Vogtsbauernhof Christmas Village Gutach

A Journey into the Black Forest of 400 Years Ago

The Black Forest Open Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof in Gutach is one of Germany's most important open-air museums. Six original Black Forest farmhouses, built between the 16th and 19th centuries, stand on the approximately 25-hectare site – including the landmark Vogtsbauernhof itself (1612). During the Christmas Village weekend, this historic setting transforms into a unique Advent market: exhibitors set up their stalls in the living rooms, threshing floors, and courtyards of the old farmhouses.

40 Exhibitors — Genuine Black Forest Handicrafts

The selection of exhibitors follows a strict concept: regional, artisanal, authentic. No mass-produced goods, no imported products. You will find wood carvings (Black Forest figures, nativity scenes, Christmas tree ornaments), glasswork from the Black Forest glassblowing tradition, felt slippers, beeswax candles, handmade soaps, Black Forest ham, game sausages, honey, Black Forest liqueur, and much more. The exhibitors themselves stand behind their tables and are happy to explain their work.

Atmosphere of the Historic Farmhouses

What makes the Vogtsbauernhof Christmas market special is its atmosphere. The fir wood parlors are lit by candles, wood fires burn in the hearths, and snowflakes drift onto your wool coat from outside. You climb stairs to old bedrooms where nativity scenes and felt crafts are now exhibited. It's an Advent journey back in time that you will rarely find concentrated in this way in Germany.

Gastronomy and Accompanying Program

The museum's gastronomy serves Black Forest specialties: smoked Black Forest trout, ham pancakes, pork knuckle with potato salad, Black Forest ham on farmer's bread, Schupfnudeln (potato noodles), accompanied by mulled wine made from Black Forest wine, children's punch, and hot apple juice. Craftsmen demonstrate traditional techniques at various stations: spinning on a spinning wheel, basket weaving, straw shoe making, Black Forest wood carving.

Vogtsbauernhof — Symbol of the Black Forest

The Vogtsbauernhof itself is one of the most famous farmhouses in Southern Germany. Built in 1612, inhabited until 1965, and the main building of the open-air museum since 1964, it is the symbol of the Black Forest farmer's house par excellence. With its huge hipped roof, typical timber construction, and central parlor, the rural Black Forest lives on here.