Discover Reutin: Rural character and circular trails

Reutin is an attractive district at a higher elevation, whose character is still shaped by agriculture. Its rural setting provides the backdrop for trails that vary in length, walking time and points of interest. If you like to combine your stay with outdoor exercise, you’ll find several circular trails here, each with its own viewpoints and stories.

First mentioned in official records in 1360, Reutin also has a long documented history. You can encounter tangible traces of its agricultural past along the way: At the old Waghäusle, which the Schillerlinde circular trail passes, farmers used to weigh their harvests and livestock.

Circular trails to suit your schedule and interests

The Zollernblick circular trail around Reutin is 2.9 kilometres long and takes about 40 minutes to walk. The trail is easy to walk and suitable for pushchairs. Along the way, it passes the Hofwäldlehütte. In clear weather, the view extends as far as Hohenzollern Castle—though the distant view depends on the weather.

The Schillerlinde circular trail is 5.1 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It involves 48 metres of ascent and 48 metres of descent. Near Reutin, the trail offers a sweeping view of the Kinzig Valley from a viewpoint. The landscape also connects with past agricultural work at the Waghäusle, where harvests and livestock were once weighed.

The Waterfall Loop is longer, at 6.3 kilometres, and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to walk. It involves 130 metres of ascent and 130 metres of descent. Near Reutin, the circular trail leads to the Gräbenbach waterfalls, which can be reached via a well-maintained, 1.5-metre-wide path. As trail conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

The circular trail around Reutin and Peterzell also offers practical planning guidance: It starts at the Reutin local administration office, where free parking is available. After about ten minutes, a small bridge crosses the Wäschbach. The loop is suitable for pushchairs, except for a section of about 100 metres in the area of the Wäschbach and the Wäschbach bridge.

The approximate walking times make it easy to compare the three longer options: the 5.1-kilometre Schillerlinde circular trail takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the 6.3-kilometre Waterfall Loop takes about five minutes longer. The shorter Zollernblick Loop takes considerably less time, at about 40 minutes. This lets you choose based on how much time you have and what you’d like to see, while keeping each trail’s stated features in mind.

A place to barbecue and relax

In Reutin, the Zimmerplatz barbecue area with the Hofwäldlehütte can be reserved on request. If you’d like to include the barbecue area in your plans, be sure to enquire about a reservation in advance. The Hofwäldlehütte is also a landmark along the Zollernblick circular trail, which passes by it.

Culture in the wider destination of Alpirsbach

The wider destination of Alpirsbach also offers cultural attractions. The Benedictine monastery is around 900 years old and an important landmark of the town. The monastery church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, was built between 1125 and 1133 in the Romanesque tradition. Cloister concerts have been held in the Gothic cloister of the former Benedictine monastery since 1952.

The Museum of Local History is next to the monastery complex and illustrates Alpirsbach’s development through selected collection items. At the historic Alpirsbacher Offizin printing workshop, visitors can see how book printing works and plan and carry out their own printing projects. Professional town tours led by local guides and covering a range of themes round out the cultural programme. For tour dates, it is advisable to contact the town’s information office.

For the wider travel overview: Alpirsbach.