Nellingen between the narrow-gauge railway, trails and Jakobi Market

Local history museum and narrow-gauge railway history

The local history museum is in the centre of Nellingen. On display are objects from earlier times, including items on loan from Nellingen residents. One dedicated section focuses on the narrow-gauge railway between Amstetten and Laichingen: the museum documents its history from 1900 to 1985 in words and pictures. The upper floor also features local crafts, including shoemaking, cooperage, saddlery and weaving. Weaving is presented from flax cultivation to the loom.

The Alb-Bähnle is also part of this railway history. It runs on the remaining section of the Amstetten–Laichingen railway line, built in 1901 and closed by WEG in 1985. The museum steam train rides are a separate offering: since 1990, the Ulmer Eisenbahnfreunde e. V. association has operated them on the Alb-Bähnle. The narrow-gauge railway has a track gauge of 1,000 mm, and trains run on selected dates along the route from Amstetten to Oppingen. Check the current operating dates before planning your trip.

The Jakobi Market, an annual highlight

The Jakobi Market is one of Nellingen’s annual celebrations and takes place on 25 July. If that date falls on a Sunday, it may be moved, so check locally in advance for the year you plan to travel. The market features nearly 100 stalls and amusement rides. There is also a traditional livestock market, with livestock arriving from 8 a.m. Pony rides are also held every year in the Nellingen riding hall.

The market brings together several different activities: market stalls, amusement rides and the livestock market each give the day its own character. If you would like to plan your stay around the Jakobi Market, the exact date is a useful starting point. For other days away, the museum, train rides and trails offer their own themes, which can be fitted into your stay independently of one another.

Hiking trails and the Radler Bärenpfad

The network of trails around Nellingen comprises a total of 27 km of maintained, signposted routes. These include three circular hiking trails maintained by the municipality, as well as an access trail to the Swabian Alb Association’s main hiking trail. As trail conditions can change, check the current situation locally before setting out.

The Kleine and Große Bärenpfad trails invite you to learn about the history of Nellingen, Oppingen and Aichen. The 2 km-long Stiegelestour offers a specific route length: it leads through Nellingen via Gässle and Stiegele, along short connecting paths and past impressive sites. The two options offer different emphases: one focuses on the history of several places, while the other is a named tour through Nellingen with a stated distance. You can then choose which kind of outing better suits your day’s plans. Follow the current signs locally on the Stiegelestour.

There is also a way to explore the surrounding area by bike: the “Radler Bärenpfad” leads across the Nellingen, Oppingen and Aichen districts to signposted points that can be reached by bicycle.

Plan your stay around your own interests

Those particularly interested in traditional crafts and railway history will find several specific topics in one place at the local history museum. If you are planning a stay around the Jakobi Market, it is worth checking the date for the relevant year first. Hiking and cycling offer further ways to spend your days away actively; for train rides, the selected operating date is key. You can choose a holiday apartment in Nellingen based on the focus you want to give your stay, without having to fit every experience into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Weidenstetten, Dornstadt, Börslingen, Blaubeuren, Amstetten, Holzkirch, Staig, Allmendingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Alb-Donau district.