Mössingen between landslide landscapes and orchard culture
Accommodation in Mössingen
Mössingen combines an unusual history of landscape formation with hiking trails, traditional orchards and insights into local history. A prominent natural feature is the landslide at Hirschkopf: the event shaped the landscape and also makes Mössingen interesting to visitors who want to combine nature and culture on their trip. There are also activities related to traditional orchards, exhibitions and things to do at the outdoor adventure pool.
Landschaft am Filsenberg bei Mössingen-Öschingen im Albtrauf
Photo: Olga Ernst via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Hirschkopf Landslide and Nature
On 12 April 1983, a total of 5 to 6 million cubic metres of earth and rubble slid down into the valley from around 50 hectares of the Hirschkopf. Over the years, new flora and fauna developed there. Since 1988, 39 hectares of the landslide area have been designated as a nature reserve; it is also one of Germany’s National GeoTopes. Anyone interested in landscapes and how they form will find a special focus for their stay in Mössingen here.
The NABU Bird Conservation Centre is another of the city’s nature attractions. Visitors can see some tame birds in aviaries. The centre also offers guided tours and environmental education events for registered groups. This is a different way to include nature in your holiday than going for a hike: here the focus is on birds and environmental education, with guided tours for groups.
Hiking the Dreifürstensteig
The premium hiking trail “Dreifürstensteig” runs for just over 13 km through traditional orchards to a viewpoint with sweeping views, including of Hohenzollern Castle. The trail’s length is a practical point of reference when deciding how much of your holiday to devote to hiking. Starting points with parking are available at Olgahöhe, the Buch car park, the Hirschkopf car park and the Linden car park.
You can tailor your stay to suit different interests: make the Dreifürstensteig the highlight of your hiking experience, or spend more time exploring exhibitions and activities related to traditional orchards. When choosing a holiday apartment in Mössingen, it is worth first considering which of these experiences matters most to your trip.
Local History, Design and Culture
In Mössingen’s old town centre, the Kulturscheune hosts changing exhibitions on the city’s history, drawing on a collection of around 30,000 exhibits. The converted barn regularly hosts cultural events, and Café Chamäleon serves homemade cakes and other regional specialities. The Kulturscheune thus brings together local history and food in one place.
The former Pausa textile printing works, a landmark of Württemberg’s design and industrial history, tells another part of the town’s story. Its archive contains graphic fabric designs and fabric samples by Willi Baumeister and HAP Grieshaber. For visitors interested in design and industrial history, this look at textile designs complements the local history presented at the Kulturscheune.
St Peter and Paul’s Church was built between 1517 and 1527 and is now Mössingen’s oldest church. It has a Weimer organ dating from 1820, known for its excellent sound. The Museum of Historical Cutlery Making was established in April 2005 following the careful restoration of a 16th-century building and its historic workshop. The church and museum each offer their own perspective on Mössingen’s past.
Discover Traditional Orchards and Enjoy Activities Together
The Traditional Orchard Information Centre explores traditional orchards through an exhibition and hands-on stations. The Obstwerkstatt (Orchard Workshop) is right next door, offering numerous courses for children and adults on baking, cooking and drying using produce from traditional orchards. The information centre offers groups guided tours that include a walk, with an optional tasting of products from the orchards. Families can choose between exhibition stations, courses and a guided outdoor activity, depending on what best suits their stay.
The Mössingen outdoor adventure pool also offers specific activities, including a 95 m slide, a beach volleyball court and a miniature golf course. If you want to factor leisure activities into your holiday plans alongside outings, you can include these as a separate part of your itinerary in addition to hiking and culture.
If you would like to compare other town pages, you can also find Tübingen, Kirchentellinsfurt, Ammerbuch, Nehren, Hirrlingen, Starzach, Kusterdingen and Öschingen here.
Back to the main travel overview: Tübingen.
