Historical Overview

8th century

Franconian royal court probably serves as the nucleus of the settlement.

10th century 

Hill fortress erected at the intersection of two trade routes to protect a ford across the Wörnitz.

1188

First mentioned as ‘burgus Tinkelspuhel’ in official documents.

13th century

Town repeatedly mortgaged, with the citizens paying vast sums to acquire their freedom. In exchange, Dinkelsbühl receives important privileges and becomes an Imperial Town.

1323

German king Ludwig IV. grants Dinkelsbühl the privilege to use its own cloth measure in all trading places. The town prospers as a result of the distinctive woollen cloth manufactured there.

1387

The guilds force through equality with patricians sitting on the town council.

1534

Most of the town’s citizens embraced the protestant faith. In 1546 Emperor Charles V conquers the Schmalkaldischer Bund, the town is ruled by a Catholic council and St. George’s Minister is ceded to the Catholic minority.

1618

The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) takes its toll and brings the town to the verge of economic ruin. Following its conquest by the Swedes in 1632, Dinkelsbühl is spared from further plundering and destruction. It is here that the origins of the historic festival play “Die Kinderzeche” lie.

1649

Despite a parity agreement guaranteeing religious equality, the town experiences a period of civil unrest which continues into the 18th century.

1802

End of imperial immediacy. In 1806 Dinkelsbühl finally becomes part of Bavaria.

1826

Bavarian king Ludwig I. issues a decree prohibiting the destruction of the town walls and towers, thereby contributing to the preservation of the historic old town.

1888

Artists from Munich and Berlin discover the idyllic little town which has maintained its close ties with romanticism ever since.

1945

Dinkelsbühl survives the two world wars without damage. The perfectly preserved, historic old town is one of Europe’s most important cultural monument. The town has been home to the head office of the “Romantic Road” since 1985. Dinkelsbühl became a “Grosse Kreisstadt” [district capital] in 1998.