Harburg (Swabia): Castle, Fairytale Trail and Bockberg

Harburg (Swabia) combines sweeping views with the Harburg Fairytale Trail, a stop on the Via Romea pilgrimage route, and the history of Harburg Castle. This gives you different options when planning your trip: landscapes and views, a seasonal experience on the Fairytale Trail, or a tour of the castle.

Views, hiking and cycling routes

Bockberg lies on the southeastern edge of the Ries Crater. At 562 metres, it is one of the highest elevations in northern Swabia. From its viewing platform, you can see across the Ries and the Wörnitz Valley all the way to Donauwörth. If landscapes and views are your main focus during your stay, this is a highlight not to miss.

Harburg lies along a variety of hiking and cycling routes. The Wörnitz Cycle Path is a scenic cycling route. Harburg is also a stop on the Via Romea pilgrimage route. When planning your trip, you can choose between different interests: views from Bockberg, hiking and cycling, or pilgrimage traditions.

The Harburg Fairytale Trail

The Harburg Fairytale Trail was established in 2019 at the initiative of Gabi Steger. Today, numerous Harburg residents volunteer to plan, build and maintain the trail. This shared effort shapes the attraction, which offers a distinct experience in Harburg alongside its landscapes and castle history.

The Fairytale Trail is open to visitors from mid-May until the end of the autumn holidays, and admission is free. This seasonal visiting period is important when planning your trip. Gabi Steger also offers special guided tours; if you would like to include a tour in your plans, check availability in advance. The sections of the Fairytale Trail in the area around Harburg Castle are not accessible with a stroller. Keep this in mind if you are travelling with a stroller.

Harburg Castle and its history

A tour of Harburg Castle takes visitors through almost 900 years of history. The route passes through the Baroque castle church and by loopholes, prison cells, gates and towers. A visit to the castle therefore offers a different focus from the Fairytale Trail: here, the emphasis is on the castle’s history and architectural features. The castle is open seasonally; check visiting hours before your trip.

More perspectives in the wider Donau-Ries travel destination

The formation of the Ries Crater is also part of the landscape story in the wider Donau-Ries travel destination. The district describes the Geopark Ries, with its crater formed by a meteorite impact, as a tourist attraction. Nördlingen adds the perspective of regional history: its medieval town wall is fully preserved and completely accessible. The town museum covers the lives and beliefs of people in Nördlingen, the changes brought by the Reformation, the Thirty Years’ War and the 1634 Battle of Nördlingen. Its collection, which is over 150 years old, spans four floors; a model made up of around 6,000 tin figures depicts the battle.

Hiking and cycling routes, as well as the pilgrimage stop, offer further themes to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Asbach-Bäumenheim, Oettingen In Bayern, Nördlingen, Oberndorf Am Lech, Marxheim, Wemding, Fremdingen, Tapfheim.

Back to the wider travel overview: Donau-Ries.