Ratshausen offers a local cultural highlight; the wider destination of the Zollernalb district adds hiking trails, scenery and other cultural attractions. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between the named places in Ratshausen and the destinations in the larger region.
Churches and Chapel in Ratshausen
The Catholic Church of St. Afra is a named church and cultural site in Ratshausen. The Lourdes Chapel is also one of the town’s cultural sites; it is located at the entrance to the town. The history of the town also includes the construction period of a church in Ratshausen: it was built between 1816 and 1818. This date gives the local cultural story a concrete historical connection, while St. Afra and the Lourdes Chapel provide orientation as named places.
Hiking Trails and Scenery in the Zollernalb District
One regional option for hiking is the 33-kilometre Schlichem Trail. It follows the Schlichem from its source near Tieringen, at an elevation of about 880 metres above sea level, to its confluence with the Neckar near Epfendorf, at 484 metres. Small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge shape the described route. This makes it possible to distinguish a longer riverside route from other regional hiking ideas.
Another focus is the Geological Educational Trail on the Westerberg above Nusplingen, which ends at a rock-knocking site. The Zollernalb lies in the western part of the UNESCO Swabian Alb Geopark, where the mountains are highest. The Zillhausen Waterfall and the sea of rocks below the Hörnle are also highlighted as geological natural spectacles in the region. Thus, the Zollernalb district offers both a route with a river and gorge character and geological attractions.
Culture and Excursions in the Region
Hohenzollern Castle is also part of the regional picture: it is the third fortress on Zollerberg and is located in the municipality of Bisingen, within the boundaries of the district of Zimmern. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, the present castle was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. Its cultural programme includes concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. The castle opens to visitors daily and offers a glimpse of its historic rooms. As visiting times may change, check the opening hours before your visit.
Leisure Transport in 2026
During the 2026 leisure transport season, the Schieferbahn runs without transfers from Balingen to Dotternhausen and Schömberg; the season runs until 18 October 2026. During the season, the Nauf-Nab-Trauf bus connects Hechingen with the Nägelehaus in Albstadt-Onstmettingen. Check the timetable before travelling so your day plans fit the seasonal services. The routes mentioned provide additional regional orientation; they should be considered separately from the cultural sites in Ratshausen.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment, first decide whether the cultural sites in Ratshausen or a broader programme in the Zollernalb district will shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Dormettingen, Dotternhausen, Weilen unter den Rinnen, MeĂźstetten, Laufen, Balingen, Hechingen, Burladingen
Go to the wider travel overview: Zollernalb district.
