Geislingen an der Steige is ideal for a stay that combines trails along the Alb Escarpment with city history. The Eybtal nature reserve, the view from the Ödenturm tower and historic buildings each offer a different focus. A short climb to a viewpoint calls for different planning than a stage of a long-distance hiking trail.

Alb Escarpment, nature reserve and views

The “Eybtal with parts of the Längen and Rohrachtal valleys” nature reserve covers more than 1,300 hectares and is the largest nature reserve in the Stuttgart administrative district. A large part of it lies within Geislingen’s municipal boundaries. The Ödenturm tower stands on a rocky spur high above the town, has survived for centuries and offers views of the Alb plateau and far into the Filstal valley.

From Geislingen’s pedestrian zone, the route to the Ödenturm follows the Albtraufgänger trail and a marked switchback path; it takes about 45 minutes on foot. The Albtraufgänger, which is more than 100 kilometres long, passes through Geislingen and is designated a Quality Trail and a “Leading Quality Trail.” This gives you a choice between a clearly defined route to the viewpoint and a section of a long-distance hiking trail when planning your hike. Before setting out, check the trail operator’s notices about diversions.

The Eybtal nature reserve is accessible by train. From Geislingen station, marked hiking trails lead to Helfenstein Castle ruins and the Ödenturm tower in just a few minutes. You can therefore use the station as a starting point when finding your way to these two destinations; checking train timetables is a separate part of planning.

City history and cultural sites

The present-day Protestant town church was built from 1424 to 1428 and was once dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Old Building also combines a precise historical date with a cultural function: built around 1445 as a granary, it is considered an important example of 15th- and 16th-century Alamannic or Gothic timber construction in southwestern Germany. The building houses the Geislingen Town Museum and the municipal gallery.

A themed trail with twelve stations uses engaging texts to introduce the life and work of Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart (1739–1791), who lived in Geislingen for six years. The stations give the subject a local connection while also introducing his life story. Check local trail notices before setting out.

A guided historical hike leads from the old town to castle ruins and brings events from the Middle Ages to life. The tour description does not specify which ruins. If you are interested in this hike, check booking details with the town.

Cycling routes and regional options

When planning a cycling trip in Geislingen, you can consider four route names: the Albtäler Cycle Route, the Albtrauf Route, the Filstal Route and the Route of Industrial Culture. Check the current signage and route status before setting out.

In the wider Göppingen travel destination, the Löwenpfade and Löwentrails differ in activity and route length. The Löwenpfade in the Göppingen district are circular hiking trails ranging from 3 to 24 kilometres. Signs at their trailheads provide information about the route, elevation profile and sights along the way; the trails are signposted and marked in both directions. The four Löwentrails are circular mountain bike routes ranging from 16 to 30 kilometres and are especially suitable for beginners and e-mountain bikers. These regional routes offer a separate comparison for planning in the Göppingen travel destination.

Discover more destinations: Ebersbach an der Fils, Adelberg, Albershausen, Börtlingen, Bad Überkingen, Wiesensteig, Salach, Bad Ditzenbach

Go to the wider travel overview: Göppingen.