Sometimes you like to get away from without feeling like a tourist. It’s then that you find a local town with some sightseeing, but has more of a “real” local feel. Gärtringen is that kind of place.
It’s only about half an hour southwest of Stuttgart, yet doesn’t have an urban feel. The Schwarzwald is just to the northwest of the town, and it maintains a tad slower paced feel.
In keeping with the slower pace, take your time looking at the Town Hall’s art gallery, just filled with works by local artists.
One of the local places that you should visit is the old sand mill that started operations in 1799. Its museum opened back in the ’80’s (the 1980’s) and gives a real good look into how hard the guys worked back in the day.
On the opposite end of spectrum, there’s a museum with the works of Friederich Sieburg; a German writer and literary critic. The museum is only open a few times a year, but if you call ahead and make other arrangements something can be worked out.
Gärtringen even has a castle, the Schloss for the Baron von Gärtringen and it was built (only) in 1728. However, to go further back in history, you need to see the St. Veit Church. The church was built more than 700 years ago in 1275. Craftsmen sure knew how to build things that lasted back then.
To really mingle with the local population, Gärtringen’s outdoor swimming pool will do the trick. Just being outside by the water that overlooks a sloping meadow with large towering trees can do wonders for the body and soul. It’s also good for the pocketbook, costing only a few Euro for an entire day’s fun.
Mingle more with the local folk at Gärtringen’s Summer Festival in July or at the annual Christmas Market at the end of November. You’ll enjoy all the food, music, shopping, and merriment.
Either way, just enjoy yourself while you’re here and you’ll feel like you’ve lived here your whole life.