Discover Ratshausen

Ratshausen offers its own cultural point of interest with its named church sites. The wider travel destination of the Zollernalb district also offers hiking trails, landscapes and other cultural destinations. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first whether your interest lies mainly in the church sites in the town or in the region’s broader range of attractions.

Church sites in Ratshausen

St. Afra is a Catholic church and a church and cultural site in Ratshausen. The Lourdes Chapel is also one of the cultural sites; it is located at the entrance to the town. A church in Ratshausen was built between 1816 and 1818. The local cultural connection therefore includes both named church sites and a church building with a specific historical date range. This gives your stay a clear connection to the town without suggesting a specific itinerary.

Hiking trails and landscapes in the Zollernalb district

The Zollernalb district offers an extensive route option in the form of the 33-kilometre Schlichem Hiking Trail. It follows the Schlichem from its source near Tieringen, at an elevation of about 880 metres above sea level, to its confluence with the Neckar near Epfendorf, at 484 metres. The landscape includes smaller waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge. The length and the two endpoints help you consider this hike as an outing in its own right, rather than equating it with a brief visit to individual cultural sites.

The range of hikes in the Zollernalb district extends beyond this trail: 14 premium trails are spread across Albstadt, with eleven, and Meßstetten, with three; there are also more than 100 signposted circular hiking trails. These figures may change when the trail network is updated. To choose a route, you can compare the long-distance hike with the circular trails. Four stages of the European Martinusweg cultural route also cross the Zollernalb.

The Zollernalb lies in the western part of the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, where the mountains are at their highest. Geological features can also be found at individual destinations in the Zollernalb district: the geological nature trail on Westerberg above Nusplingen ends at a rock-knocking site. The Zillhausen Waterfall and the Sea of Rocks below Hörnle are highlighted as geological natural spectacles. If you would like to combine nature with background knowledge, you could consider an Albguide tour. It provides information about wildlife and plant life, as well as history, prehistory, archaeology and geology; booking is recommended.

Culture and family activities in the region

Hohenzollern Castle belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the cadastral area of the district of Zimmern. The present-day complex is the third fortress on Zollerberg. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, it was rebuilt from 1850 to 1867. Today, the castle is open to visitors daily and offers a glimpse into its historic rooms. Its cultural programme includes concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. Since opening times can change, check the latest information before your visit.

For a family holiday in the Zollernalb district, cycling offers a different focus from the longer hiking route: leisurely family rides are possible in the Albvorland, for example at Schömberg Reservoir. The “Hiking like everyone else” programme features a variety of tours that are also suitable for people with disabilities. In winter, numerous cross-country ski trails and ski lifts add to the options in the region. These activities cater to different interests; when choosing, check the specific destination and the information relevant to your travel dates.

Seasonal connections and finding accommodation

Seasonal transport connections also play a role when getting around the Zollernalb district. During the 2026 leisure transport season, the Schieferbahn runs directly from Balingen to Dotternhausen and Schömberg; the season lasts until 18 October 2026. Also operating during the 2026 leisure transport season, the Nauf-Nab-Trauf bus connects Hechingen with the Nägelehaus in Albstadt-Onstmettingen. Check the current timetable for a specific journey. When searching for accommodation in Ratshausen, you can first decide whether to look specifically in the town or include other destinations in the Zollernalb district in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Laufen, Dormettingen, Dotternhausen, Tieringen, Bisingen, Balingen, Rosenfeld, Unterdigisheim.

To the overview of the wider travel destination: Zollernalb district.