Mössingen between Nature, Orchards and Culture

Mössingen offers a variety of ways to experience natural history, traditional orchards and culture. At Hirschkopf, you’ll encounter a landscape shaped by a major landslide; the Dreifürstensteig trail leads through orchards to a viewpoint. There are also exhibitions, historic buildings and activities related to orchard culture. This lets you tailor your trip to your own interests.

The landslide at Hirschkopf

On 12 April 1983, five to six million cubic metres of earth and rubble slid down into the valley across an area of around 50 hectares at Hirschkopf. Over the years, new flora and fauna developed there. Since 1988, 39 hectares of the landslide site have been designated a nature reserve; it is also one of Germany’s National Geotopes. The different area figures relate to different aspects of the site: the event affected around 50 hectares, while the designated protected area covers 39 hectares.

Hiking through traditional orchards

The premium hiking trail “Dreifürstensteig” is just over 13 kilometres long. The route passes through idyllic traditional orchards to a viewpoint offering far-reaching views, including towards Hohenzollern Castle. For planning, the trailhead parking areas at Olgahöhe, Buch car park, Hirschkopf car park and Linden car park can help you find your bearings. If you’re fitting the walk into a day of your trip, you can take these starting points into account alongside the trail’s length and route.

Cultural history in Mössingen

In Mössingen’s old town centre, the Kulturscheune hosts changing exhibitions on the town’s history. They draw on a collection of around 30,000 exhibits; the converted barn also regularly hosts cultural events. Café Chamäleon serves homemade cakes and other regional specialities. Check the current events programme and café offerings before your visit.

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul was built between 1517 and 1527 and is now Mössingen’s oldest church. It has a Weimer organ dating from 1820, known for its excellent sound. The former Pausa textile printing works offers a different perspective on history, as a monument to Württemberg’s design and industrial heritage. The Pausa Archive contains graphic fabric designs and fabric samples by Willi Baumeister and HAP Grieshaber. The Museum Historische Messerschmiede is also part of the local museum scene: it was established in April 2005 following the careful restoration of a building and a historic workshop dating from the 16th century.

Experience nature and explore together

At the NABU Bird Conservation Centre, you can see some tame birds in aviaries. Guided tours and environmental education events are available for groups that book in advance. The Streuobstinfozentrum explores traditional orchards with an exhibition and interactive stations. Right next door, the Obstwerkstatt offers a wide range of courses for children and adults, covering baking, cooking and drying using ingredients from traditional orchards. Groups can also arrange guided tours with a walk at the Streuobstinfozentrum; tasting traditional orchard products is optional.

Mössingen’s Erlebnisfreibad outdoor pool is another option, with a 95-metre slide, a beach volleyball court and a mini-golf course. As it is an outdoor pool, check its seasonal opening hours before your visit. Your preferred pace for the day can help guide your choice of destination and accommodation.

In the wider Tübingen destination

Tübingen district stretches from the Schönbuch Nature Park, with its forests and valleys, in the north to the Alb Escarpment in the south. The Neckar, Ammer and Steinlach rivers have cut through the cuesta landscape, creating a varied area that includes the wooded regions of Rammert and Schönbuch, upland plateaus with far-reaching views, traditional orchards and vineyards. The Museum of Ancient Cultures at Hohentübingen Castle offers a distinctive cultural and historical perspective. It is the world’s only university museum with exhibits from two UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions and displays 40,000-year-old figurative artworks as well as the oldest musical instruments.

Discover more destinations: Ammerbuch, Stetten Am Kalten Markt, Kirchentellinsfurt, Nehren, Bühl, Gomaringen, Tübingen, Hirrlingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Tübingen.