Bartholomä is located in the Swabian Alb, amid extensive forests, upland plateaus, juniper heaths, wooded steep slopes and distinctive mountain ridges with numerous viewpoints. There are several ways to plan a stay: circular hikes, botanically interesting protected areas, longer cycling tours and seasonal winter sports.

Hiking Between Circular Trails and Viewpoints

The Wanderblume project comprises eight well-signposted circular trails that begin and end in Bartholomä. If you prefer a circular route, you can choose trails that start and finish in the same place. Individual route markings may change, so it is a good idea to check the current signs before setting out.

Rauhe Wies and Weiherwiesen are protected areas with botanical appeal. Check the latest access information before visiting. Hikes around the Albuch offer views of Stuifen, Hohenrechberg and Hohenstaufen. The protected areas’ botanical features and the views of these three mountains offer different highlights.

Hikes in the Ostalbkreis

In the Ostalbkreis, the 25-kilometre Wanderblume Route 2, “An den Weiherwiesen” (“At the Weiherwiesen”), starts at the Dorfhaus Bartholomä. It passes through the Weiherwiesen and over the Volkmarsberg, goes by the source of the Kocher near Oberkochen, and returns to its starting point in Bartholomä via the Tiefental valley and Tauchenweiler. Check the trail conditions locally before setting out.

The 17-kilometre Wanderblume Route 4, “Im Felsenmeer” (“In the Sea of Rocks”), also starts at the Dorfhaus Bartholomä. It passes through the Felsenmeer and Wental valleys and continues to the Hirschtal near Steinheim. The two routes therefore differ in more than just length: one returns to Bartholomä, while the other ends in Steinheim. Distance and endpoint are useful criteria when choosing a hike.

Winter Activities and Cycling Tours

There is a ski lift on the Wirtsberg, and Bartholomä also has around 100 kilometres of groomed trails for classic cross-country skiing and skating. The winter sports facilities and trail availability depend on seasonal conditions. If you are planning a winter’s day out, check the latest conditions shortly before your visit.

There are also routes around Bartholomä for longer cycling tours. They pass through unspoilt countryside and offer another way to explore the area over longer distances.

Amalienhof and Kulturhof

Amalienhof was built around 1850. Its old granary was rebuilt after the fire of 1929 and now houses the museum. The Amalienhof grounds were developed into the Kulturhof and the Braighausen venue for nostalgic events. The site brings together different chapters of local history: the construction of Amalienhof, the rebuilding of the granary and the grounds’ present-day cultural use.

Museum arrangements may change. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current visiting options in advance.

Location and Orientation

Bartholomä is close to the A7 and A8 motorways and is easy to reach despite being away from major transport routes. The town has been a state-recognised resort since December 1991. This means your travel plans can combine landscape-based activities with a specific historical destination in town, as well as seasonal offerings whose conditions vary with the time of year.

Discover more destinations: Aalen, Gschwend, Lauchheim, Böbingen An Der Rems, Oberkochen, Bopfingen, Täferrot, Leinzell.

For the regional travel overview: Ostalbkreis.