Discover Hochdorf: Moorland, Trails and History

Hochdorf combines a distinctive moorland landscape with trails through forests and the Riß Valley, as well as a long local history. The Wettenberger Ried is at its heart: a 66-hectare raised bog on the high ground between the Riß and Umlach valleys. The moor trail runs through this landscape, alongside walking and cycling routes and cultural discoveries. You can shape your stay around your own interests in nature, outdoor activities or history.

The Wettenberger Ried: Landscape and change

The Wettenberger Ried formed during the Riß glaciation. As the ice retreated, it left behind a hollow that retained water. The Ried landscape contains two nutrient-poor raised bog areas: Wettensee and Wasenmoos. The bog’s glacial origins and its present-day development give this natural area different layers of time: its shape dates back to the retreat of the ice, while measures to rewet the area support the raised bog’s regeneration.

The Ried is designated as a nature reserve and protected forest area; it received nature reserve status in 1982. Measures to rewet the area have been carried out since 1997. This combination of landscape, protected status and regeneration makes the bog a particularly tangible nature experience during a stay in Hochdorf.

The Moor Trail runs through the raised-bog landscape and is 2.5 kilometres long. Information boards, a place to rest and a viewing platform beside a newly formed lake are among the stops along the route. Its length gives you a clear basis for planning your walk; along the way, the information boards and views from the lookout add different perspectives on the Ried.

Forest Trails, Riß Valley Views and Cycling Routes

A walk through the forest to Michel-Stoi offers a different impression of the landscape. Several viewpoints there open up views across the Riß Valley. The Lindenweiher nature reserve can also be explored on foot. The Moor Trail, forest path and Lindenweiher each offer a different focus for days when you want to discover the surrounding area on foot.

For exploring on wheels, consider the Riß Valley Cycle Route along the Ulm–Friedrichshafen railway line and the routes to Lindenweiher. These routes are suitable for inline skating, have few climbs and are almost free of cars. As surface conditions can change, it is a good idea to check the condition of the routes before setting out.

Across the wider Biberach destination, the range of cycling tours spans everything from sporty to family-friendly: 14 routes lead through landscapes of bogs, meadows and forests. This gives a regional overview of different kinds of tours; in Hochdorf itself, the Wettenberger Ried, walking trails and views across the Riß Valley are the main nature and outdoor activities described, alongside cycling.

Architecture and Local History

In Unteressendorf, St. Martin’s Church offers a striking architectural contrast: its façade is Romanesque, while the building was remodeled in the Baroque style in 1733/34. If you would like to include the church in your plans, check visiting arrangements in advance, as opening rules can vary.

The town’s name also reaches far back into history: Hochdorf was first mentioned in a document in 805. Another historical connection to the municipality is Joannes Baptista Sproll, the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart. He was born and raised in Schweinhausen. Alongside the nature trails, these historical connections add a cultural focus to your stay.

The Upper Swabian Museum Village of Kürnbach, in the wider Biberach destination, offers a distinct cultural and historical experience. It brings six centuries of history to life and includes more than 30 historic buildings that offer insights into everyday life in times past.

Getting Here and Finding the Right Place to Stay

Hochdorf is part of the DING public transport network; DING coordinates regional public transport. Check current timetables and ticket information before travelling. For geographical orientation, the municipality of Hochdorf lies in the Riß Valley along the Ulm–Friedrichshafen railway line and the B 30. Hochdorf is approximately 30 kilometres from the nearest A7 motorway.

When looking for places to stay in Hochdorf, it helps to first decide on the focus of your trip: moorland and the Moor Trail, forest and valley views, cycling tours or historical discoveries. You can then compare the location of each accommodation with the places you plan to visit. That way, you can choose a base that suits your planned stay without having to combine the different nature and cultural experiences into a single outing.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bad Schussenried, Betzenweiler, Moosburg, Ertingen, Rot An Der Rot, Achstetten, Ummendorf, Warthausen.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Biberach.