Dächingen: Pilgrimage, Church Art and Trails

Dächingen combines a long pilgrimage tradition with church art and trails through the Alb. Between an oak image from the 15th century, the Ehinger HochAlb Ice Age Trail and the route to the Steinriegel, there are options to suit different interests. You can shape your stay around religious history and art, a shorter walk or a longer route.

Pilgrimage and Church Art

A pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary in Dächingen has been documented since at least 1500. According to tradition, the chapel was built in 1465, mentioned in a document in 1479, and its altar was consecrated two years later. Guided tours of the church are available.

The Ried Chapel in Dächingen houses the original 15th-century oak image “Mary in Childbed.” As a specific work of religious art, it adds to the historical context of the pilgrimage.

Today’s church in Dächingen was established in the former tithe barn in 1848; its church tower dates from 1993/94. The high altar contains a draped Pietà, dated to before 1620. The tithe barn, tower and Pietà represent different points in the history of Dächingen’s church and art.

Trails with Different Features

A paved trail about 2.5 kilometres long leads to the Steinriegel and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The Ehinger HochAlb Ice Age Trail is about 12 kilometres long and connects the renaturalised Dächinger Bach with the Maierbrünnele in the Brieler Valley. When planning by distance, the difference is clear: the trail to the Steinriegel is shorter, while the Ice Age Trail is considerably longer. These two distances can serve as a first guide to the length of your outing.

Dächingen’s “Through Forest and Fields” themed trail includes a stone embankment planted with herbs of the Alb. The “Paths of Reflection and Retreat” network associated with Dächingen is a circular route; you can start anywhere and walk it in either direction. The themed trail focuses on a named feature, while the circular network leaves the starting point and direction open. These differences offer two ways to plan your day: a specific theme or flexible navigation. As local conditions can change, check the current trail conditions before setting out.

A Quiet Break and Ehingen (Donau)

The Ehinger Alb Information Centre in Dächingen has a meditation room where you can relax. If you are looking for a quieter moment during your stay, this room adds an opportunity to unwind alongside the themes of pilgrimage, art and outdoor activity.

The wider destination of Ehingen (Donau) offers further topics to explore. The Danube Cycle Path passes directly through Ehingen’s town centre. There is a themed tour of the town’s brewing history and beer culture, followed by an optional tasting. The highlight of Ehingen’s Fasnet carnival is a masked procession lasting several hours on Shrove Tuesday. These offer different perspectives when choosing what to explore: the Danube Cycle Path through the town centre and the brewing history covered on a dedicated tour.

For the wider travel overview: Ehingen.