Dotternhausen can be explored especially through two themes: fossils from the oil shale and trails that often climb from the town toward Plettenberg. There are also cultural events, three market days a year, and opportunities for hiking and cycling.
Plettenberg: Views and Trails
Plettenberg reaches 1,005 metres above sea level. From there, views extend across the foothills of the Swabian Alb and, in good weather, as far as the Swiss Alps. Well-marked hiking and cycling trails make it possible to enjoy nature in Dotternhausen. Local routes often lead from the town toward Plettenberg, climbing as they go.
On Plettenberg, the Swabian Alb Association hut offers hikers a place to rest and get a meal. As operating details may change, check that it is open before your visit. For additional guidance when choosing a route, you can also get information about the Sagenwanderweg (Legends Trail) in Dotternhausen.
Fossils at the Museum and Fossil-Hunting Site
The Fossil Museum focuses on fossilised marine animals from Dotternhausen’s oil shale. It also displays fossils from other Jurassic strata around Dotternhausen. The fossil groups on display include ichthyosaurs, crocodiles, crinoids, fish, mussels, brachiopods and serpulids.
At the fossil site, known as the Klopfplatz, visitors can search for fossils using a hammer and chisel. You can get a hammer, chisel and safety goggles for your search at the Werkforum reception. The museum focuses on fossils that have already been found; at the Klopfplatz, visitors can search for their own.
Culture and Local Events
The Werkforum is a communication and information centre in Dotternhausen that provides space for cultural events. The town also has three market days each year. If you are planning to visit a market, check the latest dates before your trip.
Getting Around the Region
Regional services include the seasonal cycling and hiking shuttle. It runs on Sundays from May to October and connects Schömberg, Balingen and Tübingen, as well as Balingen and Tieringen. Bicycles are carried free of charge. Check the latest operating dates before your trip if you plan to use the shuttle.
More to Explore in the Zollernalb District
The present-day Hohenzollern Castle is the third fortress on Zollerberg. It belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the boundaries of the district of Zimmern. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. Its cultural programme includes concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions.
The Schlichem Trail is another regional attraction: the 33-kilometre route runs from Meßstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf. Small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge shape the route. So, in addition to the castle’s cultural programme, the Zollernalb district offers a hiking trail with clearly named endpoints and landscape features.
Discover more destinations: Burladingen, Unterdigisheim, Balingen, Hechingen, MeĂźstetten, Dormettingen, Haigerloch, Grosselfingen
Go to the main travel overview: Zollernalbkreis.
