Discover Ratshausen: Churches and the Zollernalb

Churches and Building History in Ratshausen

The Catholic Church of St. Afra is a named religious and cultural site in Ratshausen. The Lourdes Chapel is also one of the village’s cultural sites; it is located at the entrance to the village. Together, these provide two distinct points of reference for planning a culturally oriented trip within the village itself. A church in Ratshausen was built between 1816 and 1818, adding a specific historical period to the village’s architectural history.

If you are interested in history and religious culture, these sites can provide a tranquil focus for your plans. The dates help place the village’s history in context, while the two named churches give your search for cultural themes in Ratshausen a specific framework. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can combine these personal interests with your other travel plans.

Hiking Trails and Landscape in the Surrounding Region

In the wider region, the 33-kilometre Schlichem hiking trail follows the Schlichem from its source near Tieringen, at an elevation of around 880 metres above sea level, to its mouth at the Neckar near Epfendorf, at 484 metres. The trail passes small waterfalls and wet meadows and goes through a steep-sided gorge. It offers a longer hiking option whose route and landscape features can be considered as separate aspects of your plans.

Within the wider destination of Zollernalbkreis, the Zollernalb lies in the western part of the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, where the mountains reach their greatest heights. For hikers, the region has premium trails and more than 100 signposted circular hiking routes. A geological nature trail on Westerberg, above Nusplingen, ends at a rock-knocking site. Those who prefer expert guidance can join Albguide tours focused on nature, history, archaeology and geology; booking a tour is recommended.

Culture and Activities in Zollernalbkreis

Hohenzollern Castle is another cultural destination in the wider area of Zollernalbkreis. It belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the boundaries of the district of Zimmern. The present-day castle is the third fortress on Zollerberg: after its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. The cultural programme includes numerous concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. The castle is open to visitors daily and offers a glimpse of its historic rooms; for a specific visit, it is worth checking the current opening times in advance.

Zollernalbkreis also offers options for a range of travel interests. In the Alb foothills, families can enjoy relaxed cycling trips, for example around Schömberg Reservoir. The “Hiking Like Everyone Else” offer includes a variety of tours that are also suitable for people with disabilities. At Lochen, you can hike with a donkey; in winter, the region has numerous cross-country ski trails and ski lifts. Each of these options offers a different focus rather than prescribing a single kind of outing.

The Zollernalb offers further inspiration for nature and culture: Zillhausen Waterfall and the sea of rocks below Hörnle are highlighted as geological natural spectacles. Four stages of the European cultural route, the Martinusweg, cross the Zollernalb. These different themes can help you sort out your interests before choosing the right accommodation for your trip.

Plan for Seasonal Transport Services

In the wider destination of Zollernalbkreis, the Schieferbahn runs without transfers from Balingen to Dotternhausen and Schömberg during the 2026 leisure transport season. During the same season, the Nauf-Nab-Trauf bus connects Hechingen with the Nägelehaus in Albstadt-Onstmettingen. The season runs until 18 October 2026. If you would like to include one of these services in your plans, check the timetable for your travel date.

The regional perspective and the local cultural sites serve different purposes: Ratshausen offers specific themes for discovering the village, while the destinations and activities in Zollernalbkreis open up a wider range of options. Depending on whether you are more interested in churches and local history, longer hikes, cultural events or seasonal activities, you can tailor your travel plans and choice of holiday apartment accordingly.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Unterdigisheim, Dotternhausen, Obernheim, Dautmergen, Burladingen, Schömberg, Winterlingen, Tieringen.

Back to the main travel guide: Zollernalbkreis.