Lage:

At the foot of the Swabian Alb, picturesquely embedded between Achalm and Georgenberg.

Local authority districts: Reutlingen Betzingen Sondelfingen Ohmenhausen Bronnweiler Gönningen Oferdingen Reicheneck Degerschlacht Sickenhausen Rommelsbach Mittelstadt

Geographic position: 48°30' North 9°12' East Altitude above sea level: 380m Area: 8.706 hectares

History:

Reutlingen's origins reach back to the 5th and 6th century. The Alemanni founded the first settlements on the Echaz. Reutlingen was mentioned in documents for the first time in 1089/90.

In 1208 Reutlingen became a free imperial city. In the 14th century, the first city constitution with a democratic - guild basis follows. The people of Reutlingen defended their freedom e.g. in 1377 against Count Ulrich of Wuerttemberg - always successfully. During the reformation, Reutlingen visibly emerged on the side of Nuremberg through signing the Augsburg Confession.

In 1726, a large fire destroyed four fifths of the city and 1,200 families were homeless. In 1802/03, the imperial city self-administration ended, Reutlingen became a part of Wuerttemberg and became an official city and as of 1818 a district seat. In 1984, Reutlingen was the location of a state garden show with many more than one million visitors. In 1988 the number of residents exceeded the border of 100,000 and Reutlingen became the ninth large city in Baden-Wuerttemberg. With Barbara Bosch (without a party) in February 2003 for the first time a woman was elected as the mayor.

Economy:

Reutlingen is an industrial and trading location with a long tradition. World famous industrial companies characterize Reutlingen's reputation as an inter-regional economic center.

Whereas in the past the textile industry characterized the economic image of the city, today in the production area the electronic industry and mechanical engineering are dominating. The craft also still plays an important role. Innovative, economic service providers and an intensive trade round off the profile of the city. Unique throughout the nation and a landmark for the traditional history of the city is Reutlingen's international tanning school.

The inter-communal technology park Reutlingen / Tübingen and one of the most modern universities for technology and economics ensure an excellent networking of industry and science. Interdisciplinary and application-related research projects as well as a lively know-how and technology transfer have made Reutlingen an important future workshop. The close cooperation between science and the economy substantiates the future capacity of the region and offers an advantageous environment for the young entrepreneurs.

Sights:

Achalm
The 707 meter high table mountain with the ruins of a fortress on the peak is almost in the middle of Reutlingen to the east of the city center. In 1030, Count Egino built the first fortress on the Achalm. Today the Achalm is beloved as an excursion destination near the city. The ample walk to the summit is rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and the Swabian Alb.

Alb Gate Square
Around the Alb Gate Square you can find most of the remains of the old city fortification. In the Jos-Weiss-Strasse there are still parts of the city wall. On the southern end the round Ice Tower, which served as the city ice cellar between 1877 and 1906, is impressive. On the other side of the Alb Gate Square, there is the fortified tower and the armory tower, which was built in 1530. It is the last remaining defense tower of the inner city wall.

Friedrich List Memorial
The national economist, railway pioneer and campaigner for the German customs union Friedrich List (1789 - 1846) is the most famous native of Reutlingen - even if he was only recognized after his death. Financed by a donation drive, the memorial was commissioned in 1862 to the Dresden sculptor Dietz and the Braunschweig ore pourer Howaldt and unveiled in 1863. Like a miracle, the memorial remained untouched by the heavy bomb attacks in 1945 even through all houses in the vicinity were completely destroyed.

Friedrich List High School
The former Barfuesser Monastery and present day high school is one of the few buildings, which survived the large city fire in 1727. In 1273, the monastery was mentioned for the first time in documents. After the closing of the monastery in 1535, the building served as a hospital, armory and after the city fire as a meeting location for the city council. In the inside, the so-called "Schwörhof" - today the Kanzleiplatz - the imperial city annually rendered homage to the newly elected authorities.

Gartentor
The Gartentor represented an additonal gate of Reutlingen´s fortification. The first time it was called "Neues Tor" was in 1392, but it stayed closed until 1700 because attacks by Wuerttemberg  from the fortress Achalm were feared. Since 1822 it has been the gate to the then laid out Gartenstrasse. The Gartentor fountain was rebuilt in 1931.

