Neuhausen auf den Fildern: Nature and Hiking

Neuhausen auf den Fildern lies in the Filder natural area within the Swabian Keuper-Lias Hills. The Sauhag nature reserve and extensive orchard areas contribute to the area’s recreational appeal. If you would like to combine a stay with nature and hiking, the various circular trails can help you plan your day: options range from a flat, one-hour loop to longer routes with climbs and stated elevation gains. The local carnival tradition and traces of the area’s history also provide cultural points of interest alongside the landscape.

Circular trails by distance and route features

The Neuhausen/Filder section of the Swabian Alb Association has marked four circular hiking trails in Sauhag. Check the local signs before setting off, as route information may change.

Circular Trail A is 3.5 kilometers long, runs along flat terrain and takes about an hour. Along the way, you pass a burial mound and a Jupiter column. The shortest route featured here thus combines a clearly stated walking time with two notable stops.

Circular Trail C covers 7 kilometers and has gentle climbs. Points of interest along the way include a viewpoint and a place to stop for refreshments at Lindenhof. Compared with the flat Trail A, Trail C is longer and offers views as well as the option to stop for refreshments. Since refreshment options may change, check before your hike whether the stop at Lindenhof will be available during your visit.

The anniversary circular trail J covers 10.5 kilometers with 125 meters of elevation gain and showcases the diversity and beauty of the local landscape. Compared with Trail A, the elevation figure provides an additional factor to consider when planning. At 11 kilometers, Circular Trail D is the longest route listed and also has gentle climbs. Along the way, you’ll find Waldhauser Castle, an information board about the history of the forest and a Roman temple dedicated to Mercury. When choosing a route, you can take into account both its length and the landscape and historical sights along the way.

Carnival and local history

The Neuhäuser Fasnet has a documented history of more than 560 years; carnival in Neuhausen was first mentioned in 1447. This tradition adds a distinctive cultural dimension to local history. If you would like to plan your stay around Fasnet, check event dates in advance.

Another trace of local history is a tower belonging to the former castle and fortress complex, next to the lower palace area. The tower is freely accessible. Since access conditions may change, it is advisable to check access arrangements before your visit.

Getting there and the regional setting

Neuhausen auf den Fildern is close to Stuttgart Airport and has direct access to the A8 motorway. Depending on your starting point, you can take these two location features into account when planning your route.

Across the wider Esslingen destination, six natural areas shape the overall landscape of the Esslingen district: Schurwald, Schönbuch, Filder, the Neckar Valley, the Alb foothills and the Alb escarpment. The district’s orchard landscape includes 1.5 million fruit trees and shapes the scenery. The Esslingen district is also one of the ten districts in the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark. In Neuhausen itself, the Filder natural area, Sauhag and the local orchards are the specific landscape features.

Discover more destinations: Holzmaden, Deizisau, Wolfschlugen, Nellingen, Nürtingen, Altbach, Wernau, Ohmden

Return to the destination overview: Esslingen.