In Nusplingen, remarkable insights into geological history meet a network of hiking and other trails. When planning your visit, it is worth deciding what you want to focus on: the Geological Trail explores the history of the Nusplingen Plattenkalk, while other routes take in forests, meadows or viewpoints. In winter, seasonal options at the ski lift and on the cross-country ski trails are also available.
Geological history at the Nusplingen Plattenkalk
During the Late Jurassic, the area where Nusplingen now stands was home to a deep tropical lagoon extending about 1.5 kilometres. The Nusplingen Plattenkalk is known for its diverse fossil record: more than 350 animal and plant species are known from the site, including pterosaurs, marine crocodiles, fish and crustaceans. The finds also include 15 specimens of shark-like angel sharks. Some ammonites still have both jaw elements; stomach contents have even been preserved in some fossils.
The Geological Trail is about 10 kilometres long and also provides information about the Westerberg Nature Reserve. It starts at the town hall; an alternative access route leads to the Laisental car park. The designated fossil-hammering site is located next to the trail. Searching for fossils in the Nusplingen Plattenkalk is generally prohibited; visitors may search with a hammer and chisel at the designated site. If you plan to visit this exception, stay within the area set aside for this purpose.
Choose hiking trails by landscape and length
Nusplingen has well-signposted hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The Hummelbühl Circular Trail passes through dense beech forests, between juniper bushes and by areas with silver thistles. The Felsenweg follows the Alb escarpment across meadows and through mixed woodland to several viewpoints with benches. The Staufenberg Trail is a circular route through the forest on Nusplingen’s highest mountain. The routes described therefore differ mainly in whether you want to focus on forest sections, open meadows or viewpoints.
In addition to the hiking trails, the municipality has dozens of kilometres of paved and gravel paths for walks, hikes, cycling and inline skating. Many of the paths are suitable for prams and wheelchair users; nevertheless, check the conditions on the specific route before your outing. There are also various themes for guided tours: the Alb Guides offer 22 themed tours, including hiking, snowshoeing, cycling and mountain biking. You can shorten or extend routes, or adapt them to the participants’ fitness levels. Check availability and make your booking before travelling.
Winter activities and getting there
The Hart ski lift is located on the Nusplinger Höhe and operates seasonally. Nusplingen and neighbouring Schwenningen groom more than 20 kilometres of cross-country ski trails between them. The Nusplingen trail connects with the Schwenningen trail to form the 28-kilometre Großer Heuberg ski trail; a shorter 6.5-kilometre route is also available. This gives you a choice of different distances. Before setting out, check snow, grooming and operating conditions.
For bus travel, the LochenBus route 317 is one option: it connects Balingen with Nusplingen and runs via Weilstetten, Tieringen, Oberdigisheim and Unterdigisheim. Timetables may change, so it is advisable to check current connections before departure.
Church and regional context
One art-historical detail in the town is the Baroque coffered ceiling of the Old Cemetery Church of St. Peter and Paul. It dates from 1711. In the wider Zollernalbkreis destination, Hohenzollern Castle also has its own building history: the present castle is the third fortress on the Zollerberg, belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the district of Zimmern. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into disrepair, it was rebuilt from 1850 to 1867.
Discover more destinations: Hechingen, Tieringen, Dormettingen, Bisingen, Dautmergen, Albstadt, Hausen Am Tann, Schömberg
Go to the main travel overview: Zollernalbkreis.
