Waldshut-Tiengen resulted from the merger of two prominent towns and nine smaller villages in 1975 to become the capital of the Waldshut District. The distinctive characteristics of the larger pair have not been diminished by the blending, however, and you will find interesting attractions in both sectors.
The Tiengen section is home to four different rivers, the Steina and Schlücht, which empty into the Wutach, which in turn empties into the Rhine. Four fertile valleys mark the terrain here.
Just east of the Waldshut section, the Aar River meets the Rhine, adding yet more valley splendor to the area. You can enjoy nature walks along the embankments as well as boating on these lovely waterways, between the Black Forest to the north and the Swiss border to the south.
A fortress was built here in the 13th century. Its purpose was to protect the village of Waldshut, preceding Tiengen Castle, erected two centuries later.
But excavations in the latter section have uncovered coins from the 9th century, attesting to the area’s importance during Roman times. It is known that a marketplace flourished here, serving the surrounding farm communities as long ago as 1112.
For exhibitions of local history, the Klettgau Museum in Tiengen Castle is open April through October. It is well worth a visit if you arrange a guided tour in advance.
You may also want to stop by the Old Metzig Museum on auto-free Kaiserstraße, bordered by a flowing brook. It offers ever-changing displays, such as 200 years of the regional Catholic Church, oil paintings by local artists, and modern soccer memorabilia.
Other sights to look for in the Waldshut side of town are the landmark Upper Gate to the east and the Basler Tor gate to the west. Between them are many historic residences, such as the Schultheißschen Haus, Villa Greiffenegg and the forest reeve’s house known as Waldvogtei.
A round tower called the Hexenturm (Witches Tower) once served as a prison. You can also see the exquisite Chapel of God’s Acre, which dates back to 1683.
In the Tiengen section, the principal landmark is the Storchenturm, which was the corner post of fortifications erected in 1300. The 16th-century Town Hall and two 17th-century chapels, Holy Cross and Cemetery, are also worth a visit.
