In Dornstadt, forest trails, the landscape of the Kiesental and St. Martin’s Church in Tomerdingen represent different aspects of a stay.
Forest Adventure Trail and Exercise in the Woods
The forest adventure trail is a walk of about an hour and a half for all ages. Discovery and learning stations explore topics related to the forest. One of them is called “Tree Cross-Section”: visitors can determine a tree’s age from its annual rings. At the “Tree Telephone,” children can send Morse code from one side of a trunk to the other by tapping softly. The stations combine exercise with specific insights into the forest rather than simply providing a route to walk.
The forest around the adventure trail also has three signposted running or jogging routes of varying lengths. Those who prefer to walk at a leisurely pace can start from the hiking car park at Oberer Forst in the Dornstadt district and follow trails along the edge of the forest or through the woods. From there, walkers can go for several kilometres along the forest edge or cross the woods. No set duration is specified for these walks; the forest adventure trail, by contrast, provides an approximate walking time as a guide.
Kiesental: Landscape, Nature Trail and Nordic Walking
The Kiesental in Bollingen is now dry. It is a former stream or river valley that dried out over time. Juniper heathland and numerous deciduous and coniferous tree species shape the landscape. The Bioversum Bollingen biodiversity trail explores two related habitat themes: one station covers juniper heathland, and another focuses on nutrient-poor grassland. This offers a chance to look at different types of landscape rather than seeing the Kiesental only as a walking route.
The exercise options also differ in their names and origins. Three Nordic walking routes in the Kiesental were designated in 2009 by sports clubs from Bollingen and Blaustein in collaboration with the German Ski Association. The forest around the adventure trail, by contrast, has signposted running or jogging routes. The information about the Nordic walking routes refers to their designation in 2009.
There are three public barbecue areas in the Dornstadt municipal area, each with a fire ring, grill grate and seating. Advance registration is required if you wish to use one of these areas. This requirement should be factored into your plans; all three areas are described as having a fire ring, grill grate and seating.
St. Martin’s Church and Local Cultural History
The listed St. Martin’s Church in Tomerdingen is owned by the municipality of Dornstadt. It is used for church services, weddings, baptisms and concerts. During guided tours or visits, visitors learn about the church’s long history. Services and concerts, weddings and baptisms illustrate the different uses of the church. For those choosing between a nature-focused and a cultural visit, St. Martin’s Church offers a clear contrast to the forest and landscape themes.
The history of the “Citizens Make Programs for Fellow Citizens” working group is also part of local culture. It was founded in June 2012 with volunteers. Its first event took place in October 2013, featuring Blechimpuls at the premises of Hilscher. These two dates chart the group’s early development, from its founding to its first event. They do not refer to current event dates.
More Places to Explore in the Alb-Donau District
In the wider travel destination of the Alb-Donau district, Hohle Fels near Schelklingen offers a distinct cultural highlight. The UNESCO World Heritage cave is where the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Geierknochenflöte” (vulture-bone flute) were found; both finds are about 42,500 years old. The Alb-Donau district is also part of the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve. These regional themes complement a visit to Dornstadt without being features of the town itself.
For walks in the Alb-Donau district, there are 20 circular “Ice Age Trails” ranging from 6 to 14 kilometres, suitable for day hikes. Also available are family-friendly “Ice Age Traces” from 1 to 6 kilometres, as well as the Contemplation Trail for multi-day hikes. The different distances and time frames offer regional options for day hikes and multi-day tours; the forest trails and stations in Dornstadt provide a separate local focus.
Discover more destinations: Heroldstatt, Breitingen, Weidenstetten, Allmendingen, Ehingen, Holzkirch, Lonsee, Ă–llingen
View the wider travel guide: Alb-Donau District.
