Discover Ohmden

Ohmden combines a long geological history with practical ways to explore it. The marine shale contains fossils of dinosaurs, fish, and numerous invertebrates from the Lias, dating back around 180 million years. Visitors can search for fossils at the Kromer shale quarry. If you plan to include this activity, check the operator’s information before setting out.

Explore the Ohmden circular trail on foot

The Ohmden circular trail is approximately 9 kilometers long. It passes horse paddocks, sheep pastures, orchards, streams, and waterways, and offers views of Ohmden, Teck Castle, Breitenstein, and Limburg. Three starting points are marked with hiking signs. The route thus combines varied landscape impressions with views of named places and prominent landmarks.

The approximate route length provides a concrete basis for planning your day. Along the way, you can enjoy both close-up scenery and views of the destinations named above. If you enjoy walking, you can use these details, together with the distance, to help plan your trip.

Fossils: collecting and exhibitions

The fossil story also includes the Holzmaden protected excavation area, which encompasses Ohmden and has been in place since 1979. Fossil collecting there is possible for a fee and with permission from the State Office for Monument Preservation and the landowners. If you would like to collect fossils, take these conditions into account when planning. Some of the finest fossils found in the Ohmden area are on display at the Hauff Museum of Prehistory in Holzmaden. So, as well as searching for fossils, you can also see finds from the area.

Church, half-timbering, and Hafenknopf

The town also has its own architectural and culinary stories. The church in Ohmden was built in its present form between 1681 and 1683; its tower acquired its current appearance in 1871. The church contains four altarpieces from around 1500, attributed to the Kirchheim painter Thomas Schick. Its architectural history thus spans several periods. Another architectural detail is a former farmhouse with decorative half-timbering dating from 1677.

A distinctive culinary tradition bears the name Hafenknopf. This savory yeast pastry is traditionally baked in a copper mold that is unique to Ohmden. The mold is just as much a part of this local specialty as the pastry tradition itself.

Esslingen district as a regional setting

Six distinct landscape areas shape the Esslingen district: Schurwald, Schönbuch, Fildern, the Neckar Valley, the Alb foothills, and the Alb escarpment. The district’s landscape is also shaped by its traditional orchards, which contain 1.5 million fruit trees. This regional variety adds a wider context to the distinctive features of Ohmden.

Bus connection and travel planning

In February 2025, the municipality reported that the bus connection from Ohmden to Zell has been in operation since September 2020. If you plan to take the bus, check the current timetable before setting out. This will help you plan your journey around the interests that you want to shape your stay: fossil hunting, a hike, or insights into the town’s architectural and culinary culture.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bissingen an der Teck, Kirchheim unter Teck, Weilheim an der Teck, Köngen, Neidlingen, Nellingen, Deizisau, Großbettlingen

Go to the main travel overview: Esslingen.