Ellwangen (Jagst): Culture, the Cold Market and Nature

Castle, Churches and Town History

The courtyard of Schloss ob Ellwangen features elegant Renaissance arcades. Together with Schönenberg Church, the castle is a landmark of Ellwangen visible from far away. The pilgrimage church is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart. The Upper German-Raetian Limes is also part of the area’s history: it runs through Ellwangen’s municipal territory for 11 kilometres.

The Castle Museum explores more than 1,250 years of Ellwangen’s culture and history and that of its surrounding area. Permanent and special exhibitions offer insights into this heritage; items on display include faience and porcelain from the Schrezheim manufactory, founded in 1752 by Prince Provost Franz Georg von Schönborn. Those interested in early settlement can learn about five centuries of Alamanni history, from the 3rd to the 8th century AD, through significant archaeological finds at the Alamanni Museum. Life-size displays, interactive media featuring screens and moving images, and hands-on exhibition elements bring the subject to life in a variety of ways.

A 90-minute guided tour of the town centre visits St. Vitus Basilica, the Protestant Town Church and the market square with its Baroque canons’ houses. Check the dates if you would like to plan your trip around this tour.

The Cold Market and Its Horses

The Cold Market is Ellwangen’s oldest festival and one of southern Germany’s most traditional horse markets. It includes a procession through the historic town centre, featuring more than 300 horses and horse-drawn carriages. The event provides a distinct reason to visit, alongside the cultural and natural attractions available year-round. If you are planning your visit around it, check the event dates for your travel period.

Castle Ponds and Hiking Trails

The Ellwangen Castle Ponds nature reserve covers 63 hectares. It includes the castle ponds and the surrounding orchards, and provides a habitat for many animal and plant species. The rare shining water lily can also be found there. Two interactive tours of the reserve are described in the “Out and About in the Nature Reserve” app: an audio tour with information and sounds, and a quiz tour about its plant and animal life. Check that the app is available before planning your visit.

The two hiking routes described differ in both length and destinations. Route 3 is 8 kilometres long, climbs to the heights above Ellwangen, and visits Schönenberg pilgrimage church and the “Castle Ponds” natural monument. Route 2 covers 12 kilometres and leads to natural beauty spots and cultural landmarks in and around Ellwangen. In addition, seven selected circular walks cross