A landslide, sweeping views across orchards and cultural history at several locations give Mössingen a diverse character. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering which topics interest you most: the landscape at Hirschkopf, hiking, history or activities related to orchards.
The Hirschkopf Landslide and Landscape
The landslide at Hirschkopf occurred on April 12, 1983. Around five to six million cubic meters of earth and rubble slid into the valley across an area of approximately 50 hectares. Since 1988, a 39-hectare area has been designated as a nature reserve; the landslide is also one of Germany’s National Geotopes. Over the years, new flora and fauna have developed there. Geological history and a landscape that has continued to evolve since the event come together at this site.
Hiking the Dreifürstensteig Trail
The premium hiking trail “Dreifürstensteig” is a little over 13 kilometers long. The route passes through idyllic orchards to a viewpoint with sweeping views, including of Hohenzollern Castle. It offers a clearly marked route for exploring the Mössingen landscape, while its stated length provides a useful reference for planning your day.
Starting points for the trail include Olgahöhe, Buch parking lot, Hirschkopf parking lot and Linden parking lot. If you plan to start from one of these locations, you can take it into account when preparing your trip. The route combines a walk through the orchards with a viewpoint, while the Hirschkopf landslide provides a separate focus on natural and geological history.
Local History, Church and Industrial Design
In Mössingen’s old town center, the Kulturscheune hosts changing exhibitions on the town’s history, drawing on a collection of around 30,000 exhibits. Cultural events are also held regularly in the converted barn. Café Chamäleon serves homemade cakes and other regional specialties. Check the current café menu and event dates before your visit.
The Church of St. Peter and Paul was built between 1517 and 1527 and is now Mössingen’s oldest church. It houses a Weimer organ dating from 1820, known for its excellent sound. The former Pausa textile printing works is considered a notable monument to Württemberg’s design and industrial history. The Pausa archive contains graphic fabric designs and fabric samples by Willi Baumeister and HAP Grieshaber.
Another glimpse into the past can be found at the Museum of Historical Knife Making. It was established in April 2005 after a 16th-century building and the historic workshop were carefully renovated.
Experience Orchards and Discover Nature
The Orchard Information Center combines an exhibition about orchards with interactive stations. Next door, the Orchard Workshop offers a variety of courses for children and adults, covering baking, cooking and drying using materials from the orchards. Guided tours with a walk are available for groups; tastings of orchard products are optional. Check course and tour dates and details in advance.
At the NABU Bird Conservation Center, visitors can see some tame birds in aviaries. Guided tours and environmental education events are offered for registered groups; arrangements may vary. Visiting individual aviaries and taking part in an agreed group program are therefore two different ways to explore bird conservation.
More Options for Planning Your Trip
The Mössingen outdoor adventure pool adds a seasonal option to the nature and culture attractions. It features a 95-meter-long slide, a beach volleyball court and a mini-golf course. As the pool operates seasonally, check before your trip whether it will be open during your stay. This helps distinguish it from the landscape and history attractions described as available year-round.
You can also consider the Tübingen travel destination as a broader point of reference. The Tübingen district stretches from the forested, valley-rich Schönbuch Nature Park in the north to the Alb escarpment in the south. The Neckar, Ammer and Steinlach rivers have cut through the cuesta landscape, creating a varied area. The district’s landscape also includes wooded areas, uplands with far-reaching views, orchards and vineyards. This regional perspective complements, but does not replace, a look at Mössingen’s own attractions.
Discover more destinations: Ammerbuch, Nehren, Weingarten, Bühl, Kusterdingen, Starzach, Kirchentellinsfurt, Gomaringen.
For the broader travel overview: Tübingen.
