Langenau: Water, Nature and Ice Age Finds

Langenau combines nature watching with vivid insights into water and prehistory. At BioSpaz, biodiversity becomes a walking theme; at the Grundwasser Adventure World, the exhibition follows drinking water all the way to the tap. The Donauried, springs and museums also shape the range of things to explore. Depending on whether you want to spend time outdoors or discover the landscape and its history, you can choose different focuses for your stay.

BioSpaz: Discover biodiversity as you walk

BioSpaz in Langenau is a 2.4-kilometre biodiversity walking trail. An accessible alternative route is also available. Allow about 1.5 hours for the walk; the actual time required depends on your walking pace and how you use the interactive features. This gives you an idea of how long the walk takes without leaving the use of the stations out of your plans.

Guided tours of BioSpaz are offered monthly from April to October; no advance registration is required. If you would like to plan a guided tour, check the seasonal dates before your trip. This gives you two different ways to explore nature at the same place: the walking trail with its interactive features and the seasonal guided tours.

Water between exhibition and landscape

The 600-square-metre Grundwasser Adventure World exhibition at the Langenau waterworks follows the journey of drinking water from a raindrop through the limestone of the Swabian Alb to the tap. It also explores the connection between the history of the Swabian Alb and water. This lets you explore the subject both through the journey of drinking water and through its connection to the landscape.

You can also encounter water outdoors in various forms. The Löffelbrunnen, a spring-fed lake and other springs emerge in park-like grounds 500 metres northeast of Langenau’s parish church. The springs share this landscape, while the exhibition focuses on drinking water and the limestone of the Alb. If you are interested in water, you can include these different perspectives in your travel plans.

Donauried and nature watching in town

In Langenau, the Danube flows through the Donauried nature and bird reserve. Picnic islands, a panoramic swing and a viewing tower are among the features that invite visitors to explore its rich wildlife. The Donauried offers a different focus from BioSpaz: here, a nature and bird reserve with the listed points of interest takes centre stage, while BioSpaz is a walking trail devoted specifically to biodiversity.

You can also watch nature while strolling through the town centre: more than 100 white storks can be seen building nests on many rooftops. Their number may change over time. The contrast is appealing: the Donauried offers a view of a nature reserve, while the storks are part of the townscape.

Museums and traces of prehistory

The local history museum is at Kirchgasse 4, and the Museum of Prehistory and Early History is at Kirchgasse 9. The latter displays prehistoric finds from the caves of the Lone Valley, including replicas of well-known Ice Age figurines. The museum names and the collection described offer a cultural counterpoint to the area’s nature and water themes. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current opening hours in advance.

More things to explore in the Alb-Donau district

The Alb-Donau district has additional cultural and active pursuits to offer. Hohle Fels near Schelklingen is a UNESCO World Heritage cave and the discovery site of the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Geierknochenflöte” (Vulture Bone Flute); both finds are about 42,500 years old. Obermarchtal Abbey stands directly above the Danube and took on its present form between 1686 and 1795. The Alb-Donau district also has 20 Ice Age Trails for day hikes, ranging from 6 to 14 kilometres. Within the wider destination, archaeological finds, abbey architecture and hikes offer different areas of interest.

Discover more destinations: Asselfingen, Setzingen, Kirchen, Emerkingen, Merklingen, Öllingen, Staig, Bernstadt.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Alb-Donau district.