Discover Dischingen: Trails, Church and Härtsfeld Lake

For a trip to Dischingen, walking trails, cultural sites and destinations in the surrounding area can be considered separately. The Thurn & Taxis themed trail leads from the town centre to the castle and English Garden; St. John the Baptist Parish Church and the local history museum offer other points of interest. At Härtsfeld Lake, there is also a circular trail and activities on the water. These differences can help you plan your stay around your own interests.

Walking trails and the castle grounds

The Thurn & Taxis themed trail is a walking route of about 3 km from the centre of Dischingen to Taxis Castle and the English Garden. Six information panels accompany the trail. Taxis Castle, also known as Trugenhofen Castle, is in Dischingen and comprises several buildings: the Cavalier Building, Theatre Building, Chapel Building, Princes’ Building and Princes’ Residence.

When planning your visit, it is important to distinguish between the trail’s destination and what you can visit: Taxis Castle is not open to the public. The adjacent English Garden has well-maintained paths and several landscape features. On the Härtsfeld Lake–English Garden–Castle and Castles route, a bench offers panoramic views of Dischingen and the Egau Valley.

Church, organ and rural culture

St. John the Baptist Parish Church was built by Joseph Dossenberger the Younger, a pupil of Dominikus Zimmermann. The church houses an organ made by Joseph Höß in 1782, regarded as the only surviving playable work by this organ builder. Thus, the church’s architectural history and its organ are two distinct aspects. It is open to visitors during the day; check locally before your visit to confirm opening hours.

The Dischingen Local History Museum illustrates former rural life on the Härtsfeld through agricultural and craft items from the home. The Rural Picture Gallery at Ballmertshofen Castle offers a different perspective: since 1977, it has displayed around 400 pictures and framed sayings from Härtsfeld farmhouses. While household objects are the focus at the museum, the gallery centres on pictures and sayings. You can therefore encounter different ways of preserving memories of rural life.

Härtsfeld Lake and excursions in the surrounding area

In the surrounding area lies Härtsfeld Lake, a local recreation area covering 11.5 hectares and reaching a depth of up to 4 metres. The lake offers opportunities for surfing and paddling. There is also a multi-generational playground and a large sand and mud play area. As a habitat, the lake provides a home for fish and bird species, European crayfish, swans and beavers.

The Dischingen–Iggenhausen–Härtsfeld Lake circular trail reaches the southern shore. There, an open kiosk with a terrace serves refreshments. In the surrounding area, the Härtsfeld Museum Railway runs for more than 5.6 km through the Egau Valley between Neresheim and Dischingen, ending at Härtsfeld Lake. Historic original vehicles and buildings have been restored; a section of the line from Neresheim through the Egau Valley has been reopened. Check the timetable before travelling.

Karlsbrunnen Campsite

The Karlsbrunnen Campsite is located in Dischingen-Trugenhofen and can accommodate up to five groups. Its facilities include barbecue areas, a playground, a pavilion, parking spaces and a football pitch. There are also sanitary facilities with toilets and showers.

Discover more destinations: Gerstetten, Heidenheim An Der Brenz, Giengen An Der Brenz, Nattheim, Königsbronn, Steinheim Am Albuch, Niederstotzingen, Herbrechtingen.

Go to the main travel overview: Heidenheim.