Furtwangen im Schwarzwald is a small town famous for its musical clocks. There was even a watchmaking school here, which is now transformed into a technical university. Due to its location in the Black Forest, the city is a center of summer and winter tourism.
Although the town of Furtwangen im Schwarzwald has existed since the 12th century, it did not receive city rights until the 19th century. It happened as a result of the development of the production of traditional wooden clocks. Unlike clocks produced elsewhere in the Black Forest, Furtwangen im Schwarzwald specializes in musical clocks. At the full hour, they made sounds imitating the crowing of a rooster, singing birds, the sound of a flute, trumpet or other instruments.
Nowadays, clock production in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald is a niche industry and is specialized exclusively by artisans who create for the needs of tourists and to order. The exhibitions of the German Clock Museum tell about the traditions of making clocks.
Due to its location in the Black Forest hills, Furtwangen im Schwarzwald is a popular destination. The surrounding area is full of hiking and biking trails. A very popular excursion destination is Mount Brend, on top of which stands a stone lookout tower from 1905. You can also go through the valley to the historic 19th-century sawmill Hexenloch powered by two water wheels. In winter, the surrounding hills are perfect for cross-country skiing.
