Durlangen: Discover Landscapes and History

At the southeastern edge of the Swabian-Franconian Forest Nature Park, Durlangen lies between the Kocher Valley and the Rems Valley. Its location is combined with a long settlement history and distinctive landscape features; nature and culture lend different accents to a stay. These differences provide practical guidance.

Landscape between valleys

Durlangen lies in the Lias uplands of the Schurwald and Welzheim Forest natural region. Keuper slopes border the western, southern and eastern edges. Its position between the Kocher Valley and the Rems Valley describes the broader regional setting; the Lias uplands and Keuper slopes identify different landscape features. Durlangen and Spraitbach share a 29-hectare portion of the Leintal nature reserve between Leinecksee and Leinhäusle. This brings together several aspects: the natural region, the valleys and a shared portion of the protected area. When planning your visit, these differences can help you prioritize the landscape features that interest you most.

Circular routes in the Ostalbkreis

The “Green Path Ostalbkreis” offering is a series of circular routes for cyclists, hikers and those seeking recreation. It caters to different ways of exploring the area. The Green Path is associated with a distinctive landscape; farms lie along its routes, and historical sights are also part of the experience. There are three “green path – adventure tours” in the Ostalbkreis: “In the Ellwangen Lake District,” “Around the Leintal Valley and Frickenhofer Höhe” and “Härtsfeld.” The names provide a first overview of what is on offer. If you are planning a specific circular route, check the latest route information in advance.

Settlement history and architecture

Durlangen is an Alemannic settlement established by clearing woodland in the seventh or eighth century, and was first mentioned in a document in 1362. The two dates mark different historical reference points: the early settlement period and the first written record. For sacred architecture, St. Anna Chapel in Tanau is a noteworthy site in its own right. Its nave and tower date from the Romanesque period, while the choir is Late Gothic. The building thus brings together elements from different periods. The chapel is also a destination for many pilgrims every year. This adds a religious tradition to the early settlement traces—a recurring theme visitors can still experience today.

Getting here and choosing where to stay

Durlangen is connected to the B 298 via the K 3257 district road. You can reach the town by bus from Schwäbisch Gmünd railway station. If you are travelling by public transport, check the latest timetable for your travel date. When choosing accommodation, you can also decide whether to focus on Durlangen’s landscape and history or include other cultural and natural attractions in the Ostalbkreis in your plans.

More cultural highlights in the Ostalbkreis

The wider Ostalbkreis destination offers additional, distinct historical highlights. In the municipality of Rainau, the Upper German-Raetian Limes runs through the districts of Buch, Schwabsberg and Dalkingen for around six kilometres; it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. The most beautiful sections and most significant individual monuments of the Limes have been preserved in a unique concentration in Limes Park Rainau. A reconstructed watchtower offers panoramic views across the Ostalb region. Lorch Monastery offers a different focus: Frederick I, the first Hohenstaufen ruler, and his wife Agnes of Waiblingen founded it in 1102 as their burial place. The permanent exhibition tells the story of 900 years of monastic history, including through the richly decorated Lorch choir books. For choosing where to stay, the thematic comparison is clear: Durlangen offers a connection to the landscape and early settlement history, Rainau to the Roman heritage, and Lorch to monastic history.

Discover more destinations: Rainau, Eschach, Essingen, Neuler, Ruppertshofen, Bartholomä, Westhausen, Böbingen an der Rems.

Back to the overall travel guide: Ostalbkreis.