Asperg: History and Trails on the Hohenasperg

Hohenasperg and the Celtic Trail

The Hohenasperg has been a nature reserve since 1938. Gypsum mining there was halted following a landslide on the northern slope. Both the landscape and the changes it has undergone are therefore part of the hill’s history. The sweeping views across the central Neckar region add a broad landscape dimension alongside the historical and archaeological themes.

The Celtic Trail is a cycling and hiking route that passes through Asperg and other towns, linking nine Celtic monuments. It is about 30 kilometres long; as a cycling route, it can also be ridden as a circular tour of around 55 kilometres. The distinction between the trail length and the circular route helps with planning when weighing up the scope and type of your outing. The trail starts or ends at the Lion Gate on the Hohenasperg.

The Celtic Trail AR app offers another perspective on the route. It takes you on a digital journey through time into the world of the Celts and provides new perspectives on burial monuments and archaeological excavations. The app also offers experiences that include taking part in Celtic burial rituals and visiting the former princely residence on the Hohenasperg. In this way, digital interpretation, archaeological sites and views from the hill offer different ways to explore the Celtic theme.

Archaeology, fortress history and outdoor swimming pool

The Kleinaspergle is a Celtic burial mound in the Hohenasperg area. A richly furnished princely tomb dating to around 420 BC was found in a side chamber. The Hohenasperg Museum, housed in a former arsenal building within the fortress, presents the history of the Hohenasperg and its prisoners through original objects and documents. The burial mound and the museum have different focuses: one is about an early princely tomb, the other about the history of the hill and its prisoners.

The Historical Circular Trail at the hilltop fortress passes accessible buildings and facilities. Information boards explain their history, significance and use. The classic guided tour covers the site’s development from a Celtic princely residence to a castle of the high nobility, a state fortress and finally a state prison. It lasts 1.5 to 2 hours; arrange dates and booking with the guide.

Water may also be part of your outing: the Asperg outdoor swimming pool is at the foot of the Hohenasperg. Its non-swimmers’ pool features an 84-metre slide, a rapids channel and a bubble pool; there is also a large swimming pool and a diving facility. As opening may be seasonal, check current hours before your visit.

Wine experiences and finding accommodation

“Wengert, Wahn und Weiberzeche” combines a wine and history experience tour on the Hohenasperg with a walk through the steep vineyard slopes and a traditional winemaker’s snack platter. Arrange the date and booking with the guide. Alongside cycling and hiking trails, archaeological discoveries and fortress history, the programme also offers a culinary focus.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Asperg, use the kind of day you want as a guide: would you like your stay to focus mainly on the Celtic Trail, the history of the Hohenasperg, the outdoor swimming pool or the wine experience? The options offer different highlights and help you shape your trip around your own interests. For longer cycling trips, the Celtic Trail’s approximately 30 kilometres and the roughly 55-kilometre circular tour are two different planning options; the museum, circular trail and guided tour offer a different way to explore the historical side.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Tamm, Hessigheim, Marbach Am Neckar, Kirchheim Am Neckar, Pleidelsheim, Besigheim, Ludwigsburg, Vaihingen An Der Enz.

Back to the main travel overview: Ludwigsburg.