Discover Heroldstatt: Chapel, Cave and Cross-Country Ski Trails

Heroldstatt: winter activities and special places

Heroldstatt appeals to travelers with a range of interests: extensive cross-country ski trails, the Marienkapelle in Ennabeuren and the Sontheim Cave rest house each offer something different. You can also visit a farm and celebrate children’s birthdays at Alpaka-Dreams. Choose the focus that best suits your travel plans.

The Marienkapelle in Ennabeuren has a specific religious history. Father Josef Kentenich, founder of the Schoenstatt Movement, visited it repeatedly to pray. Ennabeuren is part of Heroldstatt; these repeated visits give the chapel a special historical connection to the town. Visitors interested in religious history will find a different subject here than in the sporting activities on offer.

Heroldstatt’s extensive cross-country ski trails offer opportunities for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. This gives you two different styles of cross-country skiing to choose from. Trail conditions depend on the season, so check their current condition before heading out on a winter day. This lets you plan around the season without assuming a particular trail length or duration.

The Sontheim Cave rest house is located right next to the cave entrance. Its dining room can seat 80 guests and is wheelchair accessible. These specific details may be useful when planning a visit. Check the rest house’s current operating conditions before you travel.

Alpaka-Dreams in Heroldstatt-Sontheim offers guided farm visits and children’s birthday parties. For families planning a birthday, this is a specific option to consider; confirm current availability directly with the farm. Farm visits are also available, but should likewise be arranged based on current availability.

More culture and nature in the Alb-Donau district

The Alb-Donau district is part of the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve. This wider travel destination offers additional, distinct cultural and nature-related experiences. They complement a visit to Heroldstatt but are separate regional destinations and routes.

The Alb-Donau district has two distinct archaeological sites: Hohle Fels near Schelklingen is a UNESCO World Heritage cave and the findspot of the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Geierknochenflöte” (Vulture Bone Flute). Both finds are about 42,500 years old. The Stone Age village of Ehrenstein in Blaustein is a Neolithic settlement in the Blau valley and part of the transnational, serial UNESCO World Heritage property “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.” Hohle Fels is known for its significant finds, while Ehrenstein tells the story of a settlement—two distinct ways to explore prehistory.

The Alb-Donau district’s hiking options also vary by length and type of tour. The 20 “Eiszeitpfade” (Ice Age Trails) circular routes are between 6 and 14 kilometers long and are suitable for day hikes. The family-friendly “Eiszeitspuren” (Ice Age Tracks) range from 1 to 6 kilometers, while the Besinnungsweg (Contemplation Trail) is intended for multi-day hikes. For families seeking shorter walks, the information about the Eiszeitspuren offers a different guide than the longer circular trails or a multi-day tour.

Other regional cultural destinations include Blaubeuren Monastery and the Obermarchtal Monastery complex. Blaubeuren was founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1085; the buildings that mainly define the complex today are Gothic and were built between 1466 and 1510. Obermarchtal rises directly above the Danube and took on its present form between 1686 and 1795. Their different founding and construction dates offer two distinct historical perspectives on monastic architecture.

Cyclists will also find themed routes in the Alb-Donau district: the “Eiszeittäler” (Ice Age Valleys) route is 75 kilometers long, the “Berg Bier-Tour” is 115 kilometers, and the “Albtäler” cycle route is 186 kilometers; the latter has a four-star rating. When choosing accommodation, first consider whether Heroldstatt’s local attractions or other destinations and routes in the Alb-Donau district will be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Westerheim, Holzkirch, Langenau, Munderkingen, Blaustein, Schelklingen, Allmendingen, Öpfingen.

Back to the main travel guide: Alb-Donau district.