Due to bad weather forecast, 16 members went tot he historic town of Schwäbisch Hall on Sept 26th. Our tour led through the old town over the „Henkersbrücke“, which was built of stone in 1502. On itselve, the empire municipal hangman lifted up a bridge toll over centuries.
From there, we went to the market place, which is dominated by the St. Michaels Church with its gigantic, 53-stepped open stairs. Every year from June to August, an open-air-festival takes place. Arrived above, we had a beautiful view of the historical market place with the half-timbered houses restored exemplarily and the houses kept in baroque style.
On the right side of the church, we followed the „Pfarrgasse“, passing the former residential building of the reformer Johannes Brenz, down through a lane to the „Schiedgraben“. This separated the territory of the Reichsstadt Hall from the area of the „Schenken von Limpurg“. In the past, the Limpurger gate which was bricked up by the Haller because of disputes with the „Schenken“ in 1431. Over 100 years later, they reopened the gate in 1543, after they had purchased the area of the „Schenken“!
We came into the „untere Herrngasse“ and could gaze the five till up to six-storied half-timbered houses with her multistorey cellars in admiration. Arrived at the market place again, we followed the „Schuhbäckgässle“, past on the port market, where you can still see the oldest house of Hall.
Our way lead us then by passing the „Holzbrücke“, past over the „Sulferturm“ from the year 1250. In the Middle Ages, waggons loaded with salt left town by the arch and the „Furt“ in river. Passing the „Kocherinsel“, we arrived in „Katharinenvorstadt“, where smaller craftsmen lived and worked. Finally we reached the brewery restaurant "Zum Löwen“ and enjoyed a very good and extensive lunch as well as a cool drink of the local Bräu.
After lunch we walked about to the market place well again and visited the church. From the platform, you have a breathtaking look over the whole town.
After a pleasant coffee time, we finished this wonderful familiy day and still had to realize, that there are sufficient reasons for another visit into these interesting town. Goodbye Schwäbisch Hall!
Members find pictures of this excursion in the member area.