Schwäbisch Hall and Loughborough Schwäbisch Hall is in Baden Wüttemburg in South West Germany, fairly near Stuttgart. "Centuries of history have bequeathed wonderful architectural treasures to this former free imperial city. On either side of the river, houses and alleys rise sharply, their gables and towers surmounted by meadows and woods. Schwäbisch Hall is set in the midst of castles, country houses, orchards and deep valleys, where a walk or a drive is an unforgettable journey of discovery."

This is how the residents of Schwäbisch Hall, our twin town in the west of Germany, describe their own town. Schwäbisch Hall is an historic community owing its birth, its name and its prosperity to a salt spring exploited by the Celts as early as 500 BC. Salt production, which continued until the 19th century, is still commemorated yearly in the town's traditional salt festival and the salt spring now flows into health-promoting salt water baths.

Today Schwäbisch Hall is the administrative centre of the district, whose busy commercial life has left its medieval beauty unspoiled. It is a popular tourist resort with extensive shopping, cultural and sporting facilities.

Yet Schwäbisch Hall's scenery and history are only part of its appeal. Much more important is the warm welcome given to visitors from Loughborough. Schwäbisch Hall is also the 'Halifax' of Germany, for the town gives its name to one of country's largest 'sparbaukasse' or building societies. There's so much more to learn about Schwäbisch Hall starting from http://www.schwaebischhall.de/.
Weather in Schwäbisch Hall.
Where is Schwäbisch Hall?
What are they saying in the Haller Tagblatt on hohenlohelive.com?

The Loughborough/Schwäbisch Hall Family Link

Every year for more than 20 years coach parties have made exchange visits, with a group from Loughborough going to Germany in even years and people from Schwäbisch Hall returning in odd years. Families and individuals are matched in age and interests as closely as possible. The English or German host provides bed and breakfast, Sunday lunch and two or three evening meals. Other meals are taken as a group, all joining together as part of a full social programme which makes it easy to get to know one another.

Most weekdays of the visit include trips to places of interest arranged by the host group, accompanied by all those hosts who can take time off. English is the language generally used both here and in Germany, though many in the English group have picked up a little German during visits or have been inspired to go to German classes. Activities arranged for exchange visits invariably include tours to beauty spots, nearby towns and industries - together with meals at local hostelries and visits to the area's vineyards (complete with wine tastings, of course!). There is always some fun and friendly rivalry, too; previous competitions have ranged from rifle shooting to conkers!

Members have found exchanges a great way to get to know another country and its people. Costs are modest - most spending is met by the host group except coach travel which is very low. Currently exchange visits are held each Easter week.

Civic involvement

Youth Exchanges

See some of the events which have taken place in the past or are programmed shortly. If you would like to know more about activities in and with if you'd like to be involved phone Phil Symonds on 01509 213443. For other twin towns, contact: twining@garendon.freeuk.com

Last updated April 2001