Böhmenkirch: Nature, Trails and Local History

The neo-Gothic parish church of St. Vitus, the Veitsfest festival, forests and trails make Böhmenkirch a destination for culture- and nature-focused excursions. The area also features protected landscapes, distinctive Hülben (small ponds) and the Mordloch cave. Which aspect takes centre stage also depends on the season: the Veitsfest is held in June, cross-country skiing depends on snow conditions, and the extensive forests offer hiking opportunities all year round.

St. Vitus and the Veitsfest

After the village fire, the parish church of St. Vitus was rebuilt from 1865 onwards. The Viennese architect Friedrich Schmidt designed the neo-Gothic church. Its construction period, style and architect give the church a distinct place in local history. The Veitsfest is celebrated every year in June with a festive church service and a procession. If you would like to plan your stay around this annual event, check the dates and programme for the relevant year in advance.

Trails for different seasons

Böhmenkirch’s extensive beech and conifer forests offer hiking opportunities in every season. One hiking route runs from the Heidenheim section of the Alpine Club’s clubhouse to the end of the Steinenkircher Steige and back to Treffelhausen via the Roggental valley. In the Leispel and Ochsenhau areas, there are three well-signposted Nordic walking routes of varying lengths and difficulty. Trail conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning.

Cross-country skiing is another local winter activity: five trails of varying lengths and difficulty are groomed depending on the season and snow conditions. The Kuchalbloipe can no longer be groomed. Before a winter excursion, check which trails have actually been groomed. Activities therefore differ not only in length and difficulty, but also in their seasonal conditions: hiking is possible in the forests all year round, while cross-country skiing depends on snow cover.

Roggental valley, Hülben and cave landscape

The Obere Roggenmühle is located in the Roggental valley, surrounded by grazing horses and fishponds. Its restaurant serves Swabian specialities and freshly caught trout. The menu may change; if it is important to your excursion, check the current selection in advance.

The Rauhe Wiese between Böhmenkirch and Bartholomä is a nature reserve. It is home to the well-known Hülben, Neue Hülbe and Kolomanshülbe. The Magental valley near Steinenkirch is also part of a nature reserve. Another geographical feature is the Mordloch cave: at 4,320 metres long, it is the second-longest cave in the Swabian Alb.

When to visit and where to stay

If you are travelling with a range of interests, you can compare the signposted trails by length and difficulty and factor seasonal conditions into your plans. Before a winter visit, it is advisable to check the latest trail-grooming status.

More options in the wider destination of Göppingen

In the wider destination of Göppingen, the Löwenpfade offer further guidance for hikers: the circular trails in the district of Göppingen are between 3 and 24 kilometres long, can be walked in either direction, and are signposted and marked accordingly. At each starting point, an information board shows the route, an elevation profile and sights along the way. The region also has options for cycling trips: the 186-kilometre “Albtäler” route passes through the district of Göppingen as well as the neighbouring districts of Heidenheim and Alb-Donau-Kreis.

Discover more destinations: Süßen, Schlat, Börtlingen, Salach, Donzdorf, Adelberg, Ottenbach, Eislingen/Fils

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Göppingen.