Öllingen: Lonetal Valley and Local History

Öllingen lies at an elevation of 526 metres on the southern slope of the Flächenalb. The Lonetal Valley, a biotope restored to a more natural state, and the history of agriculture offer different highlights for your stay. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, the valley can be the main focus; the parish church and archaeological sites complement the natural setting with architectural and archaeological history.

Nature and landscape

The Lonetal Valley in and around Öllingen invites you to hike, linger and marvel. Rare animal and plant species are part of this natural area; specific sightings cannot be planned. The natural area around Öllingen has been undergoing restoration and protection for years.

In the heart of Öllingen, the former fire pond was transformed into a natural-style biotope with open water and places to sit. Frogs and dragonflies find a habitat there. For travel planning, the two nature attractions differ: the valley provides a setting for hiking and lingering, while the biotope brings open water, places to sit and habitat together in one location. If your plans depend on access or seating, check local conditions before your visit.

Architecture and agricultural history

The Protestant parish church of St. Ulrich in Öllingen is a Romanesque hall church with a Baroque tower structure. A hall church has a single, continuous interior space; the tower adds a distinct architectural accent. Historically, from 1825 onwards, flax cultivation, grain and fruit growing, and hop cultivation shaped everyday life around Öllingen. This makes it possible to understand local history not only through architecture, but also through past agricultural activities.

Archaeology in the surrounding area

About three kilometres north of Öllingen, on the eastern edge of the Lonetal Valley, lies the Bockstein massif. It includes several caves and archaeological sites; the Bockstein Cave is the main cave and is currently inaccessible. The distinction between the names is useful: Bockstein massif refers to the area with several caves and archaeological sites, while Bockstein Cave refers to the single main cave within it.

More to explore in the Alb-Donau district

The Alb-Donau district has 20 circular “Ice Age Trails” ranging from 6 to 14 kilometres, suitable for day hikes. The family-friendly “Ice Age Tracks” offer shorter routes of 1 to 6 kilometres, while the Path of Contemplation is intended for multi-day tours. The routes therefore differ in their stated lengths and time frames. The Alb-Donau district is also part of the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve.

A range of distances is also available for cycling tours: the “Ice Age Valleys” tour is 75 kilometres long, the “Berg Bier Tour” 115 kilometres, and the “Albtäler” cycle route 186 kilometres. The “Albtäler” cycle route has a four-star rating. These distances give you a concrete basis for comparing regional cycling routes.

Another archaeological site in the Alb-Donau district is Hohle Fels near Schelklingen. The cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the discovery site of the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Vulture Bone Flute”; both finds are about 42,500 years old.

Discover more destinations: Staig, Allmendingen, Lonsee, Ballendorf, Laichingen, Breitingen, Rammingen, Heroldstatt.

For the broader travel overview: Alb-Donau district.