Vaihingen an der Enz—the Tanning Town

A Guided Tour with Andreas Schuller **Themed Tour – In the Footsteps of the Tanners** For many centuries, the leather trade shaped the economic and social life of Vaihingen an der Enz. The Enz River, and in particular the mill canal, provided the water that was indispensable for the labor-intensive process of leather production. At times, up to 28 tanners worked simultaneously along the canal—an exceptionally high number that impressively demonstrates the significance of this craft for the town. As a result, Vaihingen developed into one of the most important tanning towns in Württemberg and gained renown far beyond the region. But what did the town look like back then? Where were the tanneries, workshops, and storage areas located? What traces have the tanners left behind to this day? This themed tour explores these questions and invites you to discover the old town with fresh eyes. During the tour, you’ll learn how closely the tanners’ lives were connected to the water and what role the mill canal played in production and transportation. Even today, the street name “Im Mühlkanal” serves as a reminder of the canal’s former course, which has since disappeared. Upon closer inspection, historical guild symbols can be spotted on various buildings, indicating the sites of former tanners’ houses. With a little imagination, you can still picture the former workshops and leather-processing sites, which tell of a time when the smell of tanned leather and the bustling activity of the craftsmen defined the cityscape. The guided tour combines historical facts with vivid stories from the tanners’ daily lives and shows how closely craftsmanship, water, and urban development were intertwined. Embark on an exciting journey through Vaihingen’s history and discover hidden traces of a craft that has had a decisive influence on the town for centuries.