Discover Ötigheim: Open-air theatre and Tell Trail

Ötigheim can be explored through two specific attractions: the Volksschauspiele with their open-air theatre and the 4.8-kilometre Tell Trail. Each offers its own reason to get to know the town—one through the history of theatre, the other along a route through varied landscapes.

Open-air theatre and theatrical history

The Volksschauspiele Ötigheim operate Germany’s largest open-air theatre, with 4,000 covered seats. Its history dates back to 1906: after the Volksschauspiele were founded, a gravel pit near the village was converted into a stage with the help of volunteers. Schiller’s “William Tell” brought the open-air theatre its major breakthrough in 1910. The play has been performed in Ötigheim’s open-air theatre since 1910 and also shapes the Tell Trail. Depending on the production, up to 600 people of all ages take part on and behind the stage.

The Tell Trail: landscape and “William Tell”

The Tell Trail brings Schiller’s play to life even outside the performance season. The 4.8-kilometre route starts at the Volksschauspiele car park on Tellplatzweg in 76470 Ötigheim. It passes through fruit-tree meadows, forests and wetlands. The surfaces include gravel paths, natural trails and paved sections. Along the way, you can listen, search and play.

Signposted alternative routes suitable for pushchairs are available for a few sections. Ötigheim’s very well-developed and maintained cycling and hiking trails also offer a way to explore the region actively. Alongside the cultural route, this provides another active way to experience the landscape.

Plan your visit and journey

Ötigheim station is served by KVV light rail lines S 7 and S 8. From there, a signposted footpath leads to the open-air theatre; the walk takes about 15 minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling. Tickets for all events are available online through Reservix, at the office at Kirchstraße 5 in Ötigheim, or by phone. As booking options may change, check the ticket information before your visit.

When choosing accommodation, the purpose of your trip can help set your planning priorities: for a performance, the event and ticket come first; for the Tell Trail, its length, starting point and the pushchair-friendly alternative routes on some sections can help you assess the outing.

Baroque culture in the wider destination of Rastatt

The wider destination of Rastatt offers its own Baroque focus. Rastatt Palace was the first Baroque residence built on German soil and was designed on the model of Versailles. The Rastatt City Museum is housed in a Baroque town palace opposite the Residence Palace. Its permanent exhibitions cover Rastatt’s history over the past 300 years as well as prehistory and early history. The history of the residence and the town thus complements Ötigheim’s open-air theatre and Tell Trail with a different cultural perspective.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gernsbach, Iffezheim, Muggensturm, Moos, Loffenau, Steinmauern, Lichtenau, Hügelsheim.

Back to the wider travel overview: Rastatt.