All tours in Solingen

Solingen

The Edge of Perfection: Solingen's Blade Empire

5.8 km149 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the rhythmic heartbeat of Solingen, the legendary City of Blades. On this immersive redthread tour, you will trace the razor-thin line between ancient backyard forges and massive global empires. Discover how a quiet German valley conquered the culinary world through a stubborn refusal to compromise on quality.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Former Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn Factory

The historic brick architecture of the former factory on Grünewalder Str., home to one of the oldest surviving trademarks, the Pik As.

Former Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn Factory

Pic by Petra Klawikowski on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.57 km • 9 min
2

STOP 2

Wüsthof (Ed. Wüsthof Dreizackwerk)

A family-owned giant highlighting the transition from manual forging to highly automated, precision-driven modern manufacturing.

2.08 km • 32 min
During your walk

Interlude

Space for deep dive or related topic along the way to the next stop.

3

STOP 3

Güterhallen im Südpark

The former main freight station, crucial for understanding the logistics of global export before the modern era.

Güterhallen im Südpark

Pic by King Otto on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.45 km • 7 min
4

STOP 4

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Headquarters

Founded in 1731, this global headquarters represents the mass-market success and enduring dominance of 'Made in Solingen'.

0.97 km • 15 min
5

STOP 5

Franz Güde GmbH

A boutique, highly traditional forge where the serrated edge for bread knives was invented, representing enduring hand-craftsmanship.

1.71 km • 26 min
6

END

Hofschaft Katternberg

A traditional Solingen hamlet of half-timbered houses, showcasing the decentralized network of specialized home-workers.

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, culinary enthusiasts, design lovers, and urban explorers fascinated by industrial heritage and craftsmanship.
  • Best time Daytime, preferably on a weekday when the hum of active factories can still be felt in the air.
  • Footwear Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the cobblestones and industrial parks.
  • Pacing Take your time at the Güterhallen; there are often local artists' studios open to the public.
  • Weather Bring an umbrella. The Bergisches Land region is known for sudden, brief rain showers.
  • Souvenirs Many stops have factory outlets. Leave some room in your bag for a world-class blade.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
Audio sample
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Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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