Jungingen is nestled in the landscape of the Killertal Valley. More than half of the municipality is forested; numerous hiking and walking trails with barbecue areas make the landscape a defining part of a stay here. Natural attractions such as the Starzel Waterfall, historic sites and ecclesiastical heritage add to the appeal. Visitors looking to combine nature and local history will find several different starting points—from trails in the valley to Jungingen’s sights.
Landscape and Trails in the Killertal Valley
The Starzel Waterfall, also known as Junginger Gieß, lies between Jungingen and Schlatt in the Killertal Valley and is about eight metres high. The Kirchenköpfle Tour passes the waterfall and combines a hike with this striking natural attraction. Another hike in the Jungingen area offers views of Hohenzollern Castle, species-rich meadows and a hidden waterfall. The described route starts and ends at Jungingen railway station and is also connected with the Hohenzollern Pilgrimage Route.
The trails offer different perspectives on the landscape: the Starzel Waterfall is a named destination along one route, while meadows and views of waterfalls also feature on a hike in the area around the town. If you would like to plan a break along the way, barbecue areas are available on Jungingen’s hiking and walking trails. Routes and local conditions may change, so check them before setting out.
Local History and Ecclesiastical Heritage
Jungingen was first mentioned in 1075. The former Bürgle Castle tells part of the town’s later history: it stood about one kilometre south of today’s town centre and served as the seat of the local nobility. The local history museum is another attraction. If you are planning a museum visit, it is advisable to check the current opening hours in advance.
The two churches also offer different points of interest. St. Sylvester is a parish and pilgrimage church; the Black Madonna, known as Our Lady of Einsiedeln, is venerated there. St. Anna’s Chapel, meanwhile, is Jungingen’s oldest building and was restored in 2006. Together, these sites offer insight into Jungingen’s religious and architectural history, without any one building having to represent the town’s entire history.
More Options Depending on the Time of Year
In good weather, the outdoor swimming pool is another option. Jungingen also has a ski lift, which operates seasonally. If you are planning your stay around either facility, check current operating information in advance. This will help you decide whether to focus on trails and natural attractions or on a seasonal leisure activity during your visit.
The local hiking trails, history museum and churches offer various starting points for planning your visit. Those who want to explore the landscape can consider hikes and places to stop for a break; those interested in history will find other topics in the former BĂĽrgle Castle, the history museum and the churches. The outdoor pool and ski lift broaden the range of options, but under different conditions: use of the outdoor pool is described as an option in good weather, while the ski lift operates seasonally.
In the Wider Destination of Zollernalbkreis
Those who look beyond Jungingen to the wider Zollernalbkreis district will find more nature and culture to explore. The Zollernalb lies in the western part of the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, where the mountains reach their greatest heights. The 33-kilometre Schlichem Hiking Trail runs from MeĂźstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf and features small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge. This regional route offers another way to discover the landscapes of the Zollernalbkreis.
The Martinusweg, a European cultural route, also crosses the Zollernalb in four stages. Historic sights in the wider destination include Hohenzollern Castle: the present castle is the third fortress on the Zollerberg, 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 disrepair, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. Its cultural programme includes concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. This places Jungingen’s local blend of landscape and history within the wider cultural and natural setting of the Zollernalbkreis.
Discover more destinations: Hausen Am Tann, Winterlingen, Albstadt, Dautmergen, Hechingen, Nusplingen, Dormettingen, MeĂźstetten.
View the wider travel guide: Zollernalbkreis.
