Discover Asperg: Celtic Trail, Hohenasperg and history

Asperg combines a striking hill with traces of Celtic history and a complex fortress past. Hohenasperg is 356 metres high, lies north of Asperg and rises about 90 metres above the town. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views across the central Neckar region. Trails, archaeological remains and a museum reveal different sides of the area.

Hohenasperg: Nature and History

Hohenasperg has been a nature reserve since 1938. Gypsum mining there ended following a landslide on the northern slope. The fortress’s history can also be explored on the hill: the Hohenasperg Museum, housed in a former arsenal building, presents the history of Hohenasperg and its prisoners. The exhibition is based on original objects and documents.

The Historic Circular Trail around the hilltop fortress passes accessible buildings and facilities. Information panels explain their history, significance and use. You can explore individual stops at your own pace; a traditional guided tour places the different eras in a broader context.

The Celtic Trail and Archaeological Traces

The Celtic Trail is a cycling and hiking route that passes through Asperg and other towns, linking nine Celtic monuments. It is about 30 kilometres long; as a cycling trip, it can also be ridden as a circular route of about 55 kilometres. The route begins or ends at the Lion Gate on Hohenasperg. The two route lengths offer different options for planning your day.

Kleinaspergle, a Celtic burial mound in the Hohenasperg area, is also part of the Celtic heritage. A richly furnished princely tomb, dated to around 420 BC, was found in a side chamber. The Keltenweg AR app brings this past to life digitally: it offers a journey into the world of the Celts and new perspectives on burial monuments and archaeological excavations. The app experiences also include taking part together in Celtic burial rituals and visiting the former seat of a prince on Hohenasperg.

Guided Tours, Wine and an Outdoor Pool

The traditional guided tour of Hohenasperg covers its history, from a Celtic princely seat to a castle of the high nobility, a state fortress and a state prison. It lasts 1.5 to 2 hours; group bookings are arranged with the guide. “Wengert, Wahn und Weiberzeche” offers a different perspective on the hill: this wine and history experience combines a walk through the steep vineyard slopes with a winemaker’s snack platter. The date and booking are arranged with the guide.

For a change of pace outdoors, Asperg’s outdoor swimming pool lies at the foot of Hohenasperg. Its non-swimmer pool has an 84-metre slide, a wild-water channel and a bubble pool; there is also a large swimming pool with diving facilities. The pool may operate seasonally, so check the current opening times before planning your visit.

When looking for accommodation in Asperg, the focus of your stay may help you decide: will you plan your days around the Celtic Trail and its different route lengths, or would you like to set aside more time for the museum and the fortress’s history? The outdoor pool may be another option during the season.

In the wider destination of Ludwigsburg

The wider destination of Ludwigsburg also offers its own cultural and scenic highlights. Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is one of Europe’s largest Baroque buildings to have survived in its original form. In the district of Ludwigsburg, terraced vineyard slopes along the Neckar and Enz rivers shape the landscape; winegrowing has been a tradition there for centuries. These regional features complement Asperg’s distinctive themes without being the same as them.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Löchgau, Besigheim, Vaihingen an der Enz, Ludwigsburg, Gemmrigheim, Hessigheim, Bönnigheim, Großbottwar.

Back to the wider travel overview: Ludwigsburg.