Town hall clock strikes thirteen: Citizens outraged by supposed miracle!
Onstmettingen, a district of Albstadt, recorded dissatisfaction with the town hall clock that struck 1 p.m. on July 18, 2025.

Town hall clock strikes thirteen: Citizens outraged by supposed miracle!
In Onstmettingen, a charming district of Albstadt in the Zollernalb district, a short but amusing event recently took place that shook the minds of the citizens. It was exactly 1 p.m. when the newly renovated town hall clock began to cause mischief and, much to the astonishment of those present, struck thirteen times at exactly that time. And that, he reports Black Forest messenger, pissed off one citizen, who then quoted Philipp Matthäus Hahn – not exactly the biggest fan of the malfunction.
The event took place after a meeting of the local council, at which citizens were able to raise their concerns as usual. This time, however, the clock was the biggest topic of conversation and caused a few laughs among those in attendance. Many now hope that the error will be corrected quickly, because the town hall clock is not only an important timekeeping device, but also a part of Onstmettingen's cultural heritage.
Onstmettingen's history and meaning
Onstmettingen, curiously located halfway between Stuttgart and Lake Constance, has a long and eventful history. As early as 500 BC. People began to settle here in the 4th century BC, and the first documented mention dates back to 1064. At that time, the Count of Habsburg donated land to the Ottmarsheim monastery. These historical roots are of great importance for the identity of the district, as is the information page en.academic.ru explained.
Onstmettingen has experienced a lot over the centuries. The blacksmith industry played a central role in the 18th century, thanks to the large number of blacksmiths producing agricultural implements and hunting rifles. The inventor Philipp Matthäus Hahn, who is best known for his astronomical clocks and scales, particularly influenced the development of the scale industry in the region. His legacy is preserved through the Philipp Matthäus Hahn Church and the associated museum.
Community and current developments
There are currently around 5,024 residents living in Onstmettingen in an area of 20.6 square kilometers, which corresponds to a population density of 244 per square kilometer. The community is also known for its leisure activities and numerous sports clubs, including table tennis, football and skiing. A popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, the citizens appreciate its colorful club life and the regular events such as the fishing festival or the Christmas market Bulletin is to be read.
Since 2009, political leadership has been in the hands of Mayor Siegfried Schott, who and his team always strive to represent the interests of the citizens and improve the quality of life in Onstmettingen. Nevertheless, the topic of the town hall clock will certainly still result in some discussions.