Krautheim: Staufer Castle and Paths of Silence

The castle and the history of the Order of St John

Krautheim’s Staufer castle, with its castle chapel, 12th-century keep and castle museum, shapes the townscape. The keep is 28 metres high; the climb is rewarded with views over the Jagst Valley. The Johanniter Museum in Krautheim also tells a story: numerous exhibits and cross-references bring the history of the Order to life. Together, the castle and museum provide a strong cultural focus for anyone interested in historic buildings and exhibitions.

Quiet places and countryside

On the Krautheim Path of Silence, visitors encounter the Kuharsch, take in the Jagst Valley panorama and enjoy the “Im See” nature reserve, with its variety of plants and animals. The path brings together a range of impressions: a named place, views across the valley and the nature of the protected area. Other quiet places around Krautheim include the ruins of Krautheim Castle, the Jewish cemetery, St. John’s Parish Church and St. Anne’s Chapel.

Routes around or through Krautheim

The Paths of Silence, the Way of St James, the LT 21, the Württemberg Wine Trail and the Natura Trail run around or through Krautheim. Their different names suggest different themes—from the Way of St James and the wine trail to the Natura Trail. The Kocher-Jagst Cycle Path is also important when planning your trip: it runs through Krautheim. You can decide whether you would like your days to revolve around the named paths, a particular route or cycling.

The Hohenlohe district as a wider setting

The wider Hohenlohe district also offers inspiration for planning your trip. There are numerous cycle paths, where cyclists can experience the Hohenlohe hills, framed by the deeply incised river valleys of the Kocher, Jagst and Ohrn. Three Limes viewing platforms offer far-reaching views across the countryside, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Limes runs in a straight line through the Hohenlohe district.

Another regional hiking destination is the cultural hiking trail along the Jagst. It runs along paved paths through villages and along surfaced, nature-oriented paths halfway up the slopes, through forests, vineyards and meadows; longer climbs and descents are part of the route. Regional food and drink can also be a focus in its own right: visitors can buy and sample wine and spirits directly from winegrowers and distillers in the Hohenlohe district. Which businesses participate varies.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Krautheim, it helps to first decide what kind of trip you want. Would you like to focus on the castle and museum’s history, are you more interested in quiet places and countryside, or would you like to include walking routes and cycling? For a family trip, you can decide together which of these themes best suits your plans. If you would also like to include cycle paths, the Limes or regional tastings, you can consider the Hohenlohe district as a wider setting.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bretzfeld, Forchtenberg, Pfedelbach, Künzelsau, Waldenburg, Mulfingen, Ingelfingen, Zweiflingen.

Back to the main travel guide: Hohenlohe.