Tanner and Dyer Fountain
Josef Zeitler built this fountain in 1921 in place of the Löwenbrunnen. Tanners and dyers were part of the two most important and influential guilds of the free imperial town of Reutlingen. Those guilds represented diligence within the trade. Even today new tanners are "baptized" at this fountain with a special ceremony. A small church is located next to the Tanner Fountain.

Gmindersdorf
Between 1906 and 1922 factory owner Louis Gminder ordered a housing complex to be built in Betzingen for workmen hired from outside of the city. Not only did these workmen find a place where they could live but they also had a whole infrastructure provided. Gminder, who was a very social person, had not only built a tavern and a department store but also a day nursery and a retirement home for the old-age pensioners

Church of Our Lady (Marienkirche)
The Church of Our Lady (Marienkirche) is one of Reutlingen´s landmarks. This church was built between 1247 and 1343 and is today considered as one of the most important and magnificent Gothic constructions in Swabia. On the west tower (height 71 meters) a gold-plated angel form 1343 shines. During the big blaze of 1726, the Church of Our Lady was badly damaged, the interior furnishings were destroyed with the exception of the late Gothic "Holy Grave" and the baptismal font from 1499. Between 1893 and 1901 the church was restored in neo-gothic style. Since 1988 the Church of Our Lady has been pronounced a national cultural monument

Opening hours:
Tues. - Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m. - noon, Sun. 9:00 a.m. - noon and 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays

Tower visits:
In the summer Tues. - Fri. 10:00 a.m. -  4:30 p.m., Sat. 10:00 - 12:00 a.m., Sundays and holidays 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 31 24 61

Marketplace
Around 1180 Reutlingen received the market right from Staufen emperor Friedrich I. Barbarossa. Paving stone patterns on the ground of the market place indicate the ground plan of the Renaissance City Hall. It was destroyed during the big blaze in 1726. The fountain on the market place was built by Leonhard Baumhauer in 1570 and rebuilt in 1901 by Carl Lindenberger. A sculpture representing Kaiser Maximilian II as a knight (1527-1576) is located on the fountain column. In 1576 it was Kaiser Maximilian II who restituted the constitution for guild trade and democracy of the imperial city Reutlingen.

Pomology
The Pomology was built in 1860. Students of the "Lehranstalt für Pomologie, Obstkultur und Gartenbau" (the college was founded by the expert in pomiculture Eduard Lucas) used it as an exercise area. Today the Pomology and the neighbouring Volkspark form an idyllic park with many apple trees and a lovely view on Mount Achalm. In the summer many events take place in this area.

City Hall
This concrete building, which consists of two administration sections and the council building, was built between 1963 and 1966 according to the design of the Stuttgart architetcs Prof. Tiedje and Dipl-Ing. Volz. The small entrance hall hosts a 12 meter long representation of the "Reutlinger Sturmbock" by HAP Grieshaber who created this woodcarving with 13 individual scenes from the local history of Reutlingen. A sculpture called "Stadtzeichen 1972/86" by Otto Herbert Hajek is located in front of the guildhall.

Spitalhof (Hospital)
The present day Spitalhof was first mentioned in a document under the name "Neues Spital" in 1333.
In the Middle Ages it served as a hospital, later on mainly as an old people's home for the upper middle class. Well worth seeing on the front section: a medieval painting under the fascia. This work of art served Reutlingen's carnival association as a draft version for the figure of "Schandele". The building was badly damaged during the big blaze in 1726. In 1849 the assembly of the democrats of Wuerttemberg took place in the chapel of the hospital. From 1922 to 1978 the building was used for national education. Today it is part of Reutlingen's cultural life: Reutlingen's theatre company "Die Tonne" has its main stage on the basement floor. The Spitalhof hall hosts regular events.

Spreuerhofstraße
The Spreuerhofgässchen is not far away from the Ice Tower. It is certainly the narrowest alley way of the world, its average width is 31 cm.

City wall houses
Picturesque and idyllic, these carefully restored little houses are located on the remains of the city wall between the Ice Tower and the Alb Gate Square. Once a year, on the open monument day, the owners of these houses, which could belong to a museum, open their doors to visitors.

Tübinger Gate
Tübinger Gate it the only remaining main gate of the medieval fortification. It was built between 1220 and 1240. At the trefoil on the external section is a late Gothic crucifixion group. The timbered upper part dates from the 16th century.

Guild Fountain
Close to the portal of the Church of Our Lady is the Guild Fountain, created in 1983 by Bonifatius Stirnberg. Small sculptures represent the crafts which give Reutlingen's 12 guilds their name. The guilds were dissolved after 1862.

