Obrigheim: Neuburg Castle and Gypsum Mining

Obrigheim combines its striking location on the Neckar with a history spanning a medieval castle, gypsum mining, and wartime production. Neuburg Castle stands on a steep rock above the Neckar, overlooking the town. The Goldfish Historic Trail focuses on a different chapter: it explores the events of 1944, when a Daimler-Benz aircraft engine plant was relocated to the gypsum mine in Obrigheim. In this town, landscape, architectural history, and the legacy of industry come together.

Neuburg Castle and the Goldfish Trail

Neuburg Castle dates from the 14th century. Its position above Obrigheim, on a steep rock overlooking the Neckar, links this historic site to a striking topographical setting. Visitors interested in castles and earlier architectural history will find a tangible point of interest here; the river and rock provide a distinctive backdrop.

The Goldfish Historic Trail is a circular route of about 2.5 kilometres. It is freely accessible and can be visited at any time, although access may be temporarily restricted for maintenance or safety reasons. The trail focuses on the events of 1944, when a Daimler-Benz aircraft engine plant was relocated to the gypsum mine in Obrigheim. Concentration camp prisoners were used for construction work at the production site; free and foreign workers were employed in engine production. This distinction between construction and production is important for understanding the history and should not be overlooked alongside the relocation of the plant.

Historic Trails and Gypsum Mining

The local heritage association has established a historic trail in each of the three districts. Numbered information boards and arrows pointing to the next sign make the routes easy to follow, even for visitors unfamiliar with the area. Unlike the Goldfish Trail, which has a stated circular-route length, these trails focus on directing visitors from one stop to the next, combining local history with clear wayfinding.

The gypsum trail offers insights into Germany’s largest and oldest underground gypsum mine. Gypsum has been mined in Obrigheim since 1847. Together with the Goldfish Trail, it provides a second perspective on the mine: one focuses on the long history of extracting a raw material, while the other explores the relocation of the aircraft engine plant in 1944. Visits to the gypsum mine are possible by registering online; check the visitor arrangements in advance.

Obrigheim also has an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails. The Goldfish Trail offers a themed circular route of a set length; the wider trail network provides additional ways to explore on foot or by bicycle. If you would like to combine different interests, the historic trails and the wider network each offer their own options for planning your day.

Getting to Obrigheim

If travelling by car, take the B37 from Heidelberg or Eberbach, or the B27 from Heilbronn, to reach Obrigheim. Bus 833 connects Mosbach with Obrigheim; bus 828 runs from Mosbach-Neckarelz station to Obrigheim. Check current connections and travel times before setting off, especially if you plan to combine your journey with a visit to the gypsum mine.

Discover More Destinations

Limbach, Neckarzimmern, Osterburken, Buchen, Schollbrunn, Schwarzach, Hettigenbeuern, Limbach/Laudenberg.

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