Discover Malmsheim: History and trails along the Rankbach

Malmsheim, a district of Renningen, combines a historic walking tour through the town center with a local history museum, a hiking route along the Rankbach, and gliding instruction. You can tailor your stay to suit different interests: local history, time outdoors, or watching gliders. For transport connections, the Malmsheim S-Bahn station on line S 6 is a useful landmark; trains run towards Stuttgart and Weil der Stadt. When planning your accommodation, the choice depends on which of these aspects of Malmsheim matters most to you.

Local history on the walking tour and at the museum

The historic walking tour through the old town center consists of 17 information boards and is designed for independent exploration. It leads to the town hall, the Germanus Church, the two former schools and the bakehouse, as well as historic farmsteads, single-room houses, and half-timbered buildings from various periods. The stops bring public local history together with rural architectural styles, giving the walk a clear historical focus.

The local history museum complements this perspective with exhibits on rural customs. It opened in 1991, during Renningen’s millennium celebrations, in a 16th-century barn. The Rankbachtal Local History Association runs the museum in Malmsheim on behalf of the entire town of Renningen.

It is closed seasonally from November until Easter. Please check visiting hours before your visit.

Hike along the Rankbach or explore the town center

The self-guided walking tour is ideal for visitors who want to focus on Malmsheim’s historic buildings and town center. A hiking route measuring 8.2 kilometers offers a different focus: it starts at the Malmsheim S-Bahn station and follows the Rankbach along the Bacherlebnispfad nature trail. These are two distinct ways to experience the area: historic sites in the town center or a hike of a specified length along the stream.

Gliding and rail connections

Gliding is another practical consideration when planning your trip. Practical gliding instruction with the Malmsheim Sports Flying Club takes place from March to October at the Renningen-Malmsheim airfield. Club membership is required for gliding instruction.

Malmsheim’s S-Bahn station is on line S 6; trains run towards Stuttgart and Weil der Stadt. If these destinations matter for your stay, you can factor rail connections into your accommodation choice alongside your interests in the area.

More trails and culture in Renningen

In Renningen, the World Culture Trail runs along the Rankbach from Jahnstraße towards the sports grounds and is a pleasant place for a walk. The artworks along the trail invite visitors to reflect on global issues, culture, and religion. This gives the trail a different focus from Malmsheim’s historic walking tour: the emphasis here is on art and broader social issues, while the tour in Malmsheim highlights local history and historic architectural styles.

Around Renningen, well-maintained hiking and cycling trails offer opportunities for active recreation. Local hiking clubs and the local branch of the German Cyclists’ Federation continuously maintain the trail network.

Each year during the summer season, the Renningen Open-Air Theatre presents a new program featuring a family play and an evening play for adults. If you would like to plan around specific performances, check the current schedule with the operator.

The Nativity Museum in Renningen offers another cultural perspective: it houses figures from the Renningen Nativity scene and numerous ethnographic objects brought back by Pastor Pitzal from trips abroad.

For the broader travel overview: Renningen.