In Dürnau, two trails focus on different things, even though they share most of the same route: the orchard trail combines planted sections with scenic views, while the Swabian Saying Trail features dialect and reflective texts. There is also the history of the former moated castle. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth looking at both: the trails in the southern outskirts and the historic traces in the town.
Orchard Trail and Swabian Saying Trail
The orchard trail south of Dürnau and Gammelshausen is approximately 1.5 kilometres long, with around two thirds of it planted with trees. As the walkable route has a break in it, the stated length should be regarded as an estimate. The trail offers views of the gently rolling foothills of the Swabian Alb, the Three Kaiser Mountains, the Schurwald forest and the Stuttgart area. A connecting path leads to the playground at Dürnau’s former Feuersee pond and then uphill to the shooting club.
In Dürnau’s southern outskirts, the Swabian Saying Trail follows mostly the same route as the orchard trail, just below a protected landscape area. It originated as an initiative by dialect author Michael Wahl, who grew up in Dürnau. Wahl incorporated encouraging and reflective sayings into its design. The trails therefore differ mainly in their themes: fruit growing and views on one, dialect and sayings on the other, while sharing most of their route.
Traces of the former moated castle
Dürnau’s moated castle was first mentioned in 1237 and demolished in 1845. A stone arch bridge at the castle replaced the original drawbridge and is still visible. The bridge makes the history of the demolished castle tangible through a specific structure, even though the castle itself no longer survives.
The Protestant Church of St Cyriakus is another local landmark. Its stated daily opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in winter, it is open until dark. Check the opening hours locally before your visit.
Göppingen as a wider travel destination
The wider Göppingen destination offers a range of hiking trails beyond the short orchard trail. The Löwenpfade in Göppingen district are circular hiking trails ranging from 3 to 24 kilometres in length. They can be walked in either direction and are signposted and marked in both directions. At each starting point, an information board shows the route, elevation profile and sights along the way. Their lengths give you a different point of reference when planning longer hikes.
For mountain bikes, the Löwentrails comprise four circular routes ranging from 16 to 30 kilometres; they are particularly suitable for beginners and e-mountain bikers. Another regional cycling option is the 186-kilometre “Albtäler” route, which runs through Göppingen district and the neighbouring districts of Heidenheim and Alb-Donau. This makes it possible to compare hiking and cycling options of quite different lengths in the wider Göppingen destination.
Cultural and culinary themes are also part of this wider picture: the Märklineum in Göppingen presents Märklin’s more than 165-year company history and its products. Sparkling wines made from Champagne Reinette pears are also produced in Göppingen district, using fruit from the surrounding traditional meadow orchards; the sparkling wines are award-winning. These regional themes complement Dürnau’s own attractions, but do not replace the distinctive local character of its two trails and castle history.
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Discover more destinations: Donzdorf, Albershausen, Heiningen, Bad Ditzenbach, Hattenhofen, Börtlingen, Gruibingen, Rechberghausen
Go to the wider travel overview: Göppingen.
