Egon Schwär's singing city tours: stories and anecdotes up close!

Egon Schwär's singing city tours: stories and anecdotes up close!

In Konstanz, the city guide Egon Schwär attracts attention with a remarkable city tour. Schwär, dressed as a historical figure, combines cabaret and theater to bring his guests closer to the city's history. His motto: “Let it all go with the Landsknecht”.
On his tours he appears as a night watchman, executioner or mercenary and not only provides insights into everyday life in times gone by, but also explains the origin of various proverbs. These entertaining and educational tours are the result of a passion for the city's history, which Schwär brings to life through his attention to detail in costume design.

Egon Schwär is no ordinary city guide. His costumes are meticulously planned and made up of various pieces that he purchases both online and at markets and in Alsace. Even though carrying weapons in public is largely prohibited these days, exceptions are permitted for theatrical events such as his city tours. With acting experience from the peasant theater in the Black Forest, he knows how to present his stories vividly and captivate the audience.

A singing city guide

A special feature of Schwär is that he is the only city guide who sings. Each robe has a matching song that accompanies the stories. On his tours you can often hear stories from the region, including the strange story about the naked ass in the Niederburg. This bizarre symbol on many old town houses has an amusing story, which Schwär tells during the tour. The original wish of a homeowner in St.-Johann-Gasse for a cleavage ultimately led to a stone bottom, the kissing of which is said to bring luck in love, at least on Carnival.

Together with his colleague Ulrich Büttner, Schwär developed these fascinating city tours. The two are not only city guides, but also book authors and have already taken part in various media formats. You were on shows like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and “The Quiz Heroes,” which further increased their popularity. Your city tours are known for the successful mix of knowledge transfer and humorous, captivating stories.

Both Schwär and Büttner are deeply connected to the history of Konstanz. Schwär, who studied in the city as a trained carpenter and civil engineer, has turned his interest in city tours into a calling that has shaped his career. This work is not only a hobby for him, but also a way to keep the uniqueness of his hometown alive. Schwär uses his challenges in remembering names and numbers to make his stories even more gripping and entertaining.