Discover Börtlingen: Schurwald and history

Börtlingen is located on a ridge in the Schurwald. There are several topics to consider as you plan your trip: signposted trails, the climbable Reinhold Maier Tower, the historic Ölberg and local orchard conservation. First decide whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, explore a historic sculpture, or discover regional products.

Hiking trails and views

The Reinhold Maier Tower is on the K 1408 between Breech, a district of Börtlingen, and Lorch-Rattenharz. Formerly a tower used by the state water supply authority, it was converted into an observation tower and can be climbed. This structure thus combines its former role in water supply with its present use as an observation tower.

Three Nordic walking routes are marked out in Börtlingen. Together, the routes cover 17.4 kilometres and are suitable for Nordic walking, hiking, jogging and pushchairs. The 17.4 kilometres refers to the total length of the routes, not to a single route. Check the route information before setting out, as trail conditions can change.

Cultural history at the Ölberg

The Börtlingen Ölberg was created around 1510 and is considered the first surviving work of the Adelberg sculptors’ workshop. The scene depicts Jesus, Peter, James and John; Judas and the guards are shown in the background. The sculpture can therefore be understood both in terms of its approximate date and its figures and connection to the Adelberg workshop.

Those interested in historic sculptures will find specific points of reference here: its dating to around 1510, its attribution as the workshop’s first surviving work, and the people depicted. These aspects complement one another, so the description is not limited to a date. The Ölberg thus offers a distinct cultural focus alongside the trails and the observation tower.

Orchards and local highlights

The municipality is committed to preserving its traditional orchard meadows. One local product is Börtlinger Weinapfel, available as sparkling wine. The product’s availability may change; if it is relevant to your trip planning, check what is currently available in advance.

Börtlingen has met the criteria of the Fairtrade organisation and is Germany’s 627th Fairtrade municipality. Along with orchard conservation and Weinapfel, this adds another dimension to local highlights beyond hiking and history. These are different aspects: municipal commitment, the preservation of traditional orchards, and a specific product whose availability may vary.

Göppingen in the wider region

In the wider Göppingen travel region, the Löwenpfade trails in the district of Göppingen are circular routes ranging from 3 to 24 kilometres. They can be walked in either direction and are signposted and marked both ways. A board at each starting point provides information about the route, an elevation profile and sights along the way. The distance and elevation profile information helps you assess these regional tours in advance.

For mountain bikers, there are four Löwentrails in the district of Göppingen, circular tours ranging from 16 to 30 kilometres. They are particularly suitable for beginners and e-mountain bikers. This distinguishes Börtlingen’s Nordic walking routes from the hiking and mountain biking options in the wider Göppingen travel region, without attributing the regional tours to Börtlingen.

Discover more destinations: Bad Überkingen, Gruibingen, Adelberg, Heiningen, Hohenstadt, Eislingen/Fils, Uhingen, Wangen

Go to the regional travel overview: Göppingen.