Irndorf: Rock Garden, Eichfelsen and Plateau

Irndorf can be explored from several perspectives: Eichfelsen is a large limestone cliff with faces more than 70 metres high, offering views into the gorge carved by the young Danube. Irndorfer Hardt is an almost level, karstified plateau; around 100 plant species can be discovered in the Rock Garden without entering sensitive areas. St. Peter’s Church also makes its own mark with its 46-metre-high tower and works of art. Nature, trails and religious history thus offer different focal points for a stay.

Plateau and protected nature

Irndorfer Hardt, also known as Irrendorfer Hardt, is a nature reserve and has been part of the Upper Danube Nature Park since 1992. The area, covering around 103 hectares, lies northwest of Irndorf and its almost level, karstified plateau is used as grassland. Due to its range of species, the Hardt is an important nature reserve in the Freiburg administrative district. The local landscape is shaped not only by the steep limestone cliff at Eichfelsen, but also by karst terrain, grassland and an open plateau. Ground frost is possible at Irndorfer Hardt in every month of the year—a special feature that is relevant to planning more than just winter trips.

Rock Garden and Eichfelsen

Irndorf Rock Garden was created in 1997 and 1998 and is close to Eichfelsen. Around 100 plant species can be discovered there without entering sensitive areas. The garden puts plant diversity centre stage, while Eichfelsen—with its large limestone cliff and faces more than 70 metres high—sets the scale of the landscape. Its views into the gorge carved by the young Danube add another distinctive feature.

St. Peter’s Church and religious art

The tower of St. Peter’s Church in Irndorf is 46 metres high. Its furnishings include a Gothic crucifix, a Pietà from the old church, a reliquary casket for the veneration of the Good Beth of Reute, and a “Mary of Victory”. These named objects give the church a distinct art-historical and religious profile. Alongside the landscape and nature observation, the building and religious art are also themes in their own right for a stay in Irndorf.

Hiking trails and seasonal activities

Irndorf has several designated routes of varying lengths to help you plan your hikes. The circular route from Eichfelsenhalle towards Eichfelsen and back to the village is about two kilometres long, cleared and open for walking. The five local circular hiking trails are listed with the following lengths: No. 1 is 16.56 km, No. 2 is 5.09 km, No. 3 is 9.74 km, No. 4 is 7.75 km and No. 5 is 4.61 km. No. 5 is therefore the shortest and No. 1 the longest of the five trails; the others fall in between. This makes it easy to compare their lengths. The Beuron Way of St. James runs from Nusplingen via Bärenthal and Irndorf to Beuron. In winter, groomed cross-country ski trails are available in the countryside around Irndorf for skiers of all ages. Seasonal trail conditions, as well as snow and track conditions, can vary; check local conditions before setting out.

Irndorf within the wider Tuttlingen destination

The wider Tuttlingen destination covers 734.4 square kilometres. It includes the southwestern foothills of the Swabian Alb, parts of the Baar region and the Young Danube Valley. The Danube gorge is also one of the district’s scenic highlights. This regional setting complements Irndorf’s local attractions: the plateau, Rock Garden, Eichfelsen and St. Peter’s Church.

Discover more destinations: Tuttlingen, Neuhausen Ob Eck, Dürbheim, Geisingen, Hausen, Immendingen, Talheim, Rietheim-Weilheim

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