Albstadt: Discover hiking and city history

Albstadt combines distinctive Swabian Alb landscapes with trails to suit a range of interests: the Traufgänge and Traufgängerle wind through varied natural scenery, while the Historical City Walk in Ebingen leads to some of the oldest and most historically significant places in the city centre. Hiking and local history are therefore two clear priorities when planning a trip.

Hiking around Albstadt

Eleven Traufgänge and Traufgängerle hiking trails run around Albstadt. They have been awarded the German Hiking Association’s Premium Trail quality seal. Highlights along the trails include views, varied routes along narrow paths and natural trails, as well as juniper heaths, caves, ravines and the Albtrauf escarpment with its bizarre rock formations. Hiking here is about more than the views: the changing routes and landscapes are also part of the experience. Trail routes may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

When planning a trip together, you can choose a focus based on the interests of your fellow travellers: should nature take centre stage, or are you more drawn to the city’s history? This question can help you define the kind of trip you want and find suitable accommodation for your planned stay, without limiting it to just one activity.

The seasonal Winter Traufgänge in Albstadt-Burgfelden and Albstadt-Onstmettingen offer another option. These trails, specially groomed for hikers, provide certified winter fun. Whether they are open depends on snow conditions and the weather on the day. Before a winter outing, check whether your chosen route is currently open.

If you are looking for a cultural counterpoint to hiking, explore the Historical City Walk in Ebingen at your own pace. It leads to some of the oldest and most historically significant places in Ebingen’s city centre. Exploring independently lets you fit the walk into your own travel plans; check the latest route information before setting out.

In the wider destination of Zollernalbkreis

The wider region also offers a range of options for hikers. Zollernalb has fourteen premium trails—eleven in Albstadt and three in Meßstetten—as well as more than 100 signposted circular hiking trails. These numbers may change when the trail network is updated. One example of a longer route is the 33-kilometre Schlichem Hiking Trail from Meßstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf. Its landscapes include small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge.

Zollernalb lies in the western part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb, where the mountains reach their greatest heights. The Zillhausen Waterfall and the sea of rocks beneath the Hörnle are highlighted as geological natural spectacles in the region. The trail at Westerberg, above Nusplingen, offers another way to explore the region’s geology and ends at a rock-knocking site. These regional themes add natural features and geological discoveries to the hiking ideas, without conflating them with the trails around Albstadt.

Other regional activities offer a change of pace: relaxed family cycling trips are possible in the Alb foothills, for example at the Schömberg Reservoir. The “Hiking Like Everyone Else” programme features varied tours that are also suitable for people with disabilities. Albguide tours share information about local flora and fauna, as well as history, prehistory, archaeology and geology; booking one of these tours is recommended. You can also go hiking with a donkey at Lochen.

The wider destination of Zollernalbkreis also offers cultural attractions. The present-day Hohenzollern Castle is the third fortress on Zollerberg. It belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located in the district of Zimmern. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, the present-day castle was rebuilt from 1850 to 1867. It is open to visitors every day and offers a glimpse of its historic rooms; opening times may change, so check them before your visit.

The castle’s cultural programme includes numerous concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. Alongside hiking and nature, Zollernalbkreis also offers historical and cultural experiences. When choosing accommodation, you can consider which of these best suits the kind of stay you want.

The 2026 season for leisure transport runs until 18 October 2026. During the season, the Schieferbahn runs directly from Balingen to Dotternhausen and Schömberg, without requiring a change. The Nauf-Nab-Trauf bus connects Hechingen with the Nägelehaus in Albstadt-Onstmettingen. If you are travelling during this period, check the timetable for your chosen day in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Weilen Unter Den Rinnen, Geislingen, Nusplingen, Tieringen, Burladingen, Schömberg, Dormettingen, Dotternhausen.

Back to the main travel overview: Zollernalbkreis.