Discover Giengen an der Brenz

Cave history, Steiff and hiking trails

Giengen an der Brenz offers a range of ways to shape a trip: Charlottenhöhle and HöhlenSchauLand explore the history of the Earth, while the Steiff Museum focuses on the history and production of plush toys. The trails also offer a variety of experiences, from a short adventure trail to a certified long-distance hiking trail. You can tailor your stay to your interests in culture, caves or outdoor activities.

Charlottenhöhle and the history of the Earth

Three carpenters from Hürben discovered Charlottenhöhle in 1893; it was named after Queen Charlotte of Württemberg. At 532 metres, it is the longest accessible show cave in the Swabian Alb. On the climb to the cave entrance, the Time Travel Trail follows the route. Its eight stations draw on local archaeological finds and add further references to finds to the cave’s history.

Charlottenhöhle can only be visited on a guided tour, which lasts about an hour. The cave stays at a temperature of around 9 °C all year round. Since visits require a guided tour and arrangements may change, check the current visiting options in advance. HöhlenSchauLand also offers an entertaining presentation of the history of the Earth.

Steiff history and production

The Steiff Museum presents the history of Steiff and the production of its plush toys. It covers 2,400 square metres across three levels. The museum visit therefore has a different focus from the exploration of the history of the Earth: here, the company’s history and the production of plush toys take centre stage. For those arriving on foot, the museum’s location three minutes from Giengen station provides a useful point of reference.

From a short adventure trail to a long-distance hiking trail

Rated easy, the Wood Sculpture Adventure Trail is 0.48 kilometres long and runs from the Steiff Museum to the Anlägle adventure playground. The story of Panschi the unicorn and a puzzle booklet with activities for children give the trail its own narrative thread. Those comparing hiking options will find a short route with playful activities here, and, on a completely different scale, the Albschäferweg: it starts in Giengen, has ten stages and is a certified long-distance hiking trail covering 158 kilometres.

The Albschäferweg passes through a cultural landscape shaped by migratory sheep farming and is dedicated to shepherds and their flocks. This connection between hiking and landscape culture offers a different experience from the short Wood Sculpture Adventure Trail. When choosing accommodation, it helps to start with a simple question: would you like your stay to focus more on cave history, Steiff culture or hiking?

The wider destination of Heidenheim

In the wider destination of Heidenheim, karst features, lively rivers, forests and heathland shape the landscape of the Heidenheim Brenz region. The 52-kilometre-long Brenz runs through this region. These regional landscape features add a wider natural setting to the picture of Giengen.

Discover more destinations: Gerstetten, Dischingen, Herbrechtingen, Steinheim am Albuch, Heidenheim an der Brenz, Königsbronn, Niederstotzingen, Nattheim

Back to the wider travel overview: Heidenheim.