Schwäbisch Gmünd
'The Jewel of Southern Germany'
Set in the picturesque foothills of the Swabian Alb, Schwäbisch Gmünd enjoys an almost Mediterranean quality of life. It is situated in the centre of southern Germany in Ostalbkreis, a district in the region of East Württemberg, 50 km from the state capital of Stuttgart.
A walled market town which nestles in the Rems River valley, Schwäbisch Gmünd was founded more than 800 years ago.
It is referred to as a city by it's 65,000 modern day residents, having received a municipal charter from Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in the 12th century. Monasteries were founded there by the Franciscans, the Augustinians and the Dominicans and construction of the Holy Cross Cathedral - the largest Gothic hall church in southern Germany - started in the 14th century.
Famous for its unique sense of beauty, for its crafts, architecture, design, jewellery and culture, the exquisite town centre is characterised by a mix of buildings constructed over the course of the last eight centuries; the Marktplatz and the Münsterplatz are two of the most beautiful squares in the whole of southern Germany.
For six centuries the town has been the home of hundreds of Goldsmiths and Silversmiths and today remains one of the centres of Germany's precious metal industry. There are world renowned glass plants and workshops of the traditional Bohemian costume jewellery industry and well known names in watch making, spectacles, clothing, furniture and pharmaceutical industries.
Half timbered houses, baroque buildings and a beautiful market square have earned the town the title 'the Jewel of Southern Germany' and make it a popular place for tourists.
The extraordinary character of Schwäbisch Gmünd – with its combination of tradition, history, creativity and innovation – was also reflected in the State Garden Show in 2014 and the Remstal Garden Show in 2019. The whole family can still enjoy a relaxing day out at the two parks ‘between heaven and earth’, even today.
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views from observation tower, the stunning little St. Salvator lane, a mysterious forest adventure trail and giant marble run, a mini-golf course, water play areas, the world of Weleda, the natural cosmetics and pharmaceuticals manufacturer, the Skypark climbing park, a ‘Jurassic Park’ with dinosaurs, and many more exciting attractions for both children and adults alike. Here is an attractive, charming and sustainable destination for anyone seeking a relaxing, culturally-enriching or leisure-packed experience.
Schwäbisch Gmünd is a very attractive town with particular appeal but not exclusively, to anyone interested in architecture, history, the countryside, walking/hiking or cycling, green issues and the arts. There are however, modern shops, departmental stores and fashionable boutiques making the town a splendid shopping centre, complete with attractive restaurants, coffee houses and snack bars. Theatre ensembles regularly visit the town and musical evenings and cathedral concerts emphasise the town's reputation as an important cultural centre. In winter the town is an ideal skiing centre and hosts the International Guggen Music Festival, now in it's 38th year.
For further information may we suggest the following links;
Schwäbisch Gmünd Twinning Association Website: English | German
Official Schwäbisch Gmünd website: English & German
We also highly recommend the 'live' webcam transmissions from around the town - great fun!
