Discover Wäschenbeuren

Discover Staufer history and architecture

With its small museum, Wäscherschloss offers a cultural point of interest. The castle is often described as the “cradle of the Staufers”—a distinctive connection to the area’s history if that is something you are interested in. On the market square, take a look at the Amtshaus: Reichsfreiherr Conrad IV von Rechberg zu Staufeneck und Hohenrechberg had it built in 1588. Its façade facing the market square features Renaissance half-timbering between two corner turrets built as oriel windows. These details also make the building interesting to visitors who look out for historic architecture when exploring a town.

Another historical destination is the Wäschenbeuren Way of the Cross. It was established in 1892 and comprises 14 station plaques. The town hall fountain adds a more recent work to the local sights: artist Kurt Grabert designed it in 1992. The Amtshaus, Way of the Cross and town hall fountain complement the cultural impressions of the town.

Hiking between the Staufer Loop and orchards

The approximately 11.2-kilometre Löwenpfad Staufer Loop starts at the hiking car park at Wäscherschloss in Wäschenbeuren. The circular trail between Göppingen and Wäschenbeuren is certified by the German Hiking Association in the “Cultural Experience” category. Its length is a useful guide when planning your day and makes the trail a specific hiking option to consider. Wäschenbeuren also has an extensive network of hiking trails. If you would like to include a variety of trails in your stay, this offers further hiking options alongside the named loop, without requiring you to choose a particular route.

The Marbachtal Loop offers a different perspective on the landscape: it passes through orchards that provide habitats for endangered animal and plant species such as woodpeckers and bats. This also makes the trail appealing to visitors who want to pay attention not only to the route itself, but also to the cultural landscape and its habitats. When choosing accommodation, it may be important whether hiking and nature experiences are a focus of your trip.

Local traditions throughout the year

The Pentecost market takes place every year on Whit Monday. It includes two markets held at the same time, one of which is an antiques and bric-a-brac market with around 130 stalls. If you enjoy market events and browsing as part of a visit to a town, you can keep this date in mind when planning your trip; it refers to the market day held annually.

The Beuremer Fasnet carnival has its own highlights, with the annual carnival parade as its centrepiece. The tradition also includes the customary storming of the town hall on “Gombiger Doschdig.” In May, a maypole is traditionally erected, showcasing local businesses and the liberal professions as well as traditional crafts. These customs offer different glimpses of local life and vary both in timing and form.

Choose the right stay for hiking, cycling and more

Wäschenbeuren is also worth considering as a cycling destination: the area around the town has an extensive network of cycle paths. A long-distance cycle route also crosses the municipal area, running from Göppingen via Wäschenbeuren to Schwäbisch Gmünd. This gives you a clear choice when planning your holiday between a stay focused on hiking and one where cycling tours play an important role. Which route you take is up to you; the route information given here does not indicate distances to accommodation.

For more ideas in the area, see Ottenbach, Wangen, Albershausen, Salach, Aichelberg, Süßen, Ebersbach An Der Fils and Böhmenkirch.

For the broader travel overview: Göppingen.