Hohenstadt combines marked hiking trails with a karst landscape, a distinctive viewpoint and historical traces. The route distances and elevation gains make it easy to compare the local trails; there is also a path into the Wassertal and insights into the town’s history.

Marked trails: distance, elevation gain and views

The blue-marked Panorama Trail is 3.5 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 50 metres. The red-marked Hohenstadt Loop covers 8.5 kilometres and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. It is therefore longer than the Panorama Trail and has a greater elevation gain. Both trails run mostly along paved paths.

The black-marked Wassertal Loop adds to the options, with route distances of 6.5 and 8.5 kilometres and elevation differences of 100 and 50 metres; it, too, runs mostly along paved paths. The Panorama Trail leads to a particularly high and distinctive viewpoint in the district of Göppingen. From there, the view stretches across the Swabian Alb landscape and, on clear days, as far as the Zugspitze and the Alpine range.

Through the Wassertal

The black-marked Wassertal route starts at the Stöcke car park. It follows old Roman roads past a former Celtic settlement, across the gently rolling plateau and through the Feuerbuch into the Wassertal. The valley is a closed karst basin and a botanical gem, home to a variety of rare plant species.

At the junction at Eselshau, you can extend the route by around two kilometres via the former hamlet of Weidstetten, if you wish. This approximate extra distance is a separate point to consider when planning; check local trail conditions before setting out.

Culture and nature in the town and surrounding area

The high altar of the Catholic parish church of St. Margaretha features wooden figures from the Ulm School of woodcarving, dating from the 15th century. Another local tradition remains unverified: a chapel dedicated to Saint Afra is said to have once stood near the Afra field area. Thus, a surviving furnishing detail and an unconfirmed historical account stand side by side.

In the immediate vicinity of Hohenstadt, the Schertel Cave in Westerheim is one of the area’s natural attractions. If you are planning a visit, check current access arrangements beforehand. Horse riding is also one of the leisure activities available in Hohenstadt.

In the broader destination of Göppingen

The broader destination of Göppingen offers a regional perspective on other routes. The Löwenpfade in the district of Göppingen 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 every starting point, an information board provides details on the route, an elevation profile and the sights along the way.

For mountain bikes, the Löwentrails in the district of Göppingen include four circular routes ranging from 16 to 30 kilometres. They are particularly suitable for beginners and e-mountain bikers.

Discover more destinations: Geislingen An Der Steige, Uhingen, Göppingen, Böhmenkirch, Heiningen, Adelberg, Bad Überkingen, Gruibingen.

Go to the broader travel overview: Göppingen.