Located in Germany's Black Forest, this industrial center earned its "Golden City" nickname from centuries of jewelry crafting. The Gothic St. Michael's Church anchors its pedestrian old town.
Pforzheim, a city of 125,000 residents in southwestern Germany, is the center of German jewelry and watch production, creating 75% of the country's output. The city lies at the meeting point of three rivers - the Nagold, Würm, and Enz - at the edge of the Black Forest. Walk through rooms of glittering gold pieces at the Jewelry Museum, spot wild boars and lynx at the wildlife park, or explore the Alpine garden's 100,000 mountain plants from across Europe.
Transportation in Pforzheim
The central train station connects to Stuttgart (45 minutes) and Karlsruhe (30 minutes), with local trains running to Black Forest towns like Bad Wildbad and Calw. Thirteen city bus routes operate throughout the day, with tickets available from drivers. Most central attractions are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other.
Black Forest Trails
Three major hiking paths start in Pforzheim: the Westweg to Basel, the Mittelweg to Waldshut, and the Ostweg to Schaffhausen. These routes vary from easy valley walks to steep mountain paths. Pick up trail maps at the tourist office on Marktplatz. At the wildlife park, you can watch local animals like lynx and wild boars in their natural environment, while the Alpine garden displays mountain plants from throughout Europe's high-altitude regions.
Winter Markets
From late November through December, craftspeople demonstrate medieval techniques at the Blumenhof market. Watch blacksmiths forge metal and taste spiced mead while children try out the hand-powered wooden Ferris wheel. The Christmas Market fills adjacent streets with food stalls selling roasted almonds and mulled wine.
City Architecture
Climb the 13th-century St. Michael's church tower for views across the three river valleys. The Franciscan Barfüsserkirche contains well-preserved medieval stone carvings. After the 1945 bombing destroyed 80% of Pforzheim, the rebuilt city emerged with wide streets and riverside walking paths.
Jewelry Making and Museums
The Technical Museum of Jewelry and Watchmaking displays historical manufacturing equipment and demonstrates jewelry-making processes. The Jewelry Museum in Reuchlinhaus exhibits pieces from Roman times to contemporary designs. This industry began in 1718 when Margrave Karl-Friedrich established the city's first clock factory at the local orphanage.
