There are two ways to discover Iselshausen: along the short stream nature trail and by following historical traces from the old mill channel to the hillside cellars. The easy themed circular route is 0.66 kilometres long. Other highlights include the Steinach landscape, a stop on the Nagold Tree Trail and the Kulturbahn railway, which stops in Iselshausen.
Stream Trail and River Landscape
The Iselshausen Stream Nature Trail runs through a protected landscape area and directly alongside the long-distance Heidelberg–Black Forest–Lake Constance Cycle Route. In the area around the trail, the Steinach’s unaltered, meandering course and its associated floodplain are considered rare. When the trail was created in 2011, a section of the old mill channel on the Steinach was restored to use. The circular route therefore explores both the stream landscape and traces of earlier water use.
Route conditions may change, so check them before setting out. You should also check the boundaries and regulations of the protected landscape area before your visit.
St. James’ Church and the Nagold Tree Trail
The parish church of St. James in Iselshausen was originally a subsidiary church of Nagold. The Evangelical Congregation of Nagold lists St. James’ Church as a place of worship. If you plan to attend a service, check the congregation’s current schedule and regulations.
Behind St. James’ Church, a winter lime tree marks a stop on the Nagold Tree Trail. The digital smartphone version brings stories about the trees to life and was relaunched in 2023. Check before your trip whether the digital version is available.
Local History in Several Layers
Iselshausen’s historical traces include slab graves dating to the Merovingian period. St. James’ Chapel was first mentioned in 1395 and probably served as a stop for weary pilgrims. The town’s economic history is also represented: the Iselshausen factory of the “Calwer Deckenfabrik” was founded in 1844 by Johann Adam Sannwald.
The Historical Trail leads to the town’s old hillside cellars. Several other cellars above the Obere Mühle are largely preserved. The Obere Mühle is a historic, listed building used as a residence; it is not open to the public.
Getting There and Walking Routes
The Pforzheim–Tübingen Kulturbahn railway stops in Iselshausen. If you’re travelling by train, check the current timetable. The Stream Nature Trail is a short, easy circular route; the Historical Trail leads to the old hillside cellars. You can choose between the two according to their focus: the stream landscape and water history on the one hand, and local history on the other.
Nagold Itself
In Nagold itself, the River Nagold flows right through the town and continues to shape its character. Many green spaces lie along the river. Walking routes pass through the old town, follow the river and climb up to the castle. Guided tours about the history of Hohennagold Castle and the Schlossberg are regularly offered at the castle ruins; check the current dates before your visit.
The Schlossberg was settled and fortified as early as Celtic times. Nagold’s commercial history is also linked to its rivers: for centuries, clothmaking and tanning were the town’s most important trades, supported by the Nagold and Waldach rivers. The Nagold Valley Cycle Route runs from the source of the Nagold in the Black Forest to its confluence with the Enz in Pforzheim, passing right through Nagold.
Discover more destinations: GĂĽndringen, Mindersbach, Schietingen
Go to the main travel overview: Nagold.