Freizeit & Kultur:

Wuerttemberg Philharmonic Orchestra Reutlingen
Marie-Curie-Straße, 72760 Reutlingen
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 82 01 20
http://www.wuerttembergische-philharmonie.de/
The concerts of the Wuerttemberg Philharmonic Orchestra Reutlingen are unforgettable and draw audiences from the whole region. The orchestra, founded in 1945, not only performs in the Friedrich List Hall, but also on many tours with a great deal of success. Since 2001, the internationally renowned conductor Norichika Iimori has lead the orchestra as general music director.

Reutlinger Chamber Music Cycle
The Reutlinger Chamber Music Cycle has already fascinated more than 115,000 visitors in the past 30 years. The artistic director Jean-Paul Riehl has ensured since the beginning of the series that in Reutlingen regularly magnificent and world-famous artists are guests.
Information: Cultural office, Wilhelmstr. 69, 72764 Reutlingen
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 3 03 28 38

Musica Antiqua and Musica Nova
The concert series Musica Antiqua has been the musical connection to the past since 1992. The ensembles bring the Renaissance and the Baroque periods back to life with old original instruments and compositions. Fans of newer music have been the enthusiastic core audience of the concert series Musica Nova since 1969. Fresh sounds, unusually instrumented, modernly interpreted and always surprising.
Information: Culture office, Wilhelmstr. 69, 72764 Reutlingen
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 3 03 28 38

Theater Reutlingen Die Tonne
Small but fine. The Theater Reutlingen Die Tonne is one of the smallest theaters in Germany, but it contributes greatly to the cultural diversity of the region with its more than 260 performances a year and enjoys an excellent reputation far beyond the borders of Reutlingen. As a city theater, it offers a diverse mixture of modern problem pieces through classics and entertaining revues. Since the beginning of this season, Die Tonne has an additional performance location for 150 spectators in Planie 22.
Opening hours office: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 93 77 - 0
http://www.theater-reutlingen.de/

Nature Theater Reutlingen
Quite idyllic, in the midst of the local recreation area Markwasen, is one of the largest and oldest open air theaters in southern Germany. The Nature Theater Reutlingen e.V. For more than 75 years, annually around 20,000 guests visit the roofed theater. The Nature Theater Reutlingen developed from the worker's educational association from 1862 in which at first singing in a choir and as of 1912 theater performances have been maintained. In December of 1997, the Nature Theater opened its second venue, the minor arts stage in the Nature Theater restaurant "Waldheim". Here the ensemble performs in the spring and fall.
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 27 07 66
http://www.naturtheater-reutlingen.de/

Wave pool Markwasen
Hermann-Hesse-Str. 40, 72764 Reutlingen
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 5 82 37 92
With a surface of over 100,000 m² in a uniquely beautiful surrounding, the Reutlingen outdoor swimming pool offers pure swimming, sports, free time and leisure pleasure. This includes for example: sports pool, diving pool, wave pool, non-swimmer pool, 65 meter giant slide, facilities for small children with a kiddy pool and different water games, children's diaper changing table, nudist area, sun terrace, playground and refreshing showers. And anyone who would simply like to read his book in peace will always find a quiet place in the huge sunbathing area. Opening hours: From May to the middle of September, 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Ice rink Reutlingen
Rommelsbacher Str. 55, 72760 Reutlingen
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 37 05 80
http://www.eishalle-reutlingen.de/
In the Reutlingen ice rink, nothing is undercooled. During the entire season, there are regular parties, events and sports events. From the discotheque on ice through the single party to the children's carnival, there's something for everyone here. And of course you can also simply skate here.

Further free time possibilities
Riding, gliding, hiking, kite flying, balloon trips, mini golf and golf, excursions to the Swabian Alb: Castle Lichtenstein, bear and fog caves, main and state stud farm Marbach.

Museums & Galleries:

City Art Museum
Spendhaus Reutlingen
Spendhausstraße 4
The emphasis of the collection of the city art museum Spendhaus Reutlingen is the new wooden cutting of the 20th and 21st century. That is not a coincidence. Among the artists from Reutlingen, two woodcutters stand out. Wilhelm Laage (1868-1930) and above all HAP Grieshaber (1909-1981). Both artists contributed essentially to the development of woodcutting. Starting with the regional relationship, the museum has dedicated itself to modern woodcutting. The collections and the numerous changing exhibitions exemplify the excellent position of woodcutting in the 20th century.

