leisure tips
Be active
Hiking
The Swabian Alb is a paradise for hikers. Around Indelhausen there is an excellent network of hiking trails through a unique natural landscape. Enjoy the varied flora and fauna, the fresh air and be enchanted by the beauty of the surroundings. Whether leisurely walks along the Lauter or challenging mountain tours on the Albsteig, through the Wolfstal and the Traufgang Wacholderhöhe. With us, every hiker will find the right route.
Big Lauter
The Lauterquelle in Gomadingen-Offenhausen was awarded as one of the natural wonders of Germany 2019. It is idyllically situated, surrounded by old monastery walls. From here, the Great Lauter flows through the valley with the highest concentration of castles in southern Germany. After an impressive 42 kilometers, the primordial river finally flows into the upper Danube shortly after Obermarchtal.
Wolfstal
The Wolfstal in the municipality of Lauterach is a true hiker’s paradise. It offers fascinating natural beauties all year round, but especially in spring when the March beaker blossoms, the circular hiking trail attracts numerous walkers and hikers. An absolute highlight for water lovers is the water playground right next to the information center of the biosphere reserve at Laufenmühle.
Tanner's cave and ox holes
From the hiking car park in Anhausen, a hiking trail leads along the southern tip of the former ring wall system “Althayingen” through the picturesque Fichteltal. Here you will come across the fascinating Tanner’s Cave and the Ox Holes, which were used by Aboriginal people as dwelling caves, shelters, refuges and storage places. However, it is important to note that the Tanner’s Cave is closed in winter out of consideration for the bats.
Cycling
Discover the beautiful region along the Lauter by bike. With us you have the opportunity to rent bicycles, e-bikes and mountain bikes to enjoy your bike tour to the fullest. Use our hotel bike rental and discover the area on two wheels. Enjoy the fresh air, scenic views and freedom that cycling in this region offers. Whether leisurely bike paths along the river or challenging mountain bike trails – you will find the right bike for your tour with us.
Glastal
Nature experience for the whole family
Pure nature – watch out, little cavers – the bear cave is right on the hiking trail, as well as the glass cave – if you keep your eyes open, you will discover the crystal-clear spring water of the Hasenbach. There are also various vantage points on the route through the Glastal, e.g. the Lämmestein or the castle ruins of Alt Ehrenfels. The path through the Glastal begins at the Hayinger Bridge car park and leads past Ehrenfels Castle to the Wimsen Cave.
Wacholderheide Digelfeld
The Digelfeld is an impressive 121-hectare nature reserve near Hayingen. It is still grazed today by a shepherd with his sheep, which contributes to its preservation and care. The juniper heaths of the Digelfeld are home to unique flora and fauna and offer a habitat for rare plant and animal species. Depending on the season, typical alpine flowers such as orchids, pasque flowers, gentians, orchids and thyme bloom here. The Digelfeld is a unique natural landscape that is home to butterflies and birds such as the gray shrike.
Blossom area Swabian Alb
The Swabian Alb is a very varied landscape. It ranges from the gentle hills of the Alb foothills to the steeply rising Albtrauf to the wide Alb plateaus and in the south to the Danube. Species-rich juniper heaths are just as easy to find as flowering meadows, castles, palaces and churches. The Swabian Jura was recognized by UNESCO as a model region for sustainable development, which underscores its importance as a pioneer in environmentally conscious action.
Sightseeing features
Great Lauter Valley
Take a fascinating journey to the impressive castles, castle ruins and palaces of the region such as the Wartstein ruins, Derneck castle, Maisenburg castle ruins and Hohengundelfingen. Guests who enjoy hiking can expect a fantastic environment and rewarding views, because the Burgenweg leads directly past the Flair Hotel Hirsch. Take the opportunity to explore these historic structures.
Wimsen Cave
The Wimsen Cave, also known as the Friedrich Cave, has a long history that dates back to 1447. It is not only a fascinating natural experience for little cave explorers, because it is the only water cave in Germany that can be driven on. As a special hiking and excursion destination, it lies between Hayingen and Zwiefalten. Hikers can reach the Wimsen Cave via the hiking trail through the Glastal. For the little water rats there is a water playground that invites them to play and run around.
Visit
Nature theater
The Naturtheater Hayingen with its idyllic open-air stage attracts numerous visitors from the region and beyond to Hayingen every year. In the midst of a romantic forest setting, the committed amateur actors have been delighting their audiences with Swabian dialect pieces in all weathers since 1949. Since 2012, a children’s play has also been part of the repertoire of the natural theater. Traditional and modern meet here in a humorous and contemplative way. The covered grandstand offers a particularly beautiful place with a unique atmosphere in the midst of idyllic nature.
Zwiefalter Münster
A trip to the Zwiefalter Minster is definitely worth it. The two-tower baroque cathedral is one of the most important buildings of the late baroque period. It originally served as the monastery church of the Benedictine abbey in Zwiefalten until 1803. The Zwiefalter Minster inspires its visitors with magnificent ceiling paintings, artistic stucco work and an impressive choir stalls. Today it serves as a parish church, a place of pilgrimage and offers a beautiful setting for church weddings. Immerse yourself in the impressive atmosphere of this historic place and enjoy the beauty of the architecture and works of art.
Obermarchtal Monastery
The Obermarchtal monastery is an impressive monastery complex that dates back to the 8th century. With its baroque charm, it is a real gem and is located directly on the Upper Swabian Baroque Road and the Danube Cycle Path.
Zwiefalter Münster
A trip to the Zwiefalter Minster is definitely worth it. The two-tower baroque cathedral is one of the most important buildings of the late baroque period. It originally served as the monastery church of the Benedictine abbey in Zwiefalten until 1803. The Zwiefalter Minster inspires its visitors with magnificent ceiling paintings, artistic stucco work and an impressive choir stalls. Today it serves as a parish church, a place of pilgrimage and offers a beautiful setting for church weddings. Immerse yourself in the impressive atmosphere of this historic place and enjoy the beauty of the architecture and works of art.
Charcoal kiln
The charcoal pile on the Münzdorfer Kohlplatte in Hayingen-Münzdorf is a traditional event that only takes place twice a year. Here visitors can experience the fascinating handicraft technique of the charcoal burner up close when he piles up the kiln to produce charcoal. This age-old tradition was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2014.
Main and State Stud Marbach
The oldest state stud, the main and state stud Marbach, enjoys the highest reputation worldwide and not only attracts thousands of visitors to the stallion parade every year. Noble warmblood stallions, lovable Black Forest horses and proud thoroughbred Arabians are at home here. A must and a dream for every horse lover.
Charcoal kiln
The charcoal pile on the Münzdorfer Kohlplatte in Hayingen-Münzdorf is a traditional event that only takes place twice a year. Here visitors can experience the fascinating handicraft technique of the charcoal burner up close when he piles up the kiln to produce charcoal. This age-old tradition was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2014.
Main and State Stud Marbach
The oldest state stud, the main and state stud Marbach, enjoys the highest reputation worldwide and not only attracts thousands of visitors to the stallion parade every year. Noble warmblood stallions, lovable Black Forest horses and proud thoroughbred Arabians are at home here. A must and a dream for every horse lover.