Balingen is a town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, capital of the district of Zollernalbkreis. It is located nearby the Swabian Alb, approx. 35 km to the south of Tübingen, 35 km northeast of Villingen-Schwenningen, and 60 km southwest of Stuttgart.
Balingen is first mentioned in 863. Initially a possession of the lords of Haigerloch, in 1162 it was acquired by the count of Hohenberg.Balingen received city rights in 1255 by Count Friedrich of Zollern. In 1403 it was sold to the County of Württemberg, whose chancellor maintained a residence here until 18th century.
The oldest seal is known from 1320, but probably dates from the late 13th century. The seal shows only the arms of the Zollern family, quartered of black and silver. After the transfer to Württemberg, initially nothing changed, the same seal was used. Only in the late 15th century the deer antler of Württemberg was added to the arms. The colours are known since 1535 and the arms thus have not changed since. The arms did not change after the merger with the other municipalities and were officially granted again on 18 June 1975.
