Reutin: Circular Routes and Local History

Reutin is a district at a higher elevation that still retains its agricultural character. The various circular routes offer a practical starting point when choosing how to spend your stay: they differ in length, approximate duration, elevation gain and what you can see along the way. There is also a documented local history and historical traces along the trails. When planning, you can therefore take into account your preferred walking time and interests.

Choose Circular Routes by Duration and Terrain

The Zollernblick circular route around Reutin is 2.9 kilometres long and takes about 40 minutes. It is easy to walk and suitable for strollers. Along the way, it passes the Hofwäldlehütte. In clear weather, the view extends as far as Hohenzollern Castle. Its short distance, approximate walking time and views make this a well-defined option if you do not want to set aside too much time for a hike.

For a longer walk, the Wasserfall circular route covers 6.3 kilometres and takes about one hour and 20 minutes. The ascent and descent each involve 130 metres of elevation gain. Near Reutin, the route reaches the Gräbenbach waterfalls via a 1.5-metre-wide, easy-to-walk path. This circular route combines a longer distance with a specific destination along the way.

At 5.1 kilometres, the Schillerlinde circular route falls between the two distances mentioned above. It takes about one hour and 15 minutes, with 48 metres of elevation gain on both the ascent and descent. The approximate walking times for the Schillerlinde and Wasserfall routes are therefore similar, while their distances and elevation gains differ. At a viewpoint on the Schillerlinde circular route, you can enjoy a wide view across the Kinzig Valley.

The circular route around Reutin and Peterzell also offers its own points of reference. It starts at the Reutin local administration office, where free parking is available. After about ten minutes, the route crosses a small bridge over the Wäschbach stream. The path is suitable for strollers, with one exception: the approximately 100-metre section in the area of the Wäschbach and the Wäschbach bridge is not included in this suitability. If you are travelling with a stroller, bear this restriction in mind when choosing a route.

Landscape and History in Reutin

Reutin’s agricultural character remains part of its identity to this day. The village was first mentioned in a document in 1360. A historical trace of this rural past can be found on the Schillerlinde circular route, where you pass the old Waghäusle. The building was once used to weigh farmers’ crops and livestock. Its former use gives this stop along the way a direct connection to the district’s agricultural history.

Another way to spend time outdoors is to visit the Zimmerplatz barbecue area with the Hofwäldlehütte in Reutin. It can be reserved on request. You can therefore choose a route based on whether you would prefer a shorter walk, a viewpoint or time at the barbecue area.

Conditions on the Wasserfall and Schillerlinde circular routes may change. Check them before setting out. For the other routes, the specific information on walking time, stroller suitability and route layout can help you plan a stay that suits you.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Alpirsbach

The wider destination of Alpirsbach complements the focus on landscape and circular routes with its own historical and cultural attractions. Alpirsbach Benedictine Abbey is around 900 years old and a significant landmark of the town. Its abbey church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, was built between 1125 and 1133 in the Romanesque tradition.

The Alpirsbach Offizin printing museum offers another way to explore history: in the historic print shop, visitors can see how book printing works and plan and carry out their own printing projects. The Museum of Local History, next to the abbey complex, illustrates the town’s development through selected collector’s items.

View the wider travel overview: Alpirsbach.