Honau offers a range of themes to explore: the striking rock formations of the Olgahöhle, springs with their own particular conditions, and culture connected with Wilhelm Hauff. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between a cave visit, nature observation and seasonal activities. That way, you can plan your time around the experiences that interest you most.
Olgahöhle and Wilhelm Hauff Museum
In the Olgahöhle, bizarre rock formations meet imposing blocks of moss tufa and limestone tufa domes. The cave was lit electrically in 1884, making it the first electrically illuminated cave in Germany. Guided tours can be arranged on request by the Honau local group of the Swabian Alb Association (Schwäbischer Albverein e. V.). If you plan to take a guided tour, making this request is therefore a separate part of planning your visit.
The Wilhelm Hauff Museum in Lichtenstein-Honau displays works by the writer Wilhelm Hauff. A free audio guide is available in German and English. This means you can explore the museum regardless of which language you prefer for the exhibition. Hauff’s works also provide a cultural link to Lichtenstein Castle, whose construction was inspired by his novel “Lichtenstein.”
Springs and geological setting
Honau lies on a limestone tufa barrier covering approximately 18 hectares, a sedimentary rock formation of the Echaz. This geological setting is part of what makes the village distinctive. The Föhnerquelle spring is near the Honau sports ground. After the snow melts or during prolonged periods of rain, water emerges there from an opening in the rock. The water flow is therefore dependent on certain conditions and differs from a visitor attraction that is described as being available at all times.
There is also a specific stopping point at the Echaz spring: a place to sit by the spring basin for hikers and walkers. If you plan a break, you will find somewhere to sit there. The Föhnerquelle and Echaz springs thus offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors: one through the described flow of water after snowmelt or prolonged rain, the other through its spring basin and seating.
Trails and seasonal options
The hiking trail from Lichtenstein Castle to Honau is 1.9 km long and takes 26 minutes. These details provide a specific guide for planning your time; check the route details before setting out. Another route for cyclists and pedestrians follows the former cog railway line between Lichtenstein-Honau and Engstingen. As of November 20, 2025, this parallel cycle path was once again fully open for use. Check conditions before your ride, as this information refers to the situation at that time.
Honau is also home to a small, family-friendly swimming pool in a picturesque location below Lichtenstein Castle. It operates seasonally, so this option may influence when you choose to travel. Do not plan a visit without taking the season into account.
Lichtenstein as a broader travel destination
Beyond Honau, the broader travel destination of Lichtenstein offers more places to explore. Lichtenstein Castle was built from 1840 to 1842 on the foundations of an older knight’s castle; the construction was inspired by Wilhelm Hauff’s novel “Lichtenstein.” In the region, you encounter Hauff both as the author of the novel and through the works displayed at the museum in Lichtenstein-Honau.
The Lichtenstein cross-country ski trail is also part of this wider area for winter sports enthusiasts: it is 16 km long in total and designed as a combined trail for Nordic skiing and skating. Whether it is groomed depends on the conditions. The trail is a seasonal option in the broader Lichtenstein destination.
For the broader travel overview: Lichtenstein.
