Zimmern unter der Burg combines a distinctive local history with a striking landscape on the western edge of the Swabian Alb. The castle from which the town takes its name had already been destroyed by 1314. The town is part of the Upper Schlichem Valley recreation area. The municipal area lies in the Keuper forest landscape; the valleys of the Schwarzenbach and its headwater streams are deeply incised. This gives you two distinct focuses for planning your trip: historic buildings and customs in town, and trails and scenery in the surrounding area.
Local history in buildings and customs
The Catholic parish church of St. James dates from 1894. It is a plastered hall church with a transept, rectangular choir and sacristy; the tower flanks the choir. Its architecture offers specific points of interest for anyone interested in church architecture.
The town hall has a different building history: it was formerly the rectory and originally the castle of the von Hornstein family. Its construction phases date to 1764 and 1842. St. James’s Chapel was mentioned as early as 1432. The chapel, parish church and town hall therefore point to different historical landmarks in the town, without sharing the same building history.
Local customs also draw on the castle motif. The Zimmern Castle Fool was established in 1974 and is one of the Weißnarren (white-costumed carnival fools). Its castle crest symbolizes the town’s name. The castle theme thus appears both in the history of the name and in a local carnival character.
Landscape and activities around town
There are numerous hiking and cycling trails around Zimmern unter der Burg. The deeply incised valleys of the Schwarzenbach and its headwater streams shape the landscape of the municipal area. Alongside the historic sights, visitors who want to plan their stay around their interests will also find opportunities for active recreation. The Schäfer equestrian center on the edge of town is considered suitable for both competitive and recreational riding.
More options in the wider Zollernalbkreis travel region
The wider Zollernalbkreis travel region offers a regional guide to activities on foot, by bicycle and by car. The Zollernalb has fourteen premium trails—eleven in Albstadt and three in Meßstetten—as well as more than 100 signposted circular hiking trails. Since the number of trails may change as the network is updated, check the latest overview when planning your trip.
One specific route is the 33-kilometer Schlichem Hiking Trail, which runs from Meßstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf. The route features small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge. For leisurely family bike rides, the Zollernalb also has routes in the foothills of the Alb, for example at the Schömberg Reservoir. The “Hiking Like Everyone Else” program presents varied tours that are also suitable for people with disabilities. The individual starting points and route descriptions can help you choose regional options to suit your plans.
Getting around and practical information
Public transport in Zimmern unter der Burg is provided by bus routes operated by the Neckar-Alb-Donau Transport Association. If bus connections are important for your plans, check the current timetables before setting out.
The town’s public facilities include the Schafhof/Grundbühl barbecue area. Please observe the local access conditions when visiting. Bookings and reservations for the leisure center at Winkelstraße 21/1 can be made through the designated contact point. If you plan to use the leisure center, it is best to confirm the booking process before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Nusplingen, Jungingen, Dautmergen, Hausen am Tann, Bisingen, Balingen, Dotternhausen, MeĂźstetten.
Back to the broader travel overview: Zollernalbkreis.
