Steiff Summer Family Festival
Annual family festival around the Steiff Museum in late June with a special Steiff auction, international collectors' fair and program for the whole family.
Plizio Visual Lab
Giengen an der Brenz
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Giengen an der Brenz
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Steiff Museum is the top highlight; visit early on weekends to beat the large crowds and school groups.
- The train station is very close to the center, making Giengen an easy day-trip without a car.
- Look for the striking brass teddy bear statues scattered throughout the town center.
- Many local bakeries and cafes are closed on Sunday afternoons, so plan your coffee breaks accordingly.
🍽 Food
🍽
Swabian Maultaschen
Regional pasta pockets filled with meat and spinach, best eaten at a traditional Gasthaus in the town center.
🍽
Käsespätzle
Local soft egg noodles covered in melted cheese and crispy onions, found in most local taverns.
🍽
Fresh Pretzels (Brezeln)
Grab an authentic, soft Swabian pretzel from a traditional bakery for a quick snack.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Steiff Factory Shop
The absolute best place to purchase an authentic, high-quality plush toy with the famous 'button in ear'.
🛍
Giengen Farmers Market
Great for picking up regional Swabian honey, sausages, and fresh breads.
🧘
Brenzpark
A large, beautiful green space with botanical displays, handy for a quiet afternoon stroll.
🧘
Brenz River Paths
Follow the scenic walking and biking trails directly along the water for a peaceful escape.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Giengen an der Brenz is a town in eastern Baden-Württemberg, uniquely famous as the birthplace of the Teddy Bear. In 1880, Margarete Steiff founded her toy workshop here, and in 1902, her nephew Richard Steiff designed the world's first jointed plush bear. The Steiff Museum, a modern architectural landmark, celebrates this heritage and attracts visitors globally. However, Giengen’s history extends much further back; it was a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire for over 400 years, a status that granted it significant political independence. The town is characterized by its historic center, featuring the Town Church with its two asymmetric towers and remnants of medieval fortifications. Geographically, it sits in the Brenz valley on the edge of the Swabian Alb, a region known for its unique karst topography and caves. The nearby Charlottenhöhle is one of the longest show caves in southern Germany. Today, Giengen is also a key industrial location for household appliances, particularly through the large BSH factory complex.
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Top sights: Steiff Museum · Charlottenhöhle Cave · Kaltenburg Castle
- Nearby: Herbrechtingen (5 km)
- Population: ~20.358
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 50 | 58 | 55 | 100 | 92 | 105 | 99 | 65 | 65 | 62 | 68 |
Geography
Facts
- Total area: 44.05 km².
- Elevation: 464 m above sea level.
- Free Imperial City status: 1391 to 1803.
- Invention of the Teddy Bear: 1902.
- Length of Charlottenhöhle cave: 587 m.
- Postal code: 89537.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Giengen an der Brenz (5)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Giengen known as the 'Teddy Bear Town'?
Margarete Steiff, the inventor of the Teddy bear, was born here. The world-famous Steiff Museum is located right in the city.
What can you experience at the Steiff Museum?
Visitors enjoy an interactive journey through the history of soft toys, watch live manufacturing, and see life-sized plush animals.
Are there natural attractions nearby?
Yes, the Charlottenhöhle cave in the Hürben district is one of the longest accessible show caves in southern Germany at 587 meters.
How is the parking at the Steiff Museum?
There is ample free parking for cars, buses, and motorhomes directly at the museum.
What is a local culinary specialty?
In the Swabian Jura region, lentils with Spätzle and sausages (Saitenwürstle) is a classic local dish you should try.
Giengen an der Brenz: where is it located?
Giengen an der Brenz is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Giengen an der Brenz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Steiff Museum, Charlottenhöhle Cave, Kaltenburg Castle.
Giengen an der Brenz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Giengen an der Brenz: why is it worth visiting?
Giengen an der Brenz is a town in eastern Baden-Württemberg, uniquely famous as the birthplace of the Teddy Bear.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Germany →
Nearby cities
Stuttgart
Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is idyllically located in a valley basin surrounded by vineyards.
Heilbronn
Heilbronn is known as the city of 'Käthchen'.
Ulm
Ulm on the Danube is known for Ulm Minster with the world's tallest church steeple and as the birthplace of Albert Einstein.
Reutlingen
Reutlingen is located at the foot of the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg.
Esslingen am Neckar
A former Free Imperial City featuring one of Germany's best-preserved medieval old towns and a prestigious sparkling wine tradition.
Esslingen
Esslingen has one of the oldest half-timbered old towns.
Tübingen
Tübingen is a university city on the Neckar with a medieval flair, known for its scholars and the Tübingen punting boats.
Ludwigsburg
A magnificent baroque city north of Stuttgart, famous for its grand residential palace and the 'Blooming Baroque' gardens.
Aalen
Aalen is home to the largest Roman museum in southern Germany.
Sindelfingen
Sindelfingen is an important location for the car industry.
Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd is an old Staufer city.
Göppingen
Göppingen is a lively city in Baden-Württemberg, nestled at the foot of the Swabian Jura and famous as the headquarters of the model rail…
Waiblingen
A historic Staufer city in the Rems valley, known for its picturesque riverside old town and strong industrial base.
Heidenheim an der Brenz
Heidenheim an der Brenz is a major industrial city in the Ostalb region, topped by the mighty Hellenstein Castle ruins.
Leonberg
Leonberg is a vibrant city near Stuttgart, famous for the historic Pomeranzengarten and the Leonberger dog breed.