Esslingen City Tours

16/10/2024

Getting ready for the Esslingen Halloween Tours!

Public Tour: October 31st at 19:00 (7:00 pm) Spots still available!
https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours/halloween-tour

03/10/2024

https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours/halloween-tour

20/09/2024

The special Esslingen "Secrets of Esslingen" Tour is tomorrow (Sat. Sept. 20th) at 11:00 am! If you are interested, feel free to join us. (we meet at Marktplatz 16)

02/09/2024

Secrets of Esslingen public tour is in less than 3 weeks. The winner of the trivia question gets a free beer / beverage in the beer garden afterwards!

Historical walking tours of the beautiful medieval city of Esslingen in English or German

07/07/2024

Secrets of Esslingen Series – The “Grave” problem in Medieval Esslingen This is one of several articles in this series about the hidden parts of Esslingen am Neckar
Life for most people in the medieval times was short, brutish and miserable. Due to the plague, poor nutrition and water quality, lack of medical care for the nonaristocractic,the average age was about 29 years. Naturally, being in a walled city, there was very-limited space for burials in the cemetery, which was in the church yard around the Parish Church in Esslingen. Most of these graves had tombstones, but they were positioned horizontally, not vertically like today’s tombstones and were actually embedded directly into the ground so that one could walk on them. Of course, this caused them to wear out more quickly, but the wear was intentional and meant to symbolize transience (short duration) of life. And then in the 13th and 14th centuries Esslingen grew enormously as the economy was flourishing and the city was literally bursting at the seams. In 1344 a measure was taken to ensure that all graves where the proper size and one can see this evidence of this on the south wall of today's choir in the town church, including the carved inscription: “IS DIU LENGI/BRAITI THE GRAPSTAIN”, which was then on the outside wall next to the cemetery (photo). The undertakers were therefore able to make measurements directly on site for the grave and tombstone sizes and the grave length measurement is exactly 3.5 cubits, or about 63 inches.
One can see the remains of many graves, which are now embedded and preserved in the church exteriors walls. (photo).
For more information, see Esslingen City Tours https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

04/07/2024

I feel very fortunate to have such kind guests as these. Thanks for the feedback!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g641898-d15373419-Reviews-Esslingen_City_Tours-Esslingen_am_Neckar_Baden_Wurttemberg.html

07/05/2024

Secrets of Esslingen Series – The “Neidkopf”
This is one of several articles in this series about the hidden parts of Esslingen am Neckar

One of the objects that many of my guests notice during our walking tours is the “Neidkopf” on the Webergasse in Esslingen. This is one of Esslingen’s oldest streets and has many interesting buildings and history. On one particular house, there is a model of a wolf (or dog) chained to the building and one of the few remaining “Neidkopf” (see picture) What is a Neidkopf you may ask? It comes from an old high German word “Neid”, which means hate, anger or envy and would roughly translate in English as “grotesque mask” They were mounted on house gables, city walls, or doors on medieval buildings and might have been used to ward off evil spirits, or the owners might have decorated their houses with them eliciting a range of emotions from funny to erudite, from beautiful to horrifying to grotesque. The wolf on its corner, is presumably there to keep predators or evil spirits away.

If you are interested in Esslingen history, check out the new “Secrets of Esslingen Tour” at https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

02/03/2024

This is one of my occasional posts about historical Esslingen am Neckar.

Franciscan Church St. George (Franziskanerkirche)
One of the important medieval churches in Esslingen that we don’t always see on our classic walking tour is the Franciscan Church, located in the eastern part of the old town. The church which towers above its' surroundings, gives you an idea of the strong sense of mission the Franciscan Order had when this church was built between 1270 and 1290. The stained-glass windows in the chancel are of great value and is an important example of early gothic architecture. Unfortunately, large parts of the cloister were pulled down and in 1840 the nave was demolished. The present-day parish hall was built in its place in 1929/30.

The Franciscans came to Esslingen in 1237 -- the so-called “bare footers” (because of their dress and wearing of sandals) quickly make themselves popular in the city: poor and rich like to visit their church, and many Esslingen residents become Franciscan monks. The monastery is also a center of education: it was here in 1290 that a monk began writing the world chronicle called Flores temporum.

After the Reformation, the facility was used, among other things, as an emergency quarters for the University of Tübingen, as a weapons store and a teacher training college.

More information about Esslingen history and tours can be found at: Esslingen City Tours https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

06/02/2024

A few spots are available for the Church and Crypt tour on March 16th. Contact Tom on our website for more details.

23/01/2024

BOTH TOURS SOLD OUT! An additional "Tour 1" (Church and Crypt Tour will be offered on March 16th at 11:00. Contact Tom if you are interested! Esslingen City Tours

I only offer these tours once a year as public tours. They always sell out. Please contact me to reserve your spot.

Tour 1 - Esslingen Parish Church (Stadtkirche) and Crypt Tour
Date: Saturday, February 10th at 11:00 am
Location: Esslingen an Neckar - Market Square
Duration: About 90 minutes
Price: Adults: 14 Euros per person, children (10-16 years old): 11 Euros
Restrictions: For children 10 years old and over and those who are "sure of foot" The crypt is somewhat confined and is not for someone who is claustrophobic or weak of heart. (logical -- it is a crypt with catacombs!)
Tour Description: This special tour is one of my favorites. We start out with a description and inside tour of the famous Esslingen parish church (the former Basilica of St. Dionys) This 13th century church has some of Germany's most precious stained-glass windows, a famous altar and many hidden "gems". After which we will proceed under the church into the catacombs, excavations and former crypt of the previous churches. You will have a chance to learn about this history dating back over 1200 years ago! I have attached a few photos from previous tours.

