Discover Ostrach: History, Moorland and the Räuberbahn

History and Panoramic Views in Ostrach

The Amtshaus in Ostrach dates back to 1700 and recalls the rule of Salem Abbey. Bannwald Tower, located within the Ostrach municipal area, offers a different perspective: since 2016, it has provided a 360° panorama and views of the moorland of the Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried. Visitors who wish to climb the tower must tackle 219 steps; the structure is 38.8 metres high. These details make it easy to gauge how much time to allow for the climb when planning your day.

Walking Trails and Guided Tours

The nearby Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried has several well-signposted walking trails ranging from 6 to 12 kilometres. The routes vary considerably in surface: well-maintained paths are accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair, while others are gravel tracks or rougher paths over roots and wood chips. When choosing a route, the surface matters as much as the distance. Check local conditions before setting out.

One of the local cultural offerings is the theatrical guided tour “Dorfgeplauder – Ostrach anno 1822” (“Village Chatter – Ostrach in 1822”). It lasts 90 minutes. Groups can request a preferred date from the Tourist Information Office; individual visitors can join scheduled public tours. If you want to make the tour a definite part of your plans, check with the municipality for current dates.

Travelling on the Räuberbahn

The Räuberbahn connects Pfullendorf and Aulendorf, stopping in Ostrach among other places. Its excursion trains run from May to October on Sundays and public holidays, as well as on selected Saturdays. This makes the railway a seasonal option to consider when planning your stay. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Culture and Scenery in the Wider Destination of Sigmaringen

The wider destination of Sigmaringen has its own cultural and landscape highlights. Sigmaringen Castle evolved from a medieval fortress into a princely residence and is considered a landmark of the town. Its private collection of weapons comprises around 3,000 objects; guided tours of the castle offer an insight into almost 1,000 years of Hohenzollern family history. The tours focus on both the development of the building and the history of the family.

The landscape around Sigmaringen also has a character of its own: the town lies in the Upper Danube Nature Park on the edge of the Swabian Alb. Here, the Danube flows through a landscape shaped by imposing rocks and forests. The five Sigmaringen premium hiking trails known as DonauFelsenLäufe lead through the Danube Valley, the Schmeien Valley and the Lauchert Valley. This makes for a different focus when planning a trip than the trails in the Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried near Ostrach.

Town Life and Seasonal Events in Sigmaringen

The Sigmaringen weekly market offers regional products such as baked goods, meat and sausages, fruit and vegetables, cheese, olive oil and honey. Recurring events also include the annual Fidelis Festival: on 24 April, a service is held in St. Johann parish church, followed by a candlelit procession through the town centre. The Sigmaringen town festival is scheduled for the last weekend in June each year.

In winter, SIG on ICE takes place every year in December and January as an eco-friendly open-air ice rink on Sigmaringen Market Square. From mid-December, skating enthusiasts can skate there for four weeks. Seasonal dates and programmes may vary from year to year; if a particular date matters for your trip, check the latest details in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Schwenningen, Meßkirch, Gammertingen, Krumbach, Bad Saulgau, Bingen, Waldbeuren, Pfullendorf.

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