Owen: Teck, Hiking Trails and Local History

Discover Owen through two themes: the Teck as a landscape and the town’s history. The Teck is Owen’s local mountain and an outlying spur of the Swabian Jura. At 775 metres, it offers wide-ranging views of the surrounding landscape. Trails, historic landmarks and buildings offer different ways to plan your trip—from a day outdoors to discoveries in town.

The Teck and Its Hiking Trails

The Teck Circular Trail starts at Amtsplatz, one of the most important squares in Owen’s Unterstädtle district; the train station is within sight. From there, the trail follows narrow woodland paths past the old glider hangar to the Gelber Felsen (Yellow Rock). From here, you can look out over the Lenningen Valley. Check local trail conditions before setting off.

Two premium hiking trails also pass through Owen. The “hochgehlegen” premium hiking trail is one of the two “hochgehberge” premium hiking trails named in connection with Owen and connects Beuren, Owen and Erkenbrechtsweiler. The “hochgehadelt” premium hiking trail runs through Bissingen, Owen and Lenningen. As routes may change, check the latest trail information before planning your hike.

The Teck is not only a destination for its views, but also a place with a history. The Swabian Jura Association took over the Teck in 1941; by 1955, the castle complex had been reopened and suitably developed. Today’s trail ideas and these historic landmarks offer two different perspectives on the same distinctive point in the landscape.

Local History and Architecture

Owen has had a Historic Town Trail since 2011, created in collaboration with the Alt-Owen Förderverein e.V. The History House tells stories about the plants and animals around Teck Mountain, early settlements along the Lauter and Teck Castle and its rulers. The stories go back to the town’s founding in the 13th century; life in Owen up to the present day is also a topic. This puts the town’s development alongside the landscape at the heart of a visit.

St Mary’s Church offers a distinctive architectural point of interest: it was one of the first churches in Württemberg to be built as a hall church with staggered aisles. Large parts of the first known painted decoration, dating from the 14th century, have been preserved in Bernhard’s Chapel. Visits are subject to a clear restriction: the chapel is closed to visitors unless accompanied by a guide. Group tours must be booked in advance through Owen Town Hall. Confirm the visiting arrangements with the town hall ahead of time.

Getting Around by Bike and on Foot

The Literary Cycling Trail follows the Lauter through Owen and past the History House. It opened in 2012. This lets you combine a look around town with a cycling route; check local conditions before setting off.

Two bakehouses are also among Owen’s local features: one on Teckstraße and one on Amtstraße. For information about baking at the bakehouses, contact the person responsible for each one. If you would like to make arrangements, check how to get in touch in advance.

The Fitness Circle is on the green space by the Teckhalle and is freely accessible all day; the paths are barrier-free. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

If you’re looking for accommodation in Owen, your preferred focus can help you decide where to stay: hiking on the Teck, cycling along the Lauter, or exploring local history and architecture. You can give each theme a different place in your itinerary, so not every day has to have the same character.

Discover More Destinations

Altbach, Ostfildern, Filderstadt, Weilheim an der Teck, Neuenhaus, Bissingen an der Teck, Lenningen, Beuren

Go to the main travel overview: Esslingen.