Sigmaringen: Castle, Danube and City History

Discover the Castle and the City’s History

Sigmaringen Castle developed from a medieval fortress into a princely residence and is considered a landmark of the city. Guided tours of the castle convey almost 1,000 years of Hohenzollern family history. The castle also houses a private collection of around 3,000 weapons. Those interested in the city’s development can find another perspective at the Round Tower: built as a defensive tower in the old town fortifications, it was converted into a local history museum in 1970. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The Zündapp Museum at the Zoller-Hof brewery also focuses on a particular chapter in the history of technology. It displays more than 100 exhibits from the Zündapp motorcycle brand. The museum is located in the Marstall building at Fürst-Wilhelm-Straße 5–7. In addition to city and themed tours, public city tours are offered monthly. The “Stadtführung Sigmaringen” app lets visitors and locals explore the city’s eventful history interactively and at their own pace.

Danube Valley, Hiking Trails and Cycling Route

Sigmaringen is located in the Upper Danube Nature Park, on the edge of the Swabian Alb. Here, the Danube flows through a landscape shaped by imposing cliffs and forests. If you would like to focus more on hiking during your stay, explore the DanubeFelsenLäufe: these five premium hiking trails in Sigmaringen include routes through the Danube Valley, the Schmeien Valley and the Lauchert Valley. The trails connect different types of landscapes, so you need not limit your stay to the old town.

There is also a clear point of reference for cyclists: the Danube Cycle Path passes through Sigmaringen. Hiking and cycling offer different ways to shape your holiday. When choosing accommodation, consider whether you mainly want to explore the city’s history, experience the landscape on foot or combine a cycling trip with a stay in Sigmaringen. This way, you can tailor your search for a holiday apartment to the experiences that matter for your trip, without assuming any particular amenities or location.

Regional Products and Recurring Festivals

The Sigmaringen weekly market offers regional products such as baked goods, meat and sausage products, fruit and vegetables, cheese, olive oil and honey. It gives you an insight into the variety of food on offer and adds a culinary aspect to the city’s cultural and scenic highlights.

Festivals also shape city life throughout the year. The annual Fidelis Festival includes a church service at St. Johann Parish Church on April 24, followed by a candlelit procession through the city center. Fasnet traditions in Sigmaringen and its districts include parades, balls, a storming of the town hall and the historic Bräuteln ceremony. The Sigmaringen City Festival is held every year in the city center on the last weekend of June.

A winter highlight is SIG on ICE: this eco-friendly open-air ice rink is set up every year in December and January on Sigmaringen’s market square. From mid-December, skating fans can enjoy the rink there for four weeks. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these recurring events, the different dates throughout the year can help you plan your holiday.

Choose the Right Base

When deciding between city and nature experiences, it is also worth considering local transport. The train station is centrally located in the city center, and several city bus routes provide additional options for getting around. When looking for a holiday apartment, consider which location suits your plans and what role the train station and city bus routes will play in your arrival and getting around. The main focus of your stay—castle and museums, hiking trails, cycling or a festival—can help you decide.

You can also visit the pages for Ostrach, Schwäblishausen, Veringenstadt, Waldbeuren, Scheer, Thiergarten, Wald, Schwenningen, Sigmaringen, Sigmaringendorf, Neufra, Pfullendorf, Sauldorf, Herbertingen, Hettingen, Herdwangen-Schönach, Illmensee, Bad Saulgau, Beuron, Bingen, Meßkirch, Leibertingen, Hohentengen, Mengen, Krumbach, Gammertingen and Inzigkofen.

For the broader travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.