Höchstädt on the Danube: Castle, Trails and Water

Höchstädt on the Danube combines Renaissance history with interactive discoveries and trails that appeal to different interests. At the castle, exhibitions and hands-on activities take centre stage; outdoors, themed trails lead to the water or through the town’s history. You can tailor your stay to whether you would rather explore exhibitions, solve puzzles or learn more about the local landscape.

Höchstädt Castle: history and hands-on activities

Höchstädt Castle is a Renaissance castle commissioned by Count Palatine Philipp Ludwig of Palatinate-Neuburg from 1589 onwards. Today, it is used for the permanent exhibition “Europe at a Flashpoint: 1704”, the German Faience Museum, temporary exhibitions by the Swabian District and various events. The exhibitions feature hands-on stations where visitors of all ages can explore and try things out independently. They are open seasonally, so check current visiting options before making plans.

Regular family tours and a holiday programme add to the range of activities at the castle. As dates for these programmes should be checked for updates, it is advisable to consult the castle’s information before deciding when to visit. You can also explore Höchstädt itself on a guided tour; check current dates in advance.

Water trail and circular trail: two different experiences

The Water Explorer Trail offers digital, interactive insights into the subject of water. It starts in the town park opposite the Kneipp facility and follows the Pulverbach and Klosterbach streams. At nine stations, visitors can use QR codes to access quizzes and puzzles. The trail is 1.7 kilometres long; the stated walking time is around 30 minutes, not including time spent solving the puzzles. This makes it easy to distinguish the time spent walking from the additional time spent at the stations.

The Duchess Anna Circular Trail has a different focus: it crosses a wooden boardwalk and a small suspension bridge. Information points provide insights into Höchstädt’s history, the region and its people, as well as local flora and fauna. While digital quizzes and puzzles are the focus of the Water Explorer Trail, the information points along the circular trail offer insights into history and nature. The two trails therefore offer different themes to help you plan your time outdoors.

Town history, architecture and regional produce

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Höchstädt is another example of local architectural history. This hall church, with its gabled tower and onion dome, was built around 1590 by master builder Leonhard Grieneisen of Burglengenfeld, who was also involved in the construction of the castle at the time. The castle and church can therefore be linked through their building histories: construction of the castle began in 1589, while the church was built around 1590.

From October to March, the Höchstädt Historical Society organises free tours of the castle chapel; tours can also be arranged by appointment. Coordinate your visit with the society in advance. The Friday market takes place every Friday in Höchstädt’s market square. It offers artisan-made products such as cheese, honey and jams.

A regional perspective: Dillingen on the Danube

In the wider destination of Dillingen on the Danube, the DonAUwald hiking trail runs for just under 60 kilometres through riverside forests along the Danube; 40 kilometres of it lie in the district of Dillingen. It is Bavarian Swabia’s first premium hiking trail. All five classic stages are easy to reach by train, making it a climate-friendly option. When planning your trip, this regional hiking trail offers a different focus from Höchstädt’s themed trails.

The landscape along the Danube in the district of Dillingen also reflects how it has been used: gravel extraction has created a unique landscape of waterways and lakes over many years. Another regional highlight is the Donautal Cycling Fun event. It takes place every two years on a weekend in September, with its central event held in the district of Dillingen. Three signposted routes, closed to cars, offer culinary and cultural tours. Check the event year if you are planning your trip around it.

Seasonal exhibitions, guided tours and event dates can help you plan your visit for the right days.

Discover more destinations: Wertingen, Gundelfingen on the Danube, Lauingen, Finningen, Bissingen, Bachhagel, Dillingen on the Danube, Buttenwiesen.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Dillingen on the Danube.