 p.m.: Celtic weapons display
The settlement of the Black Forest has long been a subject of debate: Was it an “uninhabitable region” that was only settled in the Middle Ages? Or did people from the Bronze and Iron Ages already live in the forest? These guided tours explain the current state of research based on the most important artifacts from all regions of the low mountain range. Topics covered include Germany’s oldest mine, Bronze Age recycling methods, and the rediscovery of a lost city.
Tickets for the guided tours are available at the museum ticket office and through online advance sales for €10 (reduced rate: €8), including admission.
What remains of the Romans in the Black Forest? An excursion offered by the Baarverein explores this question. As early as the 1st century, the Kinzig Valley was opened up by the construction of a military road. However, it is only recent research that has revealed the region’s significance during Roman times. On an archaeological tour on Saturday, July 9, participants will visit the Waldmössingen fort and the temple complex at Brandsteig.
1:00 p.m.: Walking tour with a viewing of Roman artifacts in the center of Rötenberg
2:30 p.m.: Tour of the Brandsteig with Dr. Ute Seidel
4:00 p.m.: Tour of the Roman Waldmössingen Fort
Meeting point: Rötenberg at the church, Kirchgasse 2/1, 78733 Aichhalden-Rötenberg
Transportation will be by private car. Please indicate when registering whether you are offering or seeking a ride.
Participation is free of charge; registration by email is required: info@baarverein.de
The trailer offers a brief glimpse into the exhibition, which runs through October 16, 2022.
> Watch the KULT(UR)WALD trailer
The companion book for the special exhibition summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the early settlement and development of the Black Forest in several richly illustrated articles. The book is available in the museum shop for €12.
