Aach: Karst Spring, Old Town and Hegau Views

Aach can be explored through three distinct themes: the Aachtopf karst spring, the historic old town, and trails through the town and surrounding countryside. If you’re looking for a hotel in Aach, deciding what you’re most interested in can help with your trip planning: Would you like to focus mainly on a geological feature, explore the old town on foot, or choose a hike with specific landscape features? Each of the following places and trails offers its own distinctive experience.

Karst spring and trails through limestone terrain

The Aachtopf near Aach is Germany’s largest karst spring by discharge volume. This geological feature takes center stage here, setting it apart from the town’s historic and urban attractions. Along the Aacher Geißbock hiking trail, large sinkholes in the limestone define one section, where the trail descends along narrow paths. These sinkholes are directly connected to the underground cave system of the Aach spring.

The Aacher Geißbock circular hike starts at the Aach spring and climbs to the northern edge of Aach’s town hill. Together with the downhill paths through the sinkholes, it makes for a route shaped by changes in direction and the limestone landscape. If you’re comparing hiking options, two specific landmarks to look out for on this loop are its starting point at the spring and the section through the sinkholes.

Old town, views and historic landmarks

The historic old town sits on a steep hill and is fortified with town walls, ramparts and a gate tower. A walk uphill to the old town opens up views over Aach, down the Aach Valley to Friedinger Schlößle, and across the Hegau landscape. The town’s historic character is thus paired with a clear view of its surroundings: the climb leads into the old town, while the views extend beyond Aach into the valley and countryside.

A historic trail is another option in Aach. It includes 13 stops, one of which is the Aach spring. The number of stops gives this trail a different character from a walk focused on the views: you follow a route with several historic points of interest, including the spring.

Another historic landmark is the surviving Hochgerichtsstein (High Court Stone) at the northern edge of Aach’s municipal forest, near the area known as “Prälatenhau.” The Aacher Geißbock hiking trail passes the Old Tower of Aach. So in addition to its fortified old town, Aach has other named historic sites to discover.

Konstanz: Mainau Island and regional transport

The Butterfly House on Mainau Island in Konstanz is home to up to 120 different butterfly species and subspecies from the tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. Ring bus routes 4/13 and 13/4, running between Konstanz station and the districts of Litzelstetten, Wallhausen, Dingelsdorf and Dettingen, stop near the entrance to Mainau Island. Check the current timetable before you travel.

Overnight guests in 14 participating towns receive the BODENSEECARD WEST at check-in. It provides free travel in the district of Konstanz as far as Stein am Rhein and Überlingen, a 20 percent discount on Untersee boat trips, and reduced admission to museums. Check which towns are participating before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Stockach, Mühlhausen-Ehingen, Hilzingen, Moos, Seelfingen, Konstanz, Tengen, Steißlingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Konstanz.