Opening hours:
Tues. to Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thurs. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., closed Mondays.
Group tours upon arrangement.
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 3 03 - 22 13

Homeland museum (with lapidarium)
Oberamteistrasse 22/32
The homeland museum Reutlingen is the historic museum of the city of Reutlingen. Founded in 1890 by the association for art and antiquities, it has been located in the former administration building of the monastery Königsbronn since 1939. In July 1996, it was reopened with a new conception and shows city culture from the 13th to the 20th century. A second construction section with the topics of prehistoric and early history, everyday and cultural history is being planned.

Opening hours:
Tues. to Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thurs. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., closed Mondays.
Tours upon arrangement.
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 3 03 - 20 50

Industry magazine
in the homeland museum
Inspection every fortnight wednesdays from 9 - 12 a.m. Booking hotline +49 (7121) 3032867

Natural Sciences Museum
Weibermarkt 4
The Natural Science Museum in Reutlingen offers insight into the nature of the region - its landscapes, its animal and plant world, its geological underground and its geological past. On four floors of a restored timber frame house from 1728, there is a permanent exhibition, which brings each visitor closer to the richness of nature in and around Reutlingen in many individual stations. In addition, the nature sciences museum shines with many exhibitions and accompanying events.

Opening hours: Tues. to Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thurs. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., closed Mondays.
Tours upon arrangement.
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 3 03 - 20 22

Foundation for concrete art
Eberhardstraße 14
The foundation was set up in 1987 for the maintenance and spreading of constructive, concrete and conceptual art. Since 1989, the foundation has been located on the former machine factory Wandel on three floors. In addition to a collection of concrete are, which reaches from the concepts of the Russian constructivists, from Bauhaus and De Stijl up to the current positions, also the archive Bernard Aubertin and the archive Max Bense belong to the foundation. In addition there are regular special exhibits.

Opening hours:
Wed. and Sat. 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. and upon arrangement (closed in August).
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 37 03 28

City Gallery
Eberhardstraße 14
The City Gallery, as an exhibition location of the art museum, is especially dedicated to contemporary art. The two large floors in a former factory building of the company Wandel offer space for large format work and installations as well as for classic paintings and graphics.

Opening hours:
11.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m.; Thursday to 7.00 p.m.; Sunning and holiday to 6:00 p.m; Monday closed.

Seed trade museum Gönningen
Stöfflerplatz 2, 72770 Reutlingen
The museum in the town hall of the former seed trader community of Gönningen shows objects from the unique trading tradition of the community. In addition to many documents and objects, which prove the trading of the Gönningers in Europe and beyond, also the reconstruction of a seed trader packing area can be seen.

Opening hours:
Mon. - Fri. from 8:00 a.m. - noon, Thurs. from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Tel.: +49 (70 72) 70 26

Museum "Im Dorf" Betzingen
Im Dorf 16, 72770 Reutlingen Betzingen, with its remarkably colorful costumes, the "Trippel Houses" and the rural lifestyle but also through its early industrial development, belonged to the most unusual villages in Swabia. In the museum "Im Dorf", the rural village culture in the 19th century and its change through industrialization is clearly shown. The building itself is an unusual and the largest exhibit of the museum.

Opening hours:
From April to October Sun. from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tel.: +49 (71 21) 3 03 2867

City tours & walking tours:

With a city tour, you will get to know the most important buildings and the city history as well as the small nooks and stories of Reutlingen.

Free city tours:
Middle of April to the middle of October, Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. November until March on each second Sunday of the monthly at 10.30 a.m. Meeting point respectively in front of the bistro "Alexandre" directly on the marketplace.

Topic tours:
From April to October different topic tours. Topics are for example:

• Craftsmanship in the history
• Tour of the Church of Our Lady (Marienkirche)
• Reformation in Reutlingen
• Historical pub tour
• Fountains in Reutlingen
• Jews in Reutlingen
• Wine city tour
• Children's city tour
• The Reutlingen city fire
• Path to Achalm
• Tour through the cemetery "unter den Linden"

Booked city tours:
Two hour tour for a maximum of 25 persons
Price: € 50.-
City tours with a larger group with two guides possible, price: € 100.-

Tours are also possible in English, French and Spanish.

Information and booking:
Tourist Information, Marktplatz 2, Tel.: +49 (71 21) 93935353
info@tourismus-reutlingen.de