Walz

Walz is a surname of German origin. It is borne by various individuals, most notably Tim Walz, an American politician who has served as the governor of Minnesota since 2019 and previously as a U.S. Representative.

The Walz also refers to a German cultural practice known as die Walz, the wandering years of journeymen (Wandergesellen). After completing an apprenticeship, journeymen travel to gain experience and knowledge, typically lasting several years. They follow guild rules, travel with a knapsack and tools, seek sponsorship with masters, and often return home with a certificate or status that marks their qualifications. The tradition dates to medieval guild culture and remains a topic in regional history and folklore.

Outside of the surname, the term is primarily encountered in discussions of German craft history and cultural tradition as a reference to the wander years. The concept has influenced literature and local customs in various German-speaking regions, reflecting long-standing practices of apprenticeship and professional mobility.