Nusplingen: Fossils, Hiking Trails and Winter

Two special aspects of the landscape meet in Nusplingen: the Plattenkalk preserves traces of a tropical lagoon from the Late Jurassic, while hiking trails lead through forests, across meadows and to scenic viewpoints. Seasonal winter sports are another option. This means you can tailor your stay to a wide range of interests—from geological discoveries to outdoor activities.

Fossils from a tropical lagoon

During the Late Jurassic, a deep tropical lagoon about 1.5 kilometres wide lay in the area of present-day Nusplingen. More than 350 animal and plant species are known from the Nusplingen Plattenkalk. Finds include pterosaurs, marine crocodiles, fish and crustaceans. The Plattenkalk has also yielded 15 specimens of ray-like sharks known as angel sharks.

The preserved details of individual fossils are particularly striking: in some ammonites, both jaw elements have been preserved, and some specimens retain stomach contents. These finds show that it is not only the diversity of species that matters, but also individual traces that offer insights into life in the past. The Geological Nature Trail also provides interesting information about the Westerberg Nature Reserve.

Hiking trails with different characters

The Geological Nature Trail is about 10 kilometres long. It starts at the town hall in Nusplingen; an alternative access route leads to the car park in the Laisental valley. If you plan to use this starting point, check the latest information on access and parking before setting out.

Other trails each have their own focus. The Hummelbühl circular trail leads through dense beech forests, past juniper bushes and across areas with silver thistles. On the Felsenweg, you follow the Alb escarpment through meadows and mixed woodland to several viewpoints with benches. The Staufenberg trail is a circular route through the forest on Nusplingen’s highest mountain. You can choose from different hiking experiences, whether you prefer stretches of woodland and meadow, scenic viewpoints or a circuit on the mountain.

There are also well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, as well as dozens of kilometres of paved and gravel paths for walking, hiking, cycling and inline skating. Many of the paths are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs; check the conditions on the specific route in advance. Alb Guides offer 22 guided themed tours, including hiking, snowshoeing, cycling and mountain biking. Routes can be shortened or lengthened and adapted to participants’ fitness levels. Confirm availability and bookings before your trip.

Fossil hunting is permitted only at the designated site

Digging for fossils in the Nusplingen Plattenkalk is prohibited. The designated exception is the hammering site next to the Geological Nature Trail, where you may search for fossils using a hammer and chisel. Follow the local safety instructions at the site.

Winter sports as a seasonal option

The Hart ski lift is located on the Nusplinger Höhe. For cross-country skiing, the Nusplingen trail connects with the Schwenningen trail to form the 28-kilometre Großer Heuberg ski trail; there is also a shorter 6.5-kilometre option. The ski lift and trails are seasonal. Before travelling, check whether the lift is operating and what the snow and trail-grooming conditions are like.

This way, you can plan your day around a specific activity without having to combine the different options into a single outing.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Haigerloch, Burladingen, Tieringen, Dormettingen, Obernheim, Ratshausen, Weilen Unter Den Rinnen, Dautmergen.

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