Hohenstein: Castle Ruins, Nature Trails and Cycling Tours

Hohenstein invites you to explore the surrounding area at your own pace: circular walks take you through the districts, mountain bike trails add a sporting challenge, and the castle ruins combine a forest setting with scenic views. The Hans-Reyhing-Stube also offers a place to explore local history. Nature, activity and culture sit side by side here—from the health hiking trail to longer cycling tours.

Explore the districts and nature on foot

A range of circular walks let you explore the districts and surroundings of Hohenstein on foot. The health hiking trail leads to Ödenwaldstetten and invites visitors to experience the landscape, fauna, flora, trail conditions and views with all their senses. The hiking experience described here includes not only the views, but also the trail and its surroundings.

The nature trail runs partly through the Bauenhofen/Häulesrain nature reserve. When there is enough snow, cross-country ski trails are also groomed in Hohenstein—a winter activity that depends directly on snow conditions.

Mountain bike tours with varied routes

The challenging West mountain bike tour is 32.3 km long and has around 450 metres of elevation gain. It starts at Brechhölze in Bernloch. Highlights along the way include Dachenstein, Hohenstein Castle ruins, the Maßhalderbuch estate and the Oberstetter Valley. These specific stops provide several points of interest along the route. Before setting off, check local information on current trail conditions.

The East mountain bike tour is 24 km long and has 390 metres of elevation gain. It leads from the farmhouse museum in Ödenwaldstetten via Schachen into the Lauter Valley and on to Wasserstetten; the route described therefore extends beyond Hohenstein. If you’re looking for a shorter option, you can take a shortcut through the Amseltal instead of the section via Schachen. Of the two mountain bike tours, the East is shorter by distance, while the West is specifically classified as challenging.

Another loop around Hohenstein

The “Around Hohenstein” tour is a relatively flat, 30 km route through the whole of Hohenstein. It can be completed by bicycle or inline skates, and the tour description says it is well suited to families. In contrast to the explicitly challenging West mountain bike tour, it is described as relatively flat—offering a different route profile for planning a shared outing.

Castle ruins in the forest near Oberstetten

Hohenstein Castle ruins stand near Oberstetten in a forest among moss-covered boulders and gnarled trees. The grounds have a viewing platform and a barbecue area. The striking forest setting and these two specific visitor features come together at this site.

Local history in Bernloch

The Hans-Reyhing-Stube in Bernloch was established in 1985 in memory of Hans Reyhing, a local poet from Bernloch. It complements the landscape and tour themes with an insight into local history and heritage.

More to discover in the wider Reutlingen destination

In the wider Reutlingen destination, the Church of Our Lady in Zwiefalten is the focal point of the old monastery and pilgrimage town. It is one of the most significant examples of German late Baroque architecture; Münster concerts are held there every year, with dates that vary. In Münsingen, also in the wider Reutlingen destination, the Swabian Alb Biosphere Centre uses interactive exhibits as well as audio and video features to share information about the nature, landscape and people of the biosphere area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Trochtelfingen, Gomadingen, Engstingen, Pliezhausen, Pfullingen, Zwiefalten, Bad Urach.

Back to the wider travel overview: Reutlingen.