The Fascinating World of German Weather Houses

12cm Chalet Weather House With Deer & Water Trough By TRENKLE

 

German weather houses, famously known for their charming miniature chalet design with moving figurines, have been a staple of German culture for centuries. 

At their core, German weather houses act as hygrometers; instruments designed to measure the amount of humidity (moisture) in the air. This is achieved through a simple yet effective mechanism- a piece of material that is very sensitive to humidity, expanding in damp conditions, and contracting when the air is dry and humidity is low. In traditional and older weather houses, a strand of catgut or horsehair was commonly used, whilst synthetic materials are more used in most modern versions, though some still modern versions still feature catgut or horsehair. This strand is connected to a balance beam which has two figurines placed upon it, a male with an umbrella, and a female. The minute movement of the strand is enough to shift the balance of the beam, causing one figure to appear to move outside the house while the other retreats indoors, depicting the weather for the day. Normally, weather houses have two arched doorways side by side. Dressed in traditional Black Forest (Schwarzwald) or Bavarian costume, the right hand side features a boy or man, whilst on the left hand side is a girl or woman. When the weather is sunny and dry with low humidity, the female figurine comes out of the house, whilst the male hides. This suggests dry weather. When the weather is close to raining and the humidity in the air is high, the male figurine comes out of his door instead, equipped with an umbrella ready for a rainy day. In order to function properly, the weather house must be placed somewhere exposed to fresh air such as near a window, away from air conditioning and dehumidifiers. This ongoing dance in and out of the house provides a surprisingly accurate prediction of the coming weather, offering a fun novelty for young and old alike.

 

Early Origins

17cm Chalet Weather House With Alpine Flowers By TRENKLE

 

The exact origins of German weather houses are shrouded in some mystery, but they are believed to have emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century, possibly in the Black Forest region of Germany, an area renowned for its craftsmanship in wood and clockmaking. The first mention of a weather house in history was in 1726 by Jacob Leupold, a German physicist, mathematician, instrument maker, mining commissioner and engineer, prior to being mentioned in a 1735 encyclopedia. Around this time, cuckoo clocks were also first being produced in the Black Forest in styles similar to that of a traditional German weather house.

These unique devices quickly became more than just weather indicators as they grew in popularity. They were often given as gifts, particularly to newlyweds, symbolising a wish for a harmonious and balanced life, much like the balance beam within the weather house itself.

 

Trenkle Uhren: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

20cm Chalet Weather House With Picket Fence & Apex Roof By TRENKLE

 

Amongst the many producers of German weather houses is Trenkle Uhren, who stand out for their long history and dedication to quality. Based in Simonswald in the Black Forest, this company has been producing traditional clocks and weather houses for generations, preserving the craftsmanship and traditions of the region. For over a half of a century, the Trenkle Uhren company has been carrying on the clock and weather house production. Trenkle Uhren weather houses are known for their intricate hand painted details, and high-quality materials. These unique weather instruments reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Black Forest. 

Trenkle Uhren's creative ideas are expressed in their ever changing weather house range, which can be browsed both in store and online at the Clock Shop. Browse over 25 traditional German Weather Houses, available in a variety of sizes, styles and designs to suit almost any chosen space. 

 

A Timeless Charm

Even in our age of advanced meteorological technology, German weather houses continue to captivate people of all ages with their simple yet ingenious mechanism. Whether you're a collector of folk art, a weather enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a traditional crafted object, a German weather house is sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of old-world charm to your home.