Obernheim: Hiking, Nature and Chapels

Circular trails for a variety of hiking days

For an easy walk, consider the trail to Heimbuch: The route is about 3.5 km long and is suitable for families, casual walkers and those who enjoy leisurely hikes. It starts at the parking area by the sports facilities in Obernheim. The stated distance and classification as an easy route give you a clear idea of what to expect when planning a manageable hike into your holiday.

Another route starts at the parking area by the sports grounds and follows the Fohlenweg to Schneckengarten. The circular trail runs along well-maintained woodland and meadow paths through the varied landscape of the Swabian Alb plateau. At Schneckengarten, the view opens out over Obernheim and towards Scheibenbühl Chapel. The viewpoint is ideal for a break or taking photos, making it a highlight of this walk in its own right.

The Blütenweg also forms a circular route around Obernheim. Along the way, orchards, small patches of woodland and typical Alb pastures shape the landscape. The variety of colourful plants is especially apparent in spring and summer; if you would like to experience this seasonal aspect of the walk, you can take it into account when choosing when to travel. The Rappenstein–Tanneck circular trail offers another natural highlight: It passes through the species-rich Stromelsberg/Hessenbühl nature reserve, whose flora and fauna are among the route’s scenic highlights.

Between the plateau and the valley

The Berg- und Talweg (Mountain and Valley Trail) begins at the Catholic Church of St. Afra in the town centre. From there, it follows the Blütenweg down into the valley and continues to the Oberdigisheim reservoir, a popular destination for day trips and a peaceful place to visit. Alongside the circular routes described above, this gives you the option of a trail that descends from the town centre into the valley. The different starting points can help when planning your day: The Berg- und Talweg starts at St. Afra, while the Heimbuch circular walk starts at the parking area by the sports facilities.

Obernheim is part of the Upper Danube Nature Park, which covers around 1,492 km². This broader landscape setting complements the specific impressions along the local trails: woodland and meadow sections, Alb pastures, orchards and the Stromelsberg/Hessenbühl nature reserve each offer something different. If you prefer to get around by mountain bike, Obernheim also has routes through varied landscapes.

Chapels and religious traditions

St. Wolfgang’s Chapel stands on the 947 m-high Scheibenbühl and overlooks the surrounding village. The Pilgerhäusle, originally called “Bilgenhäusle”, was built around 1540, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is considered Obernheim’s oldest chapel. A mountain service is held at St. Wolfgang’s Chapel every second Whit Monday, bringing together worshippers from the Balingen deanery. The rosary has been prayed at the Pilgerhäusle every Friday since 1873, and this tradition continues to this day.

The parish church of St. Afra is also part of the townscape and has a beautiful parish garden. Since the Berg- und Talweg begins at the church in the town centre, this location combines a cultural point of interest with a convenient starting point for a hike. If you find chapels and religious traditions just as interesting as trails through the countryside, you can explore Obernheim from a variety of perspectives.

Choose Obernheim for your holiday

When choosing a holiday apartment in Obernheim, the kind of stay you are looking for can be a helpful guide. If you would like to go on several hikes, you can choose from an easy route of about 3.5 km, the trail to Schneckengarten, the Blütenweg and the Rappenstein–Tanneck circular trail. If you are also interested in culture and religious history, the chapels and traditions described above add to your understanding of the town. This can help you decide whether Obernheim is a good fit for a holiday that combines nature experiences with cultural impressions.

Discover more places at this destination level here: Zimmern Unter Der Burg, Schömberg, Dautmergen, Jungingen, Grosselfingen, Hausen Am Tann, Geislingen, Dormettingen.

View the wider travel overview: Zollernalbkreis.