Ötigheim: Open-Air Theatre and Tell Trail
Accommodation in Ötigheim
Ötigheim combines a distinctive theatre history with a trail that explores the same theme even outside the performance season. The Volksschauspiele operates Germany’s largest open-air theatre here, with 4,000 covered seats. If you want to experience culture while also spending time outdoors, the Tell Trail offers another way to explore the theme of “William Tell”.
Open-air theatre with a history
The Volksschauspiele Ötigheim was founded in 1906. It began in a gravel pit near the village, which was converted into a stage with the help of volunteers. Schiller’s “William Tell” brought the open-air theatre its major breakthrough in 1910. The play has therefore been part of the town’s theatre history for more than a century.
Depending on the play, up to 600 people of all ages take part on and behind the stage. Their large number shows how many people contribute to the performances. You can make an evening at the theatre a cultural highlight of your trip; tickets for all events are available online through Reservix, from the office at Kirchstraße 5 in Ötigheim, or by phone.
Explore the Tell Trail on foot
The 4.8 km-long Tell Trail starts at the Volksschauspiele car park on Tellplatzweg in 76470 Ötigheim. It runs through fruit-tree meadows, forests and wetlands. Along the way, gravel paths alternate with natural-surface trails and paved sections. The route combines varied landscapes with a connection to Schiller’s “William Tell”, which has been performed at Ötigheim’s open-air theatre since 1910.
Along the trail, you can listen, search and play. This gives families the opportunity to approach the route not just as a hike, but also as an exploration. Signposted alternative routes are available for pushchairs on a few sections. Since these alternatives are mentioned for only some parts of the trail, you should not assume that the entire route is suitable for pushchairs.
The cycling and hiking trails in Ötigheim are also very well developed and maintained. They give visitors the opportunity to explore the region actively. If you would like to include some exercise in your stay, you can choose between the themed Tell Trail and the cycling and hiking routes; they do not necessarily offer the same kind of outing.
Getting there and planning your trip
Ötigheim station is served by KVV light rail lines S 7 and S 8. From there, a signposted footpath leads to the open-air theatre; the walk takes about 15 minutes. This gives you a clear indication of the route between the station and the theatre. You can include this connection in your train travel plans, while choosing the right location for your holiday apartment is a separate decision.
Include other places in your holiday plans
If you would like to consider other places for your trip in addition to Ötigheim, you can also find Rastatt, Hügelsheim, Iffezheim, Gernsbach, Ottersweier, Lichtenau, Loffenau and Durmersheim here.
Back to the higher-level travel overview: Rastatt.
