Between Wiesensteig and Geislingen, the Fils has carved spectacular rock formations and deep gorges into the Swabian Alb. In the district of Göppingen, this striking river landscape meets the Alb Escarpment, traditional orchards and viewpoints such as Hohenstaufen. Nature, cycling and hiking routes, and cultural attractions offer different ways to explore the region.
The Fils, the Alb Escarpment and protected landscapes
From Hohenstaufen, you can enjoy sweeping views across the landscape of the district of Göppingen. The mountain is the best-known of the Three Imperial Mountains and is considered a landmark of Stauferland. Along the Alb Escarpment, traditional orchards shape a unique, historic cultural landscape—a distinctive part of the region’s scenery.
The designated protected areas also give the landscape a special dimension: the district of Göppingen has 20 nature reserves covering a total area of 2,887 hectares. The “Eybtal mit Teilen des Längen- und Rohrachtales” nature reserve extends across the city of Geislingen and the municipality of Böhmenkirch. At 1,331 hectares, it is the largest nature reserve in the Stuttgart administrative district.
Hiking and cycling on a range of routes
The Löwenpfade are appealing circular hiking trails in the district of Göppingen, ranging from 3 to 24 kilometers in length. They can be hiked in either direction, and the signs and trail markers point both ways. At each starting point, an information board shows the route, elevation profile and sights along the way. This lets you see before setting off which route and waypoints define each circular trail.
The Löwentrails are different: this offering comprises four circular mountain bike routes ranging from 16 to 30 kilometers. They are particularly suitable for beginners and e-mountain bikers. The Löwenpfade are for hikers, while the Löwentrails are for mountain biking—and the stated distance ranges also set different expectations for an outing.
For longer cycling trips, the 186-kilometer “Albtäler” route runs through the district of Göppingen and the neighboring districts of Heidenheim and Alb-Donau-Kreis. It is a quality cycling route through the most beautiful valleys of the Swabian Alb and has been awarded four stars by the German Cyclists’ Federation. The 35-kilometer Obstroute offers a different focus: a family-friendly way to explore the traditional orchard landscape.
The Alb Extrem cycling marathon starts in Ottenbach every year and is considered one of the largest amateur cycling events in Baden-Württemberg. If you would like to combine your trip with the event, check the current event dates: arrangements may change.
Museums, castles and special places
The Märklineum in Göppingen presents Märklin’s more than 165-year company history and its products. In Wäschenbeuren, Wäscherschloss takes you back to the early 13th century. Together, the two places showcase very different sides of regional culture: a company and product history on the one hand, and a castle with medieval origins on the other.
Hiltenburg is near Bad Ditzenbach. Its preserved ruins offer a unique view over the Upper Fils Valley. The castle grounds are open year-round. A permanent exhibition in the keep of the Vorderes Schloss tells the story of Hiltenburg and offers insights into the everyday lives of its residents. The exhibition’s opening hours vary by season, so check them separately. Near Deggingen, the pilgrimage church of Ave Maria is described as a place of peace and relaxation.
Schloss Filseck is considered a cultural and culinary attraction in the district of Göppingen. It stands on a prominent hill at the southern edge of the Fils Valley, within the cadastral area of Uhingen. In Bad Ditzenbach, the medicinal herb garden at Kräuterhaus Sanct Bernhard includes an inhalation pavilion, where visitors can experience the soothing effects of a fresh sea breeze. The Nature and Culinary Delights Center in Bad Ditzenbach-Gosbach provides information about regional products and specialties.
Traditional orchards and regional produce
Traditional orchards not only shape the cultural landscape but are also associated with a distinctive product. Sparkling wines made from the Champagner-Bratbirne pear are produced in the district of Göppingen; the pears come from the surrounding traditional orchards. The sparkling wines have won awards, although the awards may vary by vintage and competition. The landscape, regional products and designated routes each offer their own way to get to know the character of the district.
Discover more destinations: Wiesensteig, Wäschenbeuren, Süßen, Schlat, Mühlhausen Im Täle, Donzdorf, Bad Überkingen, Bad Ditzenbach, Bad Boll, Albershausen, Aichelberg, Geislingen An Der Steige, Wangen, Salach, Ebersbach An Der Fils, Gruibingen, Göppingen, Hattenhofen, Eislingen/Fils, Dürnau, Böhmenkirch, Adelberg, Heiningen, Börtlingen, Rechberghausen, Ottenbach, Hohenstadt, Uhingen.
For the main travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.
