Geislingen between the Riedbach, Schlosspark and orchard meadows

Geislingen offers a mix of a flowing stream, elevated views, park history and orchard meadows. The town centre lies at the foot of the Kleiner Heuberg in the Riedbach valley; the stream, lined by many trees, especially chestnuts, flows right through the town. From the hills around Geislingen, you can see the town, the Swabian Alb panorama of the Balinger Berge and Hohenzollern Castle. When planning your trip, you can consider town views, culture and nature trails as different areas of focus.

Schlosspark and places of history

Geislingen’s Schlosspark was reconstructed as a French garden in the 1980s, based on old plans. At the entrance are two trees with their own names and planting dates: the Gabriele-Linde was planted in 1869 and the Franz-Linde in 1879. The reconstructed garden plans and these older plantings give the park different historical details to look out for during your visit.

Another cultural highlight is the Herrgottshäusle chapel on the edge of town in the direction of Rosenfeld-Isingen. This open wayside chapel features a depiction of “Christ and the two thieves.” Together with Schlosspark, it represents two different ways of experiencing Geislingen’s history: a reconstructed garden and a chapel with a biblical image.

Eichberg and orchard fruit: a themed circular trail

The orchard trail is a 2 km circular route. It passes the Josefskapelle chapel and runs through the orchard meadows in the Eichberg nature reserve. The trail introduces 24 old fruit varieties, including local varieties. This gives the route a specific theme alongside its path through the meadows: old varieties and their local diversity. More than 300 different flowering plants grow in the Eichberg nature reserve, including eleven orchid species.

The view from Eichberg is also part of this nature experience. From the open heights, the view stretches northwest over Geislingen to the Black Forest and the Gäu; to the southeast, you can see the Alb panorama with Hohenzollern Castle. The two-kilometre circular route and the views offer different perspectives on the landscape. Check local conditions before setting out.

Practical information for getting around

There is a parking and barbecue area at Kaiserstein, accessible via a gravel path. The type of access is therefore a practical detail to consider when planning; check local conditions before your visit.

Schlossparkbad is located directly behind the palace in the centre of Geislingen. You can reach it via Schlossstraße or Alleenstraße. There is a large car park in front of Schlossparkhalle. This information can help you get your bearings in the town centre when planning activities there.

The wider destination of Zollernalbkreis

Beyond Geislingen, Zollernalbkreis offers other themes to consider when planning your trip. Today’s Hohenzollern Castle is the third fortress on Zollerberg. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. It belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the boundaries of Zimmern, one of its districts. The cultural programme includes numerous concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. The castle opens daily to visitors and offers a glimpse into its historic rooms; check the current opening hours before your visit.

The wider destination also offers a range of walks, from short local circuits to longer routes. The orchard trail in Geislingen is 2 km long; the Schlichemwanderweg in Zollernalbkreis runs for 33 kilometres from Meßstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf. Small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge shape its landscape. The difference in length gives you a specific way to compare the routes, while their distinct landscape features can help you choose the focus that suits you.

If you are looking for accommodation in Geislingen, base your choice on the focus of your trip: the town centre and Schlosspark, orchard meadows, or other cultural and nature themes in the wider Zollernalbkreis area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Albstadt, Laufen, Dotternhausen, Dautmergen, Dormettingen, Weilen Unter Den Rinnen, Winterlingen, Haigerloch.

Go to the wider travel overview: Zollernalbkreis.