Discover Pfaffenhofen

Pfaffenhofen offers local architectural history and, nearby, fascinating insights into the history of the Earth. There are different discoveries to choose from: a look at historic buildings, a nature trail about prehistoric creatures or a hike to fountains in the Stromberg.

Architectural heritage in Pfaffenhofen

The Protestant church and the rectory next door are buildings designed by the architect Heinrich Schickhardt. At St Lambert’s Church, the Gothic choir and the equally Gothic sacristy are the oldest parts. Those interested in architecture will find several specific points of interest in the town. The European Heinrich Schickhardt Cultural Route also begins in Pfaffenhofen.

Fossil history at the White Quarry

Near Pfaffenhofen, a nature trail at the White Quarry, with illustrated information panels, provides insights into the Keuper period more than 200 million years ago. The prehistoric creatures featured include metoposaurids, crocodile-like reptiles, armadillo-like armored reptiles and dinosaurs. The panels offer a natural-history perspective on the site that differs from the buildings in the town center.

The history of the finds is also remarkable: the first Pfaffenhofen fossil found at the White Quarry was a torso fragment of an aetosaur in 1906. Albert Burrer (1866–1939), who leased the quarry, handed it over to Prof. Eberhard Fraas of the Royal Natural History Cabinet in Stuttgart. Among the quarry’s most spectacular fossils are skeletal remains of Sellosaurus, described as the oldest dinosaur in Europe.

Exploring on foot

The White Quarry can only be reached on foot. From the White Quarry hiking car park, the Rennweg runs about 300 meters west to a narrow, signposted footpath that leads to the quarry and the viewing platform. As route information can change, check conditions locally.

Above Pfaffenhofen, in the Stromberg area, there is also a nine-kilometer circular trail linking seven fountains. This offers a choice between a visit to see fossils and geological panels and a longer circuit with several stops along the way. The two routes offer different options for planning your day; the length of the circuit alone does not indicate how long the walk will take.

More options in the wider Heilbronn travel destination

The wider Heilbronn travel destination has more to offer. Heilbronn district has around 1,000 kilometers of signposted day-long circular routes in the Kraichgau, Zabergäu, Weinsberg Valley and Schozach-Bottwartal. The Neckar Valley Cycle Route is one of the featured cycling routes. Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park includes 25 municipalities in four districts, including Heilbronn district. These broader areas add cycling and hiking destinations to local discoveries without attributing them to Pfaffenhofen itself.

Families will also find specific activities in the wider travel destination: the Güglingen Roman Museum offers a guided tour for families through its permanent exhibition on the third Sunday of every month at 3 p.m. Check the dates before your trip. Another trail option is the three-kilometer Eppingen Forest Discovery Trail, which has 13 stations. Those wanting to include water in their plans can visit Breitenauer See in the district, the largest of the seven bathing lakes mentioned there; it is described as the largest bathing lake in northern Württemberg.

Other attractions each have their own appeal. Weibertreu Castle Ruins are a viewpoint and small open-air museum at the entrance to the Weinsberg Valley; the Wine and Rose Circular Trail offers a particularly scenic climb to the ruins. Performances at Burg Stettenfels Castle Festival always take place outdoors; check the program dates separately. Much of the castle wall is accessible to visitors, and the park is open to the public. Access conditions may change during special events.

At the Bad Friedrichshall Visitor Mine, an interactive visitor tour descends to a depth of 180 meters. In former mining areas, visitors learn about the history and changing mining techniques; the experience also includes lighting displays and laser shows. Visit details may vary by season, so it is worth checking the latest visitor information before planning your trip.

The Brackenheim Jump Arena and Bad Wimpfen Saltwater Spa offer further variety. The Jump Arena is a 1,500-square-meter trampoline park with a range of attractions and is suitable for children aged three and up; rules and offerings may change. The saltwater spa is kept at 32 to 34 °C and has a salt content of 1.5 to 2.5 percent. Check the latest information if these figures matter for your plans.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Heilbronn, Siegelsbach, Obersulm, Möckmühl, Abstatt, Bad Friedrichshall, Ilsfeld, Schwaigern.

Back to the main travel overview: Heilbronn.