Nellingen combines local history with the Alb Railway, the Jakobi Market and a variety of trails. The local history museum provides a cultural focus; the trails include themed paths, a 2 km tour and a 27 km network. When planning, keep in mind that museum steam train rides take place on selected dates and the market date may shift in certain years.
Local History Museum and Railway Heritage
The local history museum is located in the town centre. It displays objects from earlier times, including items loaned by Nellingen residents. A dedicated section focuses on the history of the narrow-gauge railway between Amstetten and Laichingen, documenting it in words and pictures from 1900 to 1985.
The attic displays local crafts such as shoemaking, cooperage, saddlery and weaving. The weaving exhibit covers everything from flax cultivation to the loom. The museum thus brings together local history, the history of technology and insights into various crafts. If you are planning a museum visit, check visiting arrangements in advance.
The Alb Railway runs on the remaining section of the Amstetten–Laichingen railway line, built in 1901 and closed by WEG in 1985. Since 1990, the Ulmer Eisenbahnfreunde e. V. association has operated museum steam train rides on this scenic narrow-gauge railway, which has a gauge of 1,000 mm. Trains run on selected dates along the route from Amstetten to Oppingen. The museum focuses on the historic Amstetten–Laichingen connection, while the museum rides operate on the section to Oppingen. Check the operating dates for the year in question before planning.
Jakobi Market
The Jakobi Market is one of Nellingen’s annual celebrations and is held on 25 July. If that date falls on a Sunday, the date may shift; check the announcement for the relevant year. The market features nearly 100 stalls and fairground rides, as well as a traditional livestock market with animals brought in from 8 a.m. There are also pony rides in the Nellingen riding hall every year.
Hiking Trails and the Radler Bärenpfad
The trail network around Nellingen comprises a total of 27 km of maintained, signposted trails. It includes three circular hiking trails run by the municipality and an access trail to the main hiking trail of the Swabian Alb Association. The total distance refers to the network; the individual trails have different routes and focuses.
The “Kleiner Bärenpfad” and “Großer Bärenpfad” hiking trails invite visitors to learn about the history of Nellingen, Oppingen and Aichen. The 2 km Stiegelestour offers a different focus: it leads through Nellingen via Gässle and Stiegele, short connecting paths, and past impressive locations. When choosing a route, you can distinguish between the Bear Trails’ local history and the described route through Nellingen.
For cycling, there is the “Radler Bärenpfad” (Cycling Bear Trail). It runs through the Nellingen, Oppingen and Aichen districts to signposted points that are accessible by bike. Its focus thus differs from that of the two Bear Trails designated as hiking routes. Before setting out, check the current route information on site; trail markings may change.
Discover more destinations: BerghĂĽlen, Kirchen, Ă–pfingen, Merklingen, Asselfingen, Blaustein, Emerkingen, Westerheim.
For the higher-level travel overview: Alb-Donau district.
