At the confluence of the Schlichem and the Neckar, Epfendorf combines river scenery with themed trails and local customs. There are different ways to plan your trip: explore the geological feature of Schlichem Gorge, follow a hiking route to the Schlichem’s confluence, or take a trail centred on nature, culture and spirituality.
Schlichem Gorge and River Scenery
Near Epfendorf, Schlichem Gorge has cut more than 70 metres into the Muschelkalk and Lower Keuper upland plateau. This has created numerous exposures on the valley slopes and in the stream bed. After a journey of just over 30 kilometres through Jurassic, Keuper and Muschelkalk terrain, the Schlichem flows into the Neckar at Epfendorf. Here, a striking incision in the plateau meets the endpoint of the river’s course.
Two Trails with Different Focuses
The Schlichem hiking trail runs from the source in Tieringen to the Schlichem’s confluence in Epfendorf. It is 33 kilometres long and can be explored in sections. When planning, it is helpful to distinguish between the river’s course and the hiking trail: just over 30 kilometres refers to the Schlichem’s journey, while 33 kilometres refers to the route. They describe different distances.
The Epfendorf Contemplation Trail, “Gedanken bergauf” (“Thoughts Uphill”), has a different theme. Its ten stations lead from the Neckar in the centre of Epfendorf up to the Marienkapelle. Nature, culture and spirituality are the trail’s main themes. This lets you choose between a longer route that can also be explored in sections and a trail with ten themed stations, without assuming an unverified walking time or level of difficulty.
Customs Through the Year
The Easter fountain is decorated with eggs painted by children and adults, along with greenery. These are arranged above a living spring to form a victory crown with a palm cross. The custom thus combines a local tradition with a clearly defined motif. It offers a cultural counterpoint to the landscape and geological features around the Schlichem.
During “Abendstunde im Advent” (“Evening Hour in Advent”), children, young people and adults prepare for the arrival of Jesus once a week through prayer, song and meditation. The tradition has existed for more than ten years. If you would like to include a specific date in your travel plans, check in advance when the Evening Hour takes place.
Cultural Themes in the Wider Destination of Rottweil
The wider destination of Rottweil adds its own historical and cultural focus to Epfendorf’s themes. The Salinenmuseum Unteres Bohrhaus (Lower Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum) presents salt production in original buildings, with original equipment, a waterwheel and two brine pumps. It explains the history and significance of the former Royal Saltworks of Wilhelmshall, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise.
At the Dominican Museum, the “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section takes visitors through a day in Roman Rottweil on 4 August 186 AD: from the forum in the morning through various public and private engagements to the evening feast. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. Visitors of all ages can try on a Roman wool tunic and a chain mail shirt, try out a Roman soldier’s helmet or shield, and sit on a Roman rider’s saddle. If this hands-on activity is important to your plans, check in advance whether it is currently available.
Along the Roman Trail in Rottweil’s old town, information panels highlight important points in the former Roman city. Rottweil therefore offers several different ways to explore the past: the history of the saltworks, a reconstruction of everyday Roman life, and information about sites in the former Roman city. These regional cultural themes are associated with Rottweil; Schlichem Gorge, the trails and the customs described here are part of Epfendorf’s focus.
Discover more destinations: Rottweil, Wellendingen, Schenkenzell, Vöhringen, Oberndorf Am Neckar, Fluorn-Winzeln, Villingendorf, Hardt.
Back to the wider travel overview: Rottweil.