Tour 2 - The "3Cs Tour" Crypt, Cellar & Cistern Tour - 1st Time offered as a public tour by Esslingen City Tours!
Date: Saturday 17th at 11:00 am
Location: Esslingen an Neckar - Market Square
Duration: About 125 minutes
Price: Adults: 16 Euros per person, children (10-16 years old): 13 Euros
Tour Description: This tour, all in underground Esslingen with each site requiring a qualified guide and a key. We start out the hidden, underground water cistern at the Esslingen Castle (Burg) followed by a short walk back into the town where Tom will show you a typical, underground medieval cellar. Next, the highlight of the tour -- The Crypt (see description above) followed up by the Bone House (Ossuary). I have attached a few photos from previous tours. The tour has about 1500 (paces) with several flights of stairs.
Restrictions: For children at least 10 years old, and those who are "sure of foot" The crypt and cistern are somewhat confined and is not for someone who is claustrophobic or weak of heart.

For those who are interested, contact me at Esslingen City Tours https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

03/01/2024

Esslingen’s Parish Church – why did the King give it away?

I have written previously about the famous Parish Church in Esslingen – the St. Dionys Church. However, did you know that the church was given to the important city of Speyer in 1213 by the King (later emperor) Frederick II? What a shock it must have been for the local people of Esslingen when the King made this decision! After all, he had sponsored the building of the church along with the city wall, and he was the King – so what he did was the law.

Frederick had his reasons and the main one was to guarantee the eternal interment of his ancestors in the Speyer Dom. By having control of Esslingen’s main church, Speyer built a Plfeghof administrative center adjacent to the St Dionys church (now the Kessler building) and received all of the alms and revenue from the letters of indulgences (penance) that the locals paid. Ironically, it was the new owners who might have inspired the expansion of the 13th century church we have today.
It did not last too long before the locals started to build their own church on the location of an old chapel – today’s magnificent Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) in 1331.

More information about Esslingen history and tours can be found at: Esslingen City Tours https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

06/12/2023

It has been an incredible Esslingen Christmas Market thus far! We are having a blast on our tours!

19/11/2023

Limited Availability - book your tour early!

Special Esslingen Christmas Tours

This special private tour will include:

- Historical-walking tour of Esslingen, beautifully decorated for Christmas
- See why Esslingen's Christmas market is always rated as one of Germany's "Top 10" Markets
- Explanation of some of the German Christmas traditions (where many American customs came from)
- Walking tour to includes stops at the "Hafenmarkt" -- the medieval Christmas market, Inner Bridge (2nd oldest bridge in Germany), Little Venice, and the Stadtkirche (St. Dionysius)
- An "insider's" tips about the best places to eat, drink and to shop
- Duration is approximately 90 minutes. We usually stop for a “Glühwein”

Price: 65 Euros (total group price for up to 6 adults). Please request pricing for larger groups.

Contact Tom today at https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

Esslingen City Tours

23/10/2023

We have 2 people cancel for the annual Esslingen Halloween Tour on October 29th at 19:00. 2 spots are available to this sold-out tour. Please let me know if you are interested.

18/09/2023

Esslingen is especially beautiful this time of year!

19/08/2023

The Crypt under the St. Dionys Church

This is one of my favorite places to give tours in Esslingen -- the crypt and excavations under the St. Dionys Church. These were discovered first in 1960 as the church was having new heating ducts installed. What shocked everyone was what the workers found under the church floor after removing some of the church's stone flooring. The discovery of stone graves (sarcophagi) resulted in a 3-year excavation, one of Germany’s most important archaeological sites at that time. Not only were the remains of hundreds of bones found (in bone houses or ossisaries) but the foundations of two earlier churches – one from the 10th Century (named Vitalis II) and the original cloister church from the 8th century! (Vitalis I). We are very lucky that the decision was made to convert this excavation into a museum, which may be visited. It is incredible to be able to view and explain this incredible history from Esslingen and Germany, even though is a bit macabre.

If you are interested in a private tour of Esslingen or the Church and Crypt, feel free to contact Tom at Esslingen City Tours
https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

24/07/2023

We still have a few more spots for the August 26th date.
NECKAR CANAL AND RIVER TOUR

THIS SPECIAL TOUR WILL INCLUDE:
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A brief tour through Esslingen on route to the canoe boarding area. There will be brief stops at the Old City Hall, "Little Venice" and the "Maille" Island

Board the canoes (2 canoes each holding 10 people) Life Jackets, paddles and safety instruction will be provided

Touring Esslingen from your canoe including the main canal (Rossneckar), the Neckar river and the exciting locks. You will enjoy beautiful views of the town of Esslingen and should see river wildlife during the trip. Tom, an experienced, English-speaking guide and a skipper will guide you on this boat tour.
Return you to the dock and back to town - Total duration is about 3.5 hours

Cost: 38 Euros per person - payment in advance required with the reservation. Children between 6 and 12 - 26 Euros per child (each child must be accompanied by an adult) Children under 6 years of age are unfortunately not allowed.

Scheduled date is August 26 at 12:15. Contact Tom if you would like to book a private canoe tour for your group.
https://thomasleytonhale.wixsite.com/esslingencitytours

05/06/2023