Dotternhausen: Discover Plettenberg and Fossils

Dotternhausen gives your trip two clear themes: getting outdoors and encountering the town’s world of fossils. While trails lead towards Plettenberg, the fossil museum focuses on fossilised marine animals from Dotternhausen oil shale. This lets you combine experiences in nature with a closer look at the history of the Earth.

Hiking trails and views from Plettenberg

Dotternhausen has well-marked hiking and cycling trails that let you experience the natural surroundings. Many local routes typically lead from the town towards Plettenberg and uphill. The mountain reaches 1,005 metres above sea level and offers views across the foothills of the Swabian Alb, extending as far as the Swiss Alps on a clear day. Its elevation and views make Plettenberg a distinctive feature when planning a day outdoors.

The Albverein hut on Plettenberg offers hikers a place to stop and get refreshments. As operating details may change, check them before your trip. Hiking and cycling offer different ways to experience the trails and countryside around Dotternhausen. Information about the Legends Trail provides additional guidance for anyone interested in this route.

Fossils, culture and discoveries in town

The Werkforum is a communications and information centre in Dotternhausen that provides space for cultural events. The fossil museum has a focus of its own: it features fossilised marine animals from Dotternhausen oil shale. Fossils from other Jurassic strata around Dotternhausen are also on display. The groups represented range from ichthyosaurs and crocodiles to sea lilies, fish, mussels, brachiopods and serpulids.

At the fossil site, known as the fossil-hunting site, visitors can search for fossils using a hammer and chisel. Hammers, chisels and safety goggles are available from reception at the Werkforum. The museum and fossil-hunting site offer different ways to explore the subject: at the museum, you can see a varied fossil collection; at the fossil-hunting site, the focus is on searching for fossils yourself.

Market days are also among Dotternhausen’s recurring traditions: three are held each year. Check the current dates before your stay. Dotternhausen also provides visitor information about the Legends Trail.

More things to do in the Zollernalb district

The wider destination of the Zollernalb district offers a broader choice of hikes. Fourteen premium trails are spread across Albstadt, with eleven, and Meßstetten, with three; there are also more than 100 signposted circular hiking trails. Trail information may change, so check the latest route details when planning a specific hike. Another regional option is the 33-kilometre Schlichem hiking trail from Meßstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf. Small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge shape its landscape.

The Zollernalb district also has places of cultural interest. Hohenzollern Castle belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the boundaries of the district of Zimmern. The present-day castle is the third fortress on Zollerberg. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into disrepair, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. Its cultural programme includes concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. The region’s castle history thus offers a different theme for a visit from Dotternhausen’s world of fossils.

Choose your route and accommodation to suit your travel plans

During the 2026 leisure travel season, the Schieferbahn runs directly from Balingen to Dotternhausen and Schömberg, with no changes; the season runs until 18 October 2026. A seasonal shuttle for cyclists and hikers operates on Sundays from May to October: it connects Schömberg, Balingen and Tübingen, as well as Balingen and Tieringen. Bikes are carried free of charge. Check the current timetable and specific operating dates before travelling.

This makes it possible to choose the overnight location that best suits your itinerary, without treating local experiences and regional excursions as one and the same.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Tieringen, Grosselfingen, Weilen Unter Den Rinnen, Winterlingen, Zimmern Unter Der Burg, Dormettingen, Jungingen, Balingen.

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