Discover Dürnau

Dürnau can be explored via two trails with different themes: the Orchard Nature Trail runs through a planted area with scenic views, while the Swabian Sayings Trail adds a touch of local dialect. In the southern outskirts of Dürnau, the two trails share most of their route. This brings together impressions of the landscape and sayings by author Michael Wahl, who grew up in Dürnau.

Orchard Nature Trail and scenic views

The Orchard Nature Trail south of Dürnau and Gammelshausen is approximately 1.5 kilometres long, around two thirds of which is planted. From here, there are views of the gently rolling Alb foothills, the Three Kaiser Mountains, the Schurwald forest and the Stuttgart area. The approximate route length helps with planning, while the varied viewpoints shape the trail’s landscape.

A connecting section of the Orchard Nature Trail leads to the children’s playground at Dürnau’s former Feuersee pond and then uphill to the Schützenhaus. For families, the playground is a specific point along the route; after that, the described section continues uphill. The route and viewpoints have a different focus from the Sayings Trail, even though the two routes overlap for most of their length.

Local dialect and Dürnau’s history

The Swabian Sayings Trail was initiated by local dialect author Michael Wahl, who grew up in Dürnau. Uplifting and contemplative sayings shape the trail. It runs just below a protected landscape area. In this way, it combines the shared route with a cultural theme that differs from the views along the Orchard Nature Trail.

The history of Dürnau’s moated castle is also part of the townscape: it was first mentioned in 1237 and demolished in 1845. A stone arched bridge, still visible today, replaced the original drawbridge. The Protestant Church of St Cyriacus is another historic point of interest in the town. Its daily opening hours are listed as 8:30 am to 6 pm; in winter, these hours apply until nightfall. Check the opening times before your visit.

More hiking and cultural attractions in Göppingen

If you expand your travel plans to include the wider destination of Göppingen, you’ll find hiking trails on a different scale. The Löwenpfade in the Göppingen district are circular hiking trails between 3 and 24 kilometres long. They can be walked in either direction and are signposted and marked both ways. At each starting point, an information board shows the route, elevation profile and sights along the way. By comparison, Dürnau’s Orchard Nature Trail is considerably shorter, at approximately 1.5 kilometres.

For mountain biking, the Löwentrails in the Göppingen district comprise four circular routes ranging from 16 to 30 kilometres; they are particularly suitable for beginners and e-mountain bikers. Alongside Dürnau’s themed trails, these offer longer cycling routes as another option for your trip. Which option suits you depends on whether you want to focus on short walks, longer hikes or mountain-bike tours.

Cultural attractions also broaden the picture of Göppingen: the Märklineum presents Märklin’s more than 165-year company history and its products. Wäscher Castle in Wäschenbeuren dates back to the early 13th century. Both places are part of the wider Göppingen destination and should be distinguished from Dürnau’s local history. When planning your trip, you can weigh up Dürnau’s trails and historic traces against other hiking, cycling or cultural attractions across the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Uhingen, Böhmenkirch, Schlat, Salach, Heiningen, Donzdorf, Ebersbach An Der Fils, Göppingen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Göppingen.