Ravensburg's history

Trade and commerce enjoy a long tradition in Ravensburg. Conveniently located at the crossroads of two international trade routes, the free imperial city grew into one of the most important trading towns in Swabia in the 14th century. Ravensburg experienced its heyday at the end of the Middle Ages, in particular in the 14th and 15th centuries.

During this time, the city of Ravensburg amassed wealth and riches thanks to its flourishing linen and textile trade and paper making industry. Many of the large buildings that still shape the face of the old town were constructed around this time. The Great Ravensburg Trading Society maintained trade relations throughout Europe and as far as Spain and the Netherlands. It was made up of members of aristocratic patrician families and merchants. The gravestone of Henggi Humpis, a founder of the company who died in 1429, is one of the oldest of its kind in Germany and can be found in the chapel of the Protestant church

The town’s roots go back even further: From the 11th century, a settlement evolved at the foot of Ravensburg castle, the former ancestral seat of the Guelph family. The town earned its market rights early on and became a free Imperial city in 1276. Right up to the 30-Years War, Ravensburg enjoyed comfortable prosperity, and even artisans were able to make a good living there. Ravens burg was one of the first towns in Germany where paper was manufactured.