In Gomadingen, two hiking trails differ considerably in their routes and themes: the “hochgehsprudelt” circular trail around Sternberg and the astronomical Planet Trail in the Great Lauter Valley. There is also the source of the Great Lauter in Offenhausen, surrounded by old monastery walls. The trail profiles can serve as a first guide when planning your stay: they differ both in length and in thematic focus.
“hochgehsprudelt” Circular Trail
The Gomadingen “hochgehsprudelt” circular trail runs for 8.7 kilometres around Sternberg and can be walked in either direction. As a circular trail, it forms a loop; the direction is up to you. Along the way are juniper heaths with diverse flora and fauna, as well as sections through woodland. The route therefore combines different landscape features with its connection to Sternberg. Its length of 8.7 kilometres is a useful figure when planning your hiking days. This described circuit is clearly different from a route that requires planning an additional return journey.
The Planet Trail in the Great Lauter Valley
The Planet Trail offers a different focus: it is an astronomical hiking trail in the Great Lauter Valley. Twelve stations depict the solar system to scale. The trail is 9.5 kilometres long, with a further 7.5 kilometres for the return journey. If you plan to walk both ways, the two sections add up to 17 kilometres. By comparison, “hochgehsprudelt” is an 8.7-kilometre circular trail around Sternberg. This makes it possible to weigh up the distance between a shorter circular route and the longer there-and-back Planet Trail. The trails also differ in theme: one focuses on Sternberg, juniper heaths and woodland, while the other features twelve stations about the solar system.
The source of the Great Lauter in Offenhausen
The Great Lauter rises in Offenhausen from a karst spring pool surrounded by old monastery walls. Here, the river’s karst source meets the imposing presence of the monastery walls. The source adds a different focus to the hiking trails: rather than a longer route, the emphasis here is on the origin of the Great Lauter. The Gomadingen themes described here therefore include both extensive trails and a single, distinctive natural site.
More topics in the wider Reutlingen destination
The wider Reutlingen destination offers other distinct cultural and hiking themes. In Zwiefalten, the Minster of Our Lady is the centrepiece of this historic monastery and pilgrimage town. It is one of the most significant examples of German Late Baroque architecture. Concerts are held in the minster every year; dates vary. So check the event schedule before making specific plans.
Lichtenstein Castle was built between 1840 and 1842 on the foundations of an older medieval castle. The Hochgehträumt circular trail leads from the castle past impressive viewpoint cliffs directly to Nebelhöhle Cave. Public transport does not go directly to the castle. The nearest bus stops are in Unterhausen (Oberhausener Steige), Honau and Traifelberg; from there, you can hike to the castle. As public transport connections may change, check them before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Metzingen, Engstingen, Hayingen, Reutlingen, Hohenstein, Dettingen An Der Erms, Eningen Unter Achalm, Römerstein.
Back to the main travel overview: Reutlingen.
