The Steiff Museum is a three-minute walk from Giengen station—a useful point of reference when planning a trip by train. The attractions range from the history of Steiff plush toys to a 158-kilometre long-distance hiking trail; Charlottenhöhle adds a cave-themed experience with its own story of discovery.
Charlottenhöhle: Guided Tours, History and Geology
At 532 metres long, Charlottenhöhle is the longest accessible stalactite cave in the Swabian Alb. Visits are only possible as part of a guided tour, which lasts about an hour. Check the current tour times before planning your visit, as visitor arrangements may change. The cave stays at around 9 °C year-round—a practical detail to keep in mind when preparing for your visit.
The cave was discovered in 1893 by three carpenters from Hürben. It was named after Queen Charlotte of Württemberg. The climb to the cave entrance can also be linked to a theme of its own: the Time Travel Trail has eight stops connected to local archaeological finds. HöhlenSchauLand presents the history of the Earth in an entertaining way, offering another way to explore this subject.
Steiff Museum and Wooden Sculpture Adventure Trail
The Steiff Museum focuses on the history of Steiff and the making of its plush toys. The exhibition covers 2,400 square metres across three levels. The museum is a three-minute walk from Giengen station, providing a clear point of reference for anyone planning to travel by train.
From the Steiff Museum, the Wooden Sculpture Adventure Trail runs for 0.48 kilometres to the Anlägle adventure playground. It is rated easy and offers a different scale of outing from the long-distance hiking trail. The story of Panschi the unicorn provides a narrative framework for the trail, and a puzzle booklet contains activities for children. This short route focuses both on the sculpture trail and on the story of Panschi.
Short Adventure Trail or Long-Distance Hike?
The Albschäferweg starts in Giengen an der Brenz and has ten stages. This certified long-distance hiking trail is 158 kilometres long and passes through a cultural landscape shaped by migratory sheep farming. The different lengths can help you choose the right kind of hike: the Wooden Sculpture Adventure Trail is less than a kilometre long and has a named destination, while the Albschäferweg, with its ten stages, covers a much larger area.
Regional Setting: Heidenheim
The wider destination of Heidenheim is characterised by karst features, lively rivers, forests and heathland in the Heidenheimer Brenz region. The Albschäferweg runs through this region’s cultural landscape, shaped by migratory sheep farming, and is dedicated to shepherds and their flocks. The trail starts in Giengen; the Heidenheimer Brenz region provides its wider landscape setting.
Discover more destinations: Dischingen, Heidenheim an der Brenz, Steinheim am Albuch, Herbrechtingen, Gerstetten, Niederstotzingen, Königsbronn, Nattheim.
View the regional travel overview: Heidenheim.
