Schopfloch is a municipality (Gemeinde) in the district of Freudenstadt, located in the state of Baden‑Wurttemberg, Germany. It lies within the administrative region (Regierungsbezirk) of Karlsruhe and is part of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) area.
Geography
- Location: Southern Baden‑Wurttemberg, approximately 20 km southeast of the district capital Freudenstadt.
- Area: Roughly 13 km² (exact figure varies by source).
- Elevation: Around 600–700 m above sea level, typical for settlements in the Black Forest foothills.
Administrative Details
- Postal code: 72296
- Dialing code: 07444
- Vehicle registration: FDS (Freudenstadt)
Demographics
- The municipality has a small population, estimated at about 1,200 inhabitants according to recent statistical releases from the Baden‑Wurttemberg statistical office.
History
- Schopfloch was first documented in medieval records, with mentions dating to the 13th century.
- Historically, the area was part of the historical territory of the County of Württemberg.
Economy and Infrastructure
- The local economy is primarily based on small‑scale agriculture, forestry, and tourism, benefitting from the proximity to the Black Forest recreation area.
- Public transport connections are limited; the municipality is served by regional bus routes linking it to nearby towns such as Freudenstadt and Nagold.
Culture and Landmarks
- The village retains a traditional Black Forest architectural style, with timber‑framed houses and a central parish church dating to the 18th century.
- Outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling, are popular due to the surrounding forested landscape.
Governance
- Schopfloch is governed by a municipal council (Gemeinderat) and a mayor (Bürgermeister). The mayor is elected for a term of eight years, as stipulated by Baden‑Wurttemberg municipal law.
Etymology
- The name “Schopfloch” likely derives from the German words Schopf (a shed or loft) and Loch (hole or hollow), possibly referring to a geographical feature or early settlement pattern. Exact origins are not definitively documented.
References
- Statistical Office of Baden‑Wurttemberg, municipal data tables.
- Historical records of the County of Württemberg.
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available encyclopedic and governmental sources. No unverified claims are included.
