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City in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Photo: Elke Wetzig (Elya), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pforzheim is known as the "Gateway to the Black Forest" or "Goldstadt" (Gold City) due to its jewellery and watch-making industries. Located on the northern edge of the Black Forest between Karlsruhe and Stuttgart, it sits at the confluence of three rivers: the Enz, Nagold, and Würm. With a population of approximately 126,000 (2021), it is a city of functional post-war charm that serves as a primary starting point for hikers and a hub for precision engineering.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Schmuckmuseum Reuchlinhaus
The museum celebrates the jewellery heritage of Pforzheim as "golden town" in the famous Reuchlinghaus designed by Manfred Lehmbruck the son of artist Wilhelm Lehmbruck, who is one of the most influential architects for the functional post-war architecture in Pforzheim. There is also a cafe, where you can sit outside close to the Stadtgarten park if weather allows.
Museum im Bahnhof Weißenstein
Located in a lovingly restored 19th-century station building, this museum showcases the history of the Nagold Valley Railway and features several impressive model railroad layouts in various scales.
A large 360-degree photo exhibition with changing content.
Friedhofmuseum
Pforzheim has a cemetery museum with ancient tombstones and also the large cemetery of Pforzheim direct next to the museum, is worth a visit with many historic family graves. You'll find many inscriptions from 23 February 1945.
Wildpark Pforzheim
Outdoor animal park which offers habitat for over 400 partly rare mammals, fish, frogs, amphibians and birds from various regions of the world.
Created for the federal flower festival 1992 along the river Enz provides a beer garden and the historic water supply station Wasserwerk Friedrichsberg. It starts at the Gasometer and offers a nice walk in summer.
Small park near the Reuchlingmuseum with a nice fountain and you can ride the black forest wave there
Alfons Kern Turm
Place for social discourse and interdisciplinary laboratory of the future. The stairwell tower of the former Alfons-Kern-Schule in Pforzheim offers space on several floors. Regular exhibitions are held on two floors. On the top floor, students of the Master’s program Design & Future Making of explore the future in the MADLAB of the University of Pforzheim. On the ground and first floor is the Café Roland at home.
The Kollmar & Jourdan house was built in Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century and impresses then as now with its unusual design and colour scheme. The street side is clad with coloured glazed exposed brick. The unique colour scheme features light green wall surfaces interspersed with pale white and brownish tones. Five figural relief busts in allegorical form depict the five continents: Africa, Australia with kangaroo, Europe, Asia, America. Each continent is characterised by folk ornaments.
Kloster Maulbronn
One of Europe’s most complete and best preserved Medieval monastery complexes. It combines a multitude of architectural styles, from Romanesque to late Gothic, in one place – creating a unique atmosphere.
Wildpark Pforzheim
An outdoor animal park which offers habitat for over 400 partly rare mammals, fish, frogs, amphibians and birds from various regions of the world.
A historic former hunting lodge located idyllically by a small lake in the Hagenschieß forest, offering regional German and Swabian-Baden specialties. The venue features traditional dining rooms and a beer garden with a playground.
A modern and vibrant restaurant located directly on the central market square. It offers a diverse menu ranging from burgers and steaks to Mediterranean bowls and regional classics, complemented by a popular bar area and extensive outdoor seating.
A cozy neighbourhood restaurant known for its high-quality German and regional cuisine. It features a seasonal menu, a well-curated wine list, and a quiet summer terrace away from the city centre's bustle.
Housed in the historic ruins of Kräheneck Castle, this youth hostel offers a unique medieval atmosphere and serves as a convenient base for hikers starting the Westweg trail.
A centrally located upscale hotel situated between the theater and the river Enz, featuring a spa area and a rooftop bar with views over the city.
A modern hotel on the eastern outskirts near the A8 motorway, offering a sauna, fitness facilities, and easy access for travelers arriving by car.
A large shopping and adventure centre dedicated to jewellery. It houses various galleries, a mineral museum, and retail outlets for local manufacturers, ranging from affordable silver pieces to luxury watches.
A modern shopping mall in the city centre with over 35 shops, including international fashion brands, electronics, and a food court. It is easily recognisable by its glass architecture and serves as a central point for general retail needs.
By plane
The closest major airport is Stuttgart (STR). Also the tourist airport Baden-Baden/Karlsruhe (Baden Airpark) (FKB) is close by.
By car
The town is easily accessible from the A8 between Karlsruhe and Stuttgart and is on the B294 from Bretten, the B463 from Calw and the B10 from Vaihingen an der Enz.
By bus
The Verkehrsverbund Pforzheim-Enzkreis provides services around the region. Pforzheim public transport belongs to the larger Karlsruhe area (KVV).
Taxi
E-scooter
The scooter provider Lime provides services in Pforzheim as well. You need the app of the provider to locate the scooters.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Stuttgart · International · STR
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