Göppingen between the Alb Escarpment, the Fils and culture

Hiking and cycling tours for a range of interests

The Löwenpfade are circular hiking trails in the district, ranging from 3 to 24 kilometres in length. They link impressive views, varied natural landscapes and mysterious places. Each trail can be walked in either direction and is signposted and marked both ways. At each starting point, an information board shows the route, elevation profile and sights along the way. The length and elevation profile give you concrete guidance for choosing hikes to suit your trip.

For mountain biking, the Löwentrails offer four circular routes between 16 and 30 kilometres long, particularly suitable for beginners and e-mountain bikers. Another option for cycling trips is the 186-kilometre Albtäler quality cycle route. It has been awarded four stars by the German Cyclists’ Federation (ADFC), runs through valleys of the Swabian Alb, and passes through the district of Göppingen and the neighbouring districts of Heidenheim and Alb-Donau. The 35-kilometre Obstroute offers something different: a family-friendly way to explore the orchard landscape.

The Alb Escarpment, nature reserves and viewpoints

Orchards along the Alb Escarpment in the district shape a unique, historic cultural landscape. The district has designated 20 nature reserves covering a total area of 2,887 hectares. These include the 1,331-hectare “Eybtal with parts of the Längen and Rohrach valleys” nature reserve, which lies within the city limits of Geislingen and the municipality of Böhmenkirch. It is the largest nature reserve in the Stuttgart administrative region.

One striking viewpoint is Hohenstaufen, which offers panoramic views across the district’s landscape. It is also regarded as the best-known of the Three Kaiser Mountains and a landmark of the Staufer region. The preserved ruins of Hiltenburg Castle also offer views over the Upper Fils Valley; the castle grounds are open year-round. These landscape views and varied tours give you a clear focus when choosing where to stay, without requiring every trip to follow the same route.

Culture, history and regional products

The Märklineum presents the more than 165-year history of Märklin and its products. Wäschenbeuren Castle dates back to the early 13th century. On the grounds of Hiltenburg Castle, a permanent exhibition in the keep of the Vorderes Schloss presents the castle’s history and the everyday lives of its residents. Filseck Castle, in the district of Uhingen, stands on a prominent hill on the southern slope of the Fils Valley and is considered a cultural and gastronomic attraction in the district. The Ave Maria pilgrimage church near Deggingen is regarded as a place of peace and relaxation.

Regional produce is also part of the area’s character. The district produces award-winning sparkling wines made from Champagner-Bratbirne pears grown in the surrounding orchards. The Nature and Enjoyment Centre in Bad Ditzenbach-Gosbach provides information about regional products and specialities. The medicinal herb garden at the Kräuterhaus Sanct Bernhard in Bad Ditzenbach includes an inhalatorium where visitors can experience the soothing effect of a fresh sea breeze.

Places to help you plan your trip

If bus and train connections matter when choosing your holiday destination, Faurndau has a railway stop and public transport links by bus and train, particularly to Göppingen town centre and the greater Stuttgart area. Find more places in the district here: Wiesensteig, Wäschenbeuren, Süßen, Schlat, Mühlhausen Im Täle, Wangen, Salach, Ebersbach An Der Fils, Gruibingen, Ottenbach, Rechberghausen, Uhingen, Geislingen An Der Steige, Börtlingen, Dürnau, Hattenhofen, Eislingen/Fils, Bad Boll, Heiningen, Bad Überkingen, Göppingen, Albershausen, Aichelberg, Hohenstadt, Bad Ditzenbach, Böhmenkirch, Adelberg and Donzdorf.

For the broader travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.