Discover Bartholomä

Around Bartholomä on the Swabian Alb, extensive forests and uplands lie alongside juniper heaths, wooded steep slopes and distinctive hills along the Alb’s edge. Numerous viewpoints shape the landscape. Bartholomä has been a state-recognized health resort since December 1991. The landscape makes the village appealing for outdoor stays; the history of the Amalienhof provides a cultural counterpoint.

Juniper heaths, protected areas and views

Rauhe Wies and Weiherwiesen are protected areas of botanical interest. Before visiting, find out about current access arrangements, as conditions can change. Those seeking wide-ranging views can find them on hikes around the Albuch: from there, views extend to Stuifen, Hohenrechberg and Hohenstaufen. This makes it possible to plan excursions around different interests—with botanically rich protected areas on one hand and striking distant views on the other.

Circular trails and longer hikes

The Wanderblume project offers eight well-marked circular hikes starting and finishing in Bartholomä. As trail markings may change over time, check the current route details before setting out. In the Ostalbkreis, two Wanderblume routes start at the Dorfhaus Bartholomä. Tour 2, “At the Weiherwiesen,” is 25 kilometers long and leads via the Weiherwiesen to the Volkmarsberg, past the source of the Kocher near Oberkochen, through the Tiefental and via Tauchenweiler back to Bartholomä. Tour 4, “In the Felsenmeer,” is 17 kilometers long and leads through the Felsenmeer and the Wental to the Hirschtal near Steinheim. The tours differ not only in length: one returns to its starting point, while the other goes as far as the area around Steinheim.

Winter days and longer cycling tours

There is a ski lift on the Wirtsberg; Bartholomä also has around 100 kilometers of groomed trails for classic and skating styles. Whether the lift and trails are open depends on seasonal conditions. Check before making winter sports the main purpose of your trip. Longer cycling tours also suit the landscape: good paths around Bartholomä make it easy to ride through unspoiled countryside.

A nature experience in the Ostalbkreis

In the Ostalbkreis, the Wental shows another side of the region’s natural landscape. The nature trail offers insights into the primeval nature of the ancient river valley. A hike through the Wental towards Steinheim is particularly suitable for families. Along the way, with a little imagination, you can spot fairy-tale figures and animals in gnarled trees and bizarre rock formations.

Amalienhof: architectural history and museum

The Amalienhof was built around 1850. Its old granary was rebuilt after the fire of 1929 and now houses the museum. The Amalienhof grounds have been developed into a cultural center and the Braighausen nostalgia complex. Those who want to include local history alongside the landscape and outdoor activities will find a dedicated cultural attraction here. Check current visiting arrangements before planning a specific museum visit.

Getting there and finding accommodation

Bartholomä is close to the A7 and A8 motorways and is easy to reach, although it lies off the main transport routes. If the Wanderblume circular trails are the focus of your trip, you can choose Bartholomä as your accommodation search location: all eight circular routes start and finish in the village.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Jagstzell, Spraitbach, Adelmannsfelden, Böbingen An Der Rems, Rainau, Unterschneidheim, Heuchlingen, Stödtlen.

Return to the main travel overview: Ostalbkreis.