The young Danube curves around Sigmaringen and the castle rock. In the Upper Danube Nature Park, on the edge of the Swabian Alb, castle history meets routes through river and valley landscapes. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether to focus on culture, hiking trails, or cycling tours.
Castle History and Guided City Tours
Hohenzollern Castle developed from a medieval fortress into a princely residence. Since 1535, it has been the seat of the counts and later princes of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. The castle is home to a private collection of arms with around 3,000 items, considered one of the largest private collections in Europe. Its history and collection offer different points of interest for a visit: you can explore the development of the residence or focus on the collection.
For an independent look at the town’s history, there is the “Stadtführung Sigmaringen” app. It offers an interactive, self-guided experience; once downloaded, its content can be used offline. The texts are available in German, English, and French. If you would prefer information about guided tours and places to visit, the Sigmaringen Tourist Information Office offers city and themed tours, as well as information about attractions, excursions, cycling and hiking trails, and leisure activities.
Hiking and Routes by the River
The five DonauFelsenLäufe are premium hiking trails with a total of 52 kilometers of signposted loop routes. They pass through the Danube Valley, the Schmeien Valley, and the Lauchert Valley. The routes are spread across several valleys, so you can choose a tour based on the landscape and route you prefer.
Another option is the accessible Swing Trail: it follows the Danube for just under five kilometers and includes twelve swings, a nature observation tower, and a restored section of river. There are also riverside paths along the Danube near the Swing Trail. The Rose Trail leads through the old town to the Prince’s Garden, a princely park in the town. These routes have different characters: the Swing Trail combines its riverside setting with its various stops, while the Rose Trail crosses the town to reach the park.
Cycling Tours and Other Ways to Get Active
Seven cycling tours run through the cycling region around Sigmaringen. Their stated difficulty levels range from family-friendly to fitness-focused. Separately, cycling routes around Sigmaringen mostly have gentle gradients and pass through the Upper Danube Nature Park, the Danube Valley, and the valleys of the Fehla, Lauchert, and Schmeie rivers. Difficulty levels and gradients therefore describe two different aspects that you can take into account when choosing a route.
Beginners can also visit FlowPark Sigmaringen. Its features include North Shore sections, bridges, seesaws, and a pump track; beginners can use the facility without advanced riding skills. If you want to compare different ways to get active, there are both circular tours and a facility with individual riding and practice features.
As a regional transport service, the Naturpark-Express serves 22 stations along the Danube Valley and can carry more than 100 bicycles. Check the timetable before you travel. This lets you coordinate your journey with your own tour plan without treating the cycling tour and the train as a single offering.
Weekly Market and Practical Information
The Sigmaringen weekly market takes place in the town center between the town hall and the castle. Market arrangements may change over time; if you are planning to visit, check the latest information beforehand. Its location between these two prominent buildings also makes it a useful landmark for exploring this part of town.
When choosing a hotel, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: the castle and town history, routes along the Danube, or cycling tours. The offerings differ in content and scope, so a suitable plan starts with considering which ones matter to you. For details about guided tours, excursions, and routes, use the information provided by the Tourist Information Office, and check the latest details for activities that are subject to change.
Discover more destinations: Schwäblishausen, Beuron, Sauldorf, Hohentengen, Leibertingen, Scheer, Krumbach, Waldbeuren.
Back to the main travel overview: Sigmaringen.
