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Sigmaringen: Castle, Danube Valley and City Life

Accommodation in Sigmaringen

2 adults · no children · 1 room
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Sigmaringen combines a distinctive urban history with a landscape where the Danube flows between rocks and forests. The old town lies at the foot of Hohenzollern Castle, considered the town’s landmark. It evolved from a medieval castle into a princely residence. In Sigmaringen, historical discoveries, routes through different valleys and a lively calendar of events come together.

Castle and Town History

Castle tours tell almost 1,000 years of the history of the House of Hohenzollern. The castle also houses a private arms collection with around 3,000 objects. The collection adds a tangible sense of scale to the view of the residence and makes the castle more than a prominent feature of the townscape.

Another place to explore the town’s history is the Round Tower. It was built as a defensive tower in the old town fortifications and converted into a local history museum in 1970. The Round Tower Local History Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.; check the opening hours before visiting. You can also discover the history of technology in Sigmaringen: the Zündapp Museum at Zoller-Hof Brewery displays more than 100 exhibits from the Zündapp motorcycle brand. It is located in the Marstall building at Fürst-Wilhelm-Straße 5–7.

Danube Valley, Hiking Trails and Cycling Route

Sigmaringen is located in the Upper Danube Nature Park, on the edge of the Swabian Alb. Here, the Danube flows through a landscape shaped by imposing rocks and forests. The five DonauFelsenLäufe are Sigmaringen’s premium hiking trails and lead through the Danube Valley, the Schmeien Valley and the Lauchert Valley. Together, they offer several ways to get to know these named valleys on foot.

The Danube Cycle Path, which runs through Sigmaringen, offers a different perspective. Hiking and cycling are two different ways to include the landscape in your travel plans: the DonauFelsenLäufe focus on five trails and three valleys, while the Danube Cycle Path is a cycling route through the town.

Market, Traditions and Events

The Sigmaringen weekly market offers regional products such as baked goods, meat and sausages, fruit and vegetables, cheese, olive oil and honey. It also gives you an idea of the products on offer at the market, beyond the castle and museums.

Recurring events throughout the year include the Fidelis Festival, Fasnet and the Town Festival. The annual Fidelis Festival includes a service at St. Johann Parish Church on April 24, followed by a candlelit procession through the town centre. Fasnet traditions in Sigmaringen and its districts include parades, balls, a storming of the town hall and the historic Bräuteln ceremony. The Sigmaringen Town Festival takes place every year in the town centre on the last weekend in June.

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There is also a seasonal event in winter: SIG on ICE takes place every year in December and January as an eco-friendly outdoor ice rink in Sigmaringen’s market square. From mid-December, skating enthusiasts can skate there for four weeks. Dates and programmes may vary from year to year. If you are planning your trip around one of these events, check the latest information for the event in question.

Sigmaringen as a Place to Stay

The experiences you are looking for can help determine where you choose to stay: the castle, old town and museums offer a different focus from the hiking trails and cycling route, while the market and events complement both. The train station is centrally located in the town centre, and several city bus routes provide additional transport around town. You can take these points into account when deciding whether Sigmaringen fits your travel plans.

You can explore Sigmaringen on town tours and various themed tours; public town tours are also offered monthly. Dates may change, so it is worth checking the latest tour schedule. The “Stadtführung Sigmaringen” app lets visitors and residents experience the town’s eventful history interactively and at their own pace. Check whether the app is available before your trip.

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Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Herdwangen-Schönach, Illmensee, Ostrach, Schwäblishausen, Veringenstadt, Waldbeuren, Scheer, Inzigkofen, Bad Saulgau, Mengen, Krumbach, Gammertingen, Herbertingen, Thiergarten, Beuron, Bingen, Meßkirch, Leibertingen, Wald, Schwenningen, Sigmaringen, Sauldorf, Pfullendorf, Neufra, Hettingen, Hohentengen, Sigmaringendorf.

To the overarching travel overview: Baden-WĂĽrttemberg.