The woodcut museum Klaus Herzer is housed in Öschingen’s former town hall, dating from 1700. Together with a hiking route and historical traces along the Öschenbach, it offers a range of themes to consider when planning your stay: art and local history, as well as outdoor activity. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which focus you would like to shape your stay most.
Art, Architectural History and Local Traditions
The woodcut museum comprises around 1,800 prints made using wood and metal printing techniques. It also includes printing blocks, wooden sculptures, monotypes, the large Grieshaber printing press and another proofing press. The combination of prints, blocks and presses gives the collection a clear connection to different aspects of printmaking.
The history of the buildings and the town can also be traced through specific dates. The former Öschingen grist mill on the Öschenbach could be built in spring 1764 following an agreement between the municipality of Öschingen and the millers of Gönningen; it ceased operating in 1978. A field name mentioned in 1522 suggests that vines were grown in Halden on the southern slopes of Firstberg. The Hauhäusle and the Unternhardthäusle are among Öschingen’s small historic monuments.
First Castle on Firstberg is associated with the lower-nobility Lords of First. Kraft von Firste appears in 1288, and Marquart von Firste is first mentioned in documents in 1300. These dates thus refer to two people in the historical record and offer another way to explore the history of Firstberg.
Hiking Route and Landscape
From the Roßberghaus hiking lodge, a path leads west of Langenberg down through a wooded ravine to the small road along the Öschenbach. It then climbs to Filsenberg via a quiet country road. The route therefore changes from a descent through the ravine to a stretch alongside the Öschenbach, followed by a climb. As trail markings and conditions can change, check the route before setting out.
Mössingen as a Distinct Natural and Cultural Setting
The wider destination of Mössingen also brings geological history into focus with the Hirschkopf landslide. The event took place on 12 April 1983 across around 50 hectares; a total of 5 to 6 million cubic metres of earth and debris slid into the valley. Since 1988, the Hirschkopf landslide area has been designated a nature reserve covering 39 hectares and is one of Germany’s National Geotopes. In the years following the landslide, impressive new flora and fauna developed there. The figures of around 50 and 39 hectares refer to different aspects: the event and the designation of the protected area.
The premium Dreifürstensteig hiking trail also runs through the wider destination of Mössingen. The route is just over 13 kilometres long and leads through traditional orchards to a viewpoint with far-reaching views, including towards Hohenzollern. The listed starting points with parking are Olgahöhe, Parkplatz Buch, Hirschkopfparkplatz and Parkplatz Linden. This adds another hiking option in Mössingen to your plans, with a stated route length and several listed starting points.
For culture lovers, Mössingen offers a distinct focus: the Kulturscheune in the old town centre presents changing exhibitions on Mössingen’s town history, drawn from a collection of around 30,000 exhibits; cultural events are held there regularly. Café Chamäleon serves homemade cakes and other regional specialities. Check the current events programme and café offerings before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Kirchentellinsfurt, Hirrlingen, Kusterdingen, Bühl, Starzach, Weingarten, Mössingen, Stetten Am Kalten Markt.
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