Discover Gomadingen: juniper heaths and the Planet Trail

Discover Gomadingen on foot from different perspectives: the “hochgehsprudelt” circular hiking trail leads around Sternberg, while the Planet Trail focuses on the solar system. There is also a special natural site in Offenhausen, where the Große Lauter has its source. Each trail and location has its own focus—from juniper heath and woodland to astronomical stations and a karst spring.

Hike around Sternberg

The Gomadingen “hochgehsprudelt” circular hiking trail is 8.7 kilometres long and can be walked in either direction. Along the route are juniper heaths with diverse flora and fauna, as well as sections through woodland. The loop thus combines different landscape features, without prescribing a particular direction of travel. The stated distance gives you a specific point of reference for planning; you can also decide which way round to walk the trail.

The juniper heaths and woodland sections shape this hike in different ways. If you enjoy paying close attention to plants and animals, the juniper heaths offer a wealth of natural interest; the woodland sections add their own distinctive landscape accent. The route combines these impressions with a loop around Sternberg.

The solar system as a hiking theme

The Planet Trail is an astronomy-themed hiking trail in the Großer Lautertal valley. The solar system is depicted to scale at twelve stations. Alongside walking through the landscape, the trail has a clearly defined theme: if you are interested in astronomy, you can use the stations as a guiding thread for the route and explore the depiction of the solar system step by step.

The trail is 9.5 kilometres long, with a further 7.5 kilometres for the return journey. These figures distinguish it from a loop with a single total distance: when planning, take into account both the trail’s length and the additional return distance. Compare these figures with the distance you have in mind for your hiking day.

A karst spring in Offenhausen

In Offenhausen, the Große Lauter rises from a karst spring pool surrounded by old monastery walls. Here, a geological feature and the historic setting of the walls come together in one place. The spring adds a specific natural site to the hiking themes, and its description also points to the distinctive form of the water’s emergence.

If you are looking for accommodation in Gomadingen, your hiking plans can help guide your choice: the trail around Sternberg and the Planet Trail differ in both theme and stated distances. Consider which focus best suits your stay and use it to guide your search.

More destinations in the wider Reutlingen travel region

The wider Reutlingen travel region also offers individual destinations for culture, nature and guided experiences. In Zwiefalten, the Minster of Our Lady is the centrepiece of the historic monastery and pilgrimage town. It is one of the most important examples of German Baroque architecture. Minster concerts take place every year; dates vary.

At the Swabian Alb Biosphere Centre in Münsingen, interactive exhibits as well as audio and video contributions provide information about the nature, landscape and people of the biosphere area. Educational group activities include felting and planting, harvesting and cooking together; programme details may change. Anyone interested in the history and culture of the Münsinger Alb will find another perspective at the town museum in the castle, which is housed in the Old Castle.

At the former Münsingen military training area, trained TrÜP guides take visitors on individual tours or accompany groups of visitors on specific dates throughout the year. Dates and booking arrangements may change; check them in advance if you are planning a tour. The Reutlingen district also has 15 trails in the hochgehberge hiking programme; the programme may be revised.

Lichtenstein Castle was built between 1840 and 1842 on the foundations of an older knights’ castle. The Hochgehträumt circular hiking trail leads from the castle past impressive scenic cliffs directly to Nebelhöhle cave. Public transport does not run directly to the castle. The nearest bus stops are in Unterhausen (Oberhausener Steige), Honau and Traifelberg; from there, you can hike to the castle. Check connections before your journey, as public transport services may change.

Discover more destinations: Trochtelfingen, Münsingen, Lichtenstein, Metzingen, Hohenstein, Sonnenbühl, Reutlingen, Pfullingen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Reutlingen.