Discover Niederstotzingen: Ice Age art, pilgrimage and trails

Niederstotzingen brings together Ice Age history, pilgrimage and outdoor trails. Vogelherd Cave connects the town with the Ice Age art of the Swabian Alb; a pilgrimage church in Stetten tells the story of a long pilgrimage tradition. There are also circular trails with different focuses – from a town walk to a panoramic ridge trail.

Vogelherd Cave and the Archaeopark

Vogelherd Cave is in Stetten, a district of Niederstotzingen, and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura” since summer 2017. The cave is currently not accessible (as of September 25, 2026); this status may change. At the Archaeopark Vogelherd visitor center, you can see the original mammoth made from mammoth ivory that was found in the cave.

The Archaeopark brings the Ice Age to life outdoors with an adventurous trail of discovery and sensory experiences. It also presents the dimensions of a mammoth, provides information about the vegetation of the time, and offers the opportunity to learn basic survival skills from experts. The focus is therefore not only on finds, but also on living conditions and practical questions of survival. The Ice Age is brought to life through discovery, sensory experiences and hands-on learning.

Pilgrimage and architectural history in Stetten

The pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary in Niederstotzingen-Stetten houses a Black Madonna in its Chapel of Grace. The church’s building history is linked to the growing number of pilgrims: when the castle chapel became too small, Baron M. A. von Riedheim decided to build a new pilgrimage church with a Chapel of Grace. Christian Wiedemann was commissioned to design and build it; the church was built between 1732 and 1735.

This history also makes the site interesting for visitors with an interest in religious art and architecture. The Black Madonna and the Chapel of Grace are closely connected; the construction period and the reason for the new building also give the church a specific historical context.

Circular trails for different day plans

The 18-kilometer nature and culture circular trail passes through all the town’s districts. White ground markings and the black 650th-anniversary logo mark the route. The trail thus connects several districts in one circuit; its length is a useful guide when planning your day.

The town walk starts at the train station, takes about one to one and a half hours, and can be shortened at any time. The circular trail is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The panoramic ridge trail offers a different experience: it starts at the Niederstotzingen town hall and climbs gently to Galgenberg, which is 498 meters above sea level. The trails differ in length, duration and route – a practical guide when deciding whether to fit a stroll or a longer walk into your trip.

The wider region: Heidenheim

Across the wider Heidenheim travel destination, karst features, lively rivers, forests and heathland shape the landscape of the Heidenheim Brenz region. The 52-kilometer Brenz River runs through this region. The certified long-distance Albschäferweg trail also passes through it: stretching 158 kilometers, it winds through a cultural landscape in the Swabian Alb shaped by migratory sheep farming. The trail is dedicated to shepherds and their flocks.

The Eselsburger Tal is also part of the wider Heidenheim travel destination. In Heidenheim district, it is considered by far the most valuable habitat for amphibians and reptiles. These regional landscape features add context to Niederstotzingen without equating the town’s distinctive trails and attractions with those of the entire region.

When looking for accommodation in Niederstotzingen, your preferred travel focus may help you decide: Ice Age art, pilgrimage history or time spent on the different trails.

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

Go to the wider travel overview: Heidenheim.