Guided Tours and walks

Discover 

Bretten 

BRETTEN 

Guided tours 

and walks

WELCOME TO BRETTEN 

City of Melanchthon in the heart of the hilly Kraichgau 

countryside 

City of Melanchthon in the heart of the hilly Kraichgau countryside. 

Discover Bretten - its wonderful Old Town, unique flair 

and history-charged past. Whether you choose a guided tour 

through the old town, a walk with the tower-woman or a visit 

in the German Museum of guardian angels, our competent city 

guides are pleased to inform you about Bretten's history. 

Overview 

about all tours 

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Group tours 

Guided tour through the Old Town 

Guided tour of the Pfeiferturm 

The ten towers walk 

Guided tour of the Melanchthon Haus 

Guided walk with the tower-woman 

Guided tour through the Museum in the Schweizer 

Hof (Swiss Inn) 

Guided tour of the Gerberhaus (Tannery) 

Visit of the Jewish cemetery 

Special topic tours 

Remembering the Electoral Palatinate time 

Anno 1504 - Remembering the siege 

Memories of Melanchthon and his family 

Guided tour combined with wine tasting 

Public guided tours 

Guided tour through the Old Town 

Guided tour oft the Pfeiferturm 

Guided walk with the tower-woman 

Self-guided walk 

Stroll through the historical Old Town 

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Group tours 

GUIDED TOUR THROUGH THE OLD TOWN 

History and stories of the City of Melanchthon 

Get charmed by the sites while walking through the Old Town. 

The stroll starts at the historical market place with explanations 

about the beautiful wall with coats of arms at the Old Town Hall, 

the beautiful half-timbered houses and the market place. On the 

way through the city center you see the impressive half-timbered 

building of the "Schweizer Hof"(Swiss inn) and the "Hundles- 

Brunnen (Fountain of the doggy). This way you get an insight 

of Bretten's manifold history. You can also have a look at the 

Pfeiferturm (Piper's tower), once the strongest fortification of the 

town, as well as the Stiftskirche (Protestant Church), the 

Kreuzkirche (Protestant Church) and the Amtshaus (Administrative 

Building). You can also visit the churches from inside upon 

request. 

Duration of the tour: approx. 90 minutes 

Group size: max. 30 persons (in case of more 

participants the groups will be splitted) 

Group fee: EUR 50 

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Group tours 

GUIDED TOUR OF THE PFEIFERTURM 

(PIPER’S TOWER) 

Panorama view of Bretten 

The Piper's tower was the most important bastion of the former 

city wall. It protected the town to the particularly dangerous 

northern side and was used as the communication center of 

the town. Sometimes it was also used as the prison of the 

town and district of Bretten. Originally it could only be entered 

via the parapet walk of the former fortification of the town. Its 

roof burnt down during the city fire in 1689. Thanks to the 

citizens' initiative for local and cultural heritage the tower 

received a new roof in 2009. 

Get to know the background of the medieval fortification of the 

town and enjoy the view on Bretten from the observation 

platform. 


Group size: max. 20 persons 


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Group tours 

THE TEN TOWERS WALK 

Bretten today and in the Middle Ages 

Massive defence towers, remarkable church towers, residence 

tower of the reeve - towers caracterise the cityscape of 

Bretten. Emperors and kings, lords and inhabitants, merchants 

and craftsmen, all of them lived under the protection of 

these towers. 

Get to know, where the Emperor Karl V. stayed, why a school 

needed a tower and from which castle Bretten got its name. 

Experience the medieval city fortification that helped Bretten 

defend itself against the troops of Duke Ulrich of Württemberg. 

Discover, why Bretten has three churches and which one 

dates back to the Middle Ages. 

Remembering its history, this walk shows what made Bretten 

to the city it is today. 



Gruppenpreis: EUR 50 

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Group tours 

GUIDED TOUR THROUGH THE 

MELANCHTHONHAUS 

Gain insight into the history of the Reformation 

After the Lutheran Hall in Wittenberg, the Melanchthon House 

Bretten is the most important historical site in Germany 

regarding the history of the Reformation. Besides the museum 

and a research center, the Melanchthon memorial building 

houses one of the most extensive specialized Melanchthon 

libraries and a documentation center of the international 

Melanchthon research. 

Discover the memorial hall and museum, openend in 1903, 

with its unique treasures of wall paintings, statues, town and 

family coats of arms, further paintings of famous artists, 

autographs, documents, a library with over 11000 books as 

well as a collection of commemorative coins and graphics. 

Opening hours Mid-February - End of November: 

Tuesday-Friday: 

Saturday+Sunday: 

02:00-05:00 p.m. 

11:00-01:00 a.m. + 02:00-05:00 p.m. 

Off-peak guided tours can be arranged via phone or email. 


Group size: min. 5 persons 

Group fee: 

EUR 3 per person 

EUR 2 per person (groups min. 20 persons) 

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Group tours 

GUIDED WALK WITH THE 

TOWER-WOMAN 

Anecdotes under lantern light 

Follow the tower-woman through the historic Bretten at night 

and see the Old Town in a different light. 

Historically dressed and equipped with a lantern the guide 

takes you to the sights of the town and shares various stories 

and anecdotes. 




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Group tours 

GUIDED TOUR THROUGH THE 

MUSEUM IN THE SCHWEIZER HOF 

(SWISS INN) 

Fascinating expositions in historical ambience 

The building of the Schweizer Hof dates back to 1707 and 

houses the museum of local and regional history of Bretten. 

Restored by the citizens' initiative for local and cultural heritage 

on a voluntary basis, the Schweizer Hof is one of the most 

beautiful half-timbered buildings of the region. On its third and 

fourth floor you can see the only exposition in the country of 

the German Museum of Guardian Angels and on its first and 

second floor special expositions concerning topics of the 

history of the city, the region, arts and culture are presented. 

For further information regarding special expositions please 

contact the museum or the Tourist Office. 

Opening hours: 

Saturday+Sunday+public holidays: 11:00 a.m.-05:00 p.m. 

Wednesday: 

03:00-07:00 p.m. 

Except: 

December 25th and 31st 

Guided tours through the Museum of Guardian Angels and/or the 

changing special expositions can be arranged via phone or email. 




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Group tours 

GUIDED TOUR OF THE 

GERBERHAUS (TANNERY) 

Tannery under old beams 

Built in 1585 the tannery house is one of the oldest still 

preserved residential house in the city. 

Situated directly beside the former city wall it was restored 

from 1991 to 1994 by the citizens' initative of local and 

cultural heritage and houses a museum of crafts today. 

Besides the tannery museum showing tools and products 

of the tanners, there is also a workshop of shoemakers 

and saddlers. Additionally the rooms originally equipped as 

in the 17th and 18th century are very interesting. 

The tannery house is open every Sunday afternoon from springtime 

to autumn. Guided tours can be arranged any time via phone or 

email. 




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Group tours 

VISIT OF THE JEWISH CEMETERY 

A part of history in the heart of Bretten 

Jewish culture is still present in Bretten, especially at the Jewish 

cemetery with its beautifully designed gravestones. The 

cemetery is a protected cultural monument. 

Initially the dead of the Jewish community in Bretten were 

intombed at union cemeteries in the vicinity. In 1884 a cemetery 

was built, situated at what today is street "Windstegweg", 

where the last funeral took place in 1939. The cemetery was 

never altered in any way and has been preserved ever since. 

During the tour you will get insight in the symbolism of the 

gravestones and the development of the Jewish population in 

Bretten. Further information about people and especially life of 

Jewish families, having found their last peace on this cemetery, 

follow. 




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REMEMBERING THE ELECTORAL 

PALATINATE TIME 

The Palatine reign in Bretten 

Bretten's relation to the Electoral Palatinate dates back to the 

High Middle Ages. 

In 1349 the former sovereigns sold the town to the Electoral 

Palatinate. The Electoral Palatinate time ended when Bretten 

started to belong to Baden in 1803. During the Palatinate time 

various incidents happened that have been and still are very 

important for the development of the town. 

In 1497 Philipp Melanchthon was born in Bretten as son of 

the Palatinate smith and armourer Georg Schwarzerdt. In 1504 

the lansquenets of Bretten and the Electoral Palatinate defied 

a siege by the Duke Ulrich of Württemberg. During the 16th 

century, which was strongly influenced by the Electoral 

Palatinate Reign, the Reformation began. Bretten was largely 

destroyed by the city fire in 1689 during the Palatinate War of 

Succession. 

During the tour you get information about numerous historical 

monuments of the Electoral Palatinate time. 




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ANNO 1504 - 

REMEMBERING THE SIEGE 

Original locations of the Schwarzerdt Chronicle 

During the War of Succession of Landshut the troops of Duke 

Ulrich of Württemberg besieged the Palatinate Bretten in June 

1504. After days of bombardment by the artillery of Württemberg 

the defenders attacked the oppressors in the morning of the 

name day of Peter and Paul. During this action, a part of their 

cannonry was eliminated, so Duke Ulrich was forced to agree 

a cease-fire for Bretten's region and pulled back 

These incidents had many repercussions - partly still until today. 

In 1504 a new border between the Electoral Palatinate and 

Württemberg was set up: Bretten remained in the Electroal 

Palatinate whereas the neighbouring town Knittlingen was 

annexed by Württemberg. From 1803 onwards Bretten belonged 

to Baden, but the regional border causing Bretten's 

outskirting position remained. The citizens of Bretten remember 

this historical event during the annual "Peter-and-Paul-Festival" 

when about 4000 historically dressed participants showcase life 

in a medieval town. 

The tour shows the original locations of the siege as to the 

Schwarzerdt Chronicle of the 16th century. 




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MEMORIES OF MELANCHTHON 

AND HIS FAMILY 

Bretten and the Reformation 

Bretten proudly uses the title "City of Melanchthon" on its 

headings and leaflets pointing out its most famous son. 

The later reformer, humanist and "praeceptor germaniae" 

Philipp Melanchthon was born here on February 16th, 1497. 

He lived in Bretten until 1508, when he went to the latin 

school in Pforzheim. During his whole life, even when he 

lived in Wittenberg, he always visited his hometown and 

maintained his contacts. 

Besides being his native city, Bretten also was the home 

of his family: his maternal grandparents, mother, brothers 

and sisters as well as various nephews and nieces. 

Still today there are many sites in town commemorating 

Melanchthon and his family, that are part of the guided 

tour. 




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GUIDED TOUR WITH WINE TASTING 

History and consumption 

This is a very special combination of guided tour and wine 

tasting. While walking through the historic Old Town you will 

discover its vivid history at historical sites and monuments. 

The tour ends after about one hour in the Gerberhaus (Tannery), 

one oft he oldest buildings in town. 

There you will first try a sparkling wine and after that four 

selected wines of the Kraichgau. The fee covers the tour, wine 

tasting as well as a cheese and bread choice. 



Group fee: 

EUR 20/person 

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GUIDED TOUR THROUGH 

THE OLD TOWN 

Tour for individuals 

Get charmed by the sights during this guided tour through 

the Old Town. 

The public guided tour for individuals usually takes place every 

four months. Please ask for the the exact dates and times at 

the Tourist Office or have a look at the event calender on 

Bretten's homepage at www.erlebebretten.de. 

Please register in time at the Tourist Office, using the contact 

dates on the back. So we can inform you in case of any changes. 


Fee: 

EUR 5/person - Children under the 

age of 14 are free 

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GUIDED TOUR OF THE 

PFEIFERTURM (PIPER'S TOWER) 


The Piper's tower was the most important bastion of the former 

city wall. Get to know the background of the medieval 

fortification of the town and enjoy the view on Bretten from 

the observation platform. 

The public guided tour for individuals usuaally takes place every 

four months. Please ask for the the exact dates and time at 


Bretten's homepage at www.erlebebretten.de. 

Please register in time at the Tourist Office, using the contact 

dates on the back, so we can inform you in case of any changes. 


Fee: 



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GUIDED WALK WITH 

THE TOWER-WOMAN 


Follow the tower-woman through the historic Bretten at night 

and see the Old Town in a different light. 

The public guided tour for individuals usually takes place every 

four months. Please ask for the the exact dates and time at 


Bretten's homepage at www.erlebebretten.de 

Please register in time at the Tourist Office, using the contact dates 

on the back, so we can inform you in case of any changes. 


Fee: 



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Self-guided walk 

STROLL THROUGH 

THE HISTORIC OLD TOWN 

Discover Bretten on your own 

Experience Bretten's history while walking through the historic 

Old Town. With more than 1250 years of history there 

are historical buildings everywhere. Passing the wall with 

coats of arms at the Old Town Hall, you go on to the 

beautiful half-timbered buildings and the market fountain. 

Bretten's famous son Philipp Melanchthon is omnipresent 

throughout the city. 

There is a lot of interesting information about the City of 

Melanchthon in our neat pocket plan "Bretten at a glance". 

It is a combination of a city map and a stroll through 

the historic old town and fits perfectly in your pocket. 

The pocket plan is available at the Tourist Office or 

as a download on Bretten’s homepage at 

www.erlebebretten.de. 

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BESUCHEN SIE BRETTEN 

Kleinstadtperle im Kraichgau 

Führungen können über die Tourist-Info Bretten gebucht 

werden und sind teilweise auch auf Englisch oder Französisch 

möglich. Die Buchung sollte spätestens 5 Werktage vor der 

Führung erfolgen. Bei einer Frist unter 5 

Werktagen kann die Buchung nicht 

garantiert werden. In der Tourist-Info 

erhalten Sie außerdem weitere 

Informationen rund um Ihren Aufenthalt in Bretten und dem 

Land der 1000 Hügel. 

Bretten liegt zentral zwischen Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Stuttgart und 

Pforzheim und ist mit dem PKW, Zug oder S-Bahn bequem zu erreichen. 

Öffnungszeiten 

Mo - Do: 9 - 18 Uhr 

Fr + Sa: 9 - 13 Uhr 

Bildnachweise: 

Thomas Rebel (Titel, S. 1, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), 

Corinna Stein (S. 1, 19), Georg Nagy (S. 1), 

Peter Fernsel (S. 4), Patrick Lang (S. 13, 15), 

Stadt Bretten (S. 5, 8, 15, ), Fotolia.de (S. 14), 

Susanne Lindacker (S. 7, 17) 

Tourist-Info Bretten 

Melanchthonstraße 3 

75015 Bretten 

Telefon 07252 583710 

touristinfo@bretten.de 

www.erlebebretten.de

Guided Tours and walks

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