Sigmaringen’s character unfolds through the interplay of its old town, castle and the Danube. The old town lies at the foot of Hohenzollern Castle. What began as a medieval fortress developed into a princely residence castle, now considered the town’s landmark. Sigmaringen also lies in the Upper Danube Nature Park, on the edge of the Swabian Jura. Here, the Danube flows through a landscape shaped by imposing rocks and forests. History and scenery thus offer two distinct ways to get to know the town.
Princely History and Collections
Castle tours cover almost 1,000 years of the history of the House of Hohenzollern. The castle is also home to a private weapons collection of around 3,000 objects. Another perspective on the town’s history can be found at the Round Tower: built as a defensive tower in Sigmaringen’s old town fortifications, it was converted into a local history museum in 1970. The local history museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Check opening hours before your visit.
Another collection is dedicated to the Zündapp motorcycle brand. The Zündapp Museum at the Zoller-Hof brewery is located in the Marstall building at Fürst-Wilhelm-Straße 5–7 and displays more than 100 exhibits. Together, the three places represent different themes: the history of the House of Hohenzollern, the former town fortifications and the Zündapp motorcycle brand. Sigmaringen, then, is about more than just its castle.
Traditions and Events Throughout the Year
The annual Fidelis Festival takes place on April 24. It includes a church service at St. Johann parish church, followed by a candlelit procession through the town center. Fasnet traditions in Sigmaringen and its districts include parades, balls, a storming of the town hall and the historic Bräuteln ceremony; the program varies from year to year.
The Sigmaringen Town Festival is another recurring event: it takes place in the town center every year on the last weekend in June, and the program may change. In winter, SIG on ICE adds a seasonal touch. Each year, the eco-friendly open-air ice rink is set up in the market square in December and January. From mid-December, skating fans can enjoy the rink for four weeks. If you’re planning your trip around an event, check the dates and program for that year.
Hiking Trails, Cycling Route and Guided Tours
The DonauFelsenLäufe are five premium hiking trails in Sigmaringen. They pass through the Danube Valley, the Schmeien Valley and the Lauchert Valley. The Danube Cycle Path also runs through Sigmaringen, offering a different way to explore. You can choose between designated hiking trails and a cycling route without limiting your exploration of the landscape to a single valley.
The town itself can also be explored on general and themed guided tours. Public town tours are offered monthly, although schedules may change. A guided tour offers a different focus from exploring the trails and collections on your own: it centers on the town and its themes, while the DonauFelsenLäufe and the Danube Cycle Path let you explore the surrounding area on the move.
Market and Getting Around
The Sigmaringen weekly market, with its regional products, is part of local life. Vendors offer baked goods, meat and cold cuts, fruit and vegetables, cheese, olive oil and honey. The selection combines fresh food with other regional products, adding a glimpse of everyday life in the town.
For getting around Sigmaringen, the train station is centrally located in the town center, and several local bus routes add to the town’s transport options. Routes and connections may change, so check current timetables before setting off. Your stay can be planned around a range of interests: the castle and local history, recurring events, routes through the valleys and everyday amenities in town.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Herdwangen-Schönach, Illmensee, Ostrach, Schwäblishausen, Veringenstadt, Waldbeuren, Scheer, Bad Saulgau, Mengen, Krumbach, Gammertingen, Herbertingen, Thiergarten, Beuron, Bingen, Meßkirch, Leibertingen, Wald, Schwenningen, Sigmaringen, Hettingen, Inzigkofen, Hohentengen, Sigmaringendorf, Pfullendorf, Neufra, Sauldorf.
For the broader travel overview: Baden-WĂĽrttemberg.
