Berthold-Auerbach-Museum
Literary museum in the Baroque palace of Nordstetten about writer Berthold Auerbach, who was born here, and his Black Forest village stories.
About the museum
Berthold Auerbach was born in 1812 into a Jewish family in Nordstetten, today a district of Horb am Neckar. After his university studies ended in imprisonment because of his membership in a student fraternity (Burschenschaft), he became a writer. With his "Schwarzwälder Dorfgeschichten" (Black Forest Village Stories), published from 1843 onward and set in his home village, he became famous throughout Europe and was one of the most widely read German authors of his time. He died in 1882 and is buried in the Jewish cemetery of Nordstetten.
The museum was set up in 1986 in two rooms of Nordstetten's Baroque palace, built in 1740, which also houses the local village administration. The concept was developed with support from the Arbeitsstelle für literarische Museen (Office for Literary Museums) in Marbach; the museum is run by the town of Horb.
Manuscripts, pictures, first editions and photographs trace Auerbach's life – from theology student and fortress prisoner to celebrated storyteller, popular educator and almanac maker. One focus is his self-image as a liberal German and a Jew, and his contacts with prominent figures of the 19th century.
In the village, his birthplace and his grave of honor also commemorate the writer. The Berthold-Auerbach-Literaturkreis (literary circle) and volunteer guides bring the museum to life with readings, lectures and literary walks.
Highlights
- Manuscripts, first editions and portraits of Berthold Auerbach
- Baroque Nordstetten palace from 1740
- Themes: Black Forest village stories and German-Jewish identity
- Birthplace and grave of honor in the village
- Literary walks through Nordstetten
Permanent exhibitions
- Berthold Auerbach – Leben und Werk – Two rooms with manuscripts, pictures and books on Auerbach's path from village child to storyteller read throughout Europe.
- Founded
- 1986
- Operated by
- Stadt Horb am Neckar
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –Guided tours by appointment, €30 per group. |
|---|
Free admission (according to Literaturland Baden-Württemberg; the town does not list prices).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours by appointment. Four times a year (April, June, August, October), literary walks in Auerbach's footsteps take place on Sundays; the Berthold-Auerbach-Literaturkreis regularly hosts readings and lectures. |
