The municipality of Bisingen encompasses the striking Hohenzollern and extends to the summit ridges of some of the highest peaks in the Swabian Alb. At the same time, the hilly landscape of the Alb foothills shapes much of the area. Here, the rolling Alb foothills and higher summit ridges meet as distinct landscape forms. This contrast provides a helpful framework for planning your trip: Bisingen cannot be described solely in terms of the castle, but brings together landscapes, hiking and history as different possible focal points.
Hiking the Kaiserweg
The Kaiserweg is a circular hike of about six kilometres that begins in Zimmern. Signs bearing the Kaiserweg logo guide you from one stop to the next. This gives you two clear details for planning your hike: the approximate length and a signposted sequence of stops. Its circular route sets it apart from a trail linking historical sites. If you choose Bisingen for hiking, you can make the Kaiserweg the centrepiece of your itinerary; the signs provide direct guidance along the route.
Memorial sites and history
A historical visit takes a different approach: the history trail on the history of the Bisingen concentration camp links seven historical sites. Bisingen’s memorials also include a memorial at the concentration camp cemetery. The Bisingen Concentration Camp Memorials Association organises guided tours, workshops and events in cooperation with the municipality. If you would like to plan a specific tour, workshop or event, check the current offerings in advance. This allows you to plan your trip around a suitable date.
The information about the two trails describes different things: the Kaiserweg is defined by its approximate length and circular route, while the history trail is defined by its seven historical sites. This lets you choose between a hike and a specifically historical focus, rather than treating them as the same kind of outing.
The Wangerhaus and St George’s Church in Zimmern also offer their own cultural and historical highlights. The Wangerhaus dates from 1710 and houses an original, preserved wagner workshop. St George’s Church has frescoes from the 16th century. Traditional craftsmanship and historical wall paintings thus offer further travel themes alongside the memorial trail.
Hohenzollern Castle and culture in the Zollernalb district
Hohenzollern Castle was completed in its present form in 1867 and is considered an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Germany. It is located in Bisingen, within the boundary of the district of Zimmern. Its longer building history can be viewed in the context of the wider destination of the Zollernalb district: the present-day castle is the third fortress on Zollerberg. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. The year 1867 therefore marks both its completion in its present form and the end of this reconstruction.
In the wider destination of the Zollernalb district, Hohenzollern Castle also offers a cultural programme featuring numerous concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. If an event is an important reason for your trip, check the specific dates against the programme. These events offer a different way to experience the castle than its architectural history.
Choose your travel dates and focus
When choosing your travel dates, it is also worth checking the KirchspielstraĂźe Festival: it takes place every four years and turns the town centre along the main street into a festival area for two days. So check whether your planned dates coincide with the festival. If you are looking for a hotel in Bisingen regardless, your travel interests can set the focus: the Kaiserweg, memorial trail and architectural history offer different ways to get to know the municipality.
Discover more destinations: Grosselfingen, Obernheim, Geislingen, Jungingen, Dautmergen, Schömberg, Tieringen, Winterlingen.
View the wider travel overview: Zollernalb district.
