Besigheim

When we chose the final destination of our summer holidays of 2024, I chose Besigheim, though I didn't know anything more about it than the two photos published by Kurt Hielscher in 1924. Or to be more exact: three photos. The third photo wasn't actually in his book, or at least the editions that I have. While on holidays I didn't bring this book, because I already brought the two of Italy, the one from Yugoslavia and the one from Austria so taking into account the limited space we have in the van. For Germany I decided to check Wolfgang Henkel's terrific website with the work he did capturing almost all photos Kurt Hielscher published of Germany again. There I found a third one.

Besigheim, 1924 vs. the 3rd of August 2024.

Photos: Kurt Hielscher & Casper Molenaar.

Besigheim turned out a charming Kleinstadt of nearly 13.000 souls situated at the Enz river, a tributary of the Neckar that confluence just north of the village. Thanks to the river, there are really nice views on the center, but the authentic center is also like a small gem, especially the Marktplatz with its Fachwerk Standesamt, and where the Kirchstrasse meets the Hauptstrasse with some nice terraces.This photo is made from the Mühlensteg, a modern bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, that for sure wasn't there in 1924, hence my photo can not be shot at exactly the same place as Kurt Hielscher's, but I was close, so probably there already was a bridge in those days.