Göppingen: Discover the Märklineum, landscapes and trails

In Göppingen, the Märklineum showcases the more than 165-year history of Märklin and its products. Elsewhere in the district, discoveries range from castles and traditional orchards to circular hiking trails and cycling routes.

Technology history and historic places

The Märklineum offers an insight into the history of a company and its products. Several historic sites in the district add to this cultural theme. Wäscherschloss in Wäschenbeuren dates back to the early 13th century. Schloss Filseck is considered a cultural and gastronomic attraction in the district of Göppingen. It stands on a prominent hill on the southern slope of the Filstal valley, in the municipality of Uhingen.

Hiltenburg is located near Bad Ditzenbach. Its castle grounds are accessible year-round, and the preserved ruins offer views over the Upper Filstal valley. A permanent exhibition in the keep of the Vorderes Schloss provides information about the history of Hiltenburg and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. Check the exhibition opening times separately. The pilgrimage church of Ave Maria near Deggingen is considered a place of peace and relaxation—a different cultural experience from the castle ruins and palaces.

The Albtrauf, the Fils and protected landscapes

Traditional orchards shape the historic cultural landscape along the Albtrauf in the district of Göppingen. The Hohenstaufen is a striking viewpoint, offering sweeping views across the district’s landscape. It is the best-known of the Three Kaiser Mountains and is considered a landmark of the Stauferland region. Between Wiesensteig and Geislingen, the Fils has carved spectacular rock formations and deep gorges into the Swabian Alb.

Twenty nature reserves covering a total area of 2,887 hectares have been designated in the district of Göppingen. The “Eybtal with parts of the Längen and Rohrach valleys” nature reserve covers 1,331 hectares in the city of Geislingen and the municipality of Böhmenkirch. It is the largest nature reserve in the Stuttgart administrative district.

Hiking in a loop or exploring on two wheels

The Löwenpfade are scenic circular hiking trails in the district of Göppingen, ranging from 3 to 24 kilometres in length. They can be hiked in either direction and are signposted and marked both ways. At the start of each trail, an information board shows the route, elevation profile and points of interest along the way. The trails connect viewpoints, diverse natural landscapes and special places. The listed distances and elevation profiles are useful for planning a route that matches your preferred timeframe and activity level.

For mountain bikes, the Löwentrails offer four circular routes ranging from 16 to 30 kilometres, particularly suited to beginners and e-mountain bikers. The 186-kilometre “Albtäler” cycle route offers another way to explore the area. It passes through the district of Göppingen and the neighbouring districts of Heidenheim and Alb-Donau-Kreis. Awarded four stars by the German Cyclists’ Federation as a quality cycle route, it runs through the most beautiful valleys of the Swabian Alb. By comparison, the 35-kilometre Obstroute is a family-friendly way to explore the traditional orchard landscape.

The Alb Extrem cycling marathon also starts every year in Ottenbach and is considered one of the largest amateur cycling events in Baden-Württemberg. If the event is relevant to your trip, check the latest event dates. The different distances and formats—from the Löwenpfade to the Löwentrails and the Albtäler route—make it easier to choose the kind of active stay that suits you.

Regional products and practical information

In Bad Ditzenbach-Gosbach, the Natur-Genuss-Zentrum provides information about regional products and specialities. In the district of Göppingen, award-winning sparkling wines are made from Champagner-Bratbirne pears grown in the surrounding traditional orchards. At the Kräuterhaus Sanct Bernhard in Bad Ditzenbach, the medicinal herb garden includes an inhalatorium where visitors can experience the refreshing effects of a sea breeze.

For planning your journeys, Faurndau is a useful reference point: it has a railway station and public transport connections by bus and train, especially to the centre of Göppingen and the Stuttgart metropolitan area. Check timetables and connections before travelling, as services may change. When comparing accommodation, base your choice on the places and activities that matter to you during your stay, rather than trying to fit every excursion into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wiesensteig, Wäschenbeuren, Süßen, Schlat, Mühlhausen Im Täle, Donzdorf, Bad Überkingen, Bad Ditzenbach, Bad Boll, Albershausen, Aichelberg, Geislingen An Der Steige, Wangen, Salach, Ebersbach An Der Fils, Gruibingen, Göppingen, Hattenhofen, Eislingen/Fils, Dürnau, Adelberg, Rechberghausen, Ottenbach, Hohenstadt, Börtlingen, Böhmenkirch, Heiningen, Uhingen.

Go to the main travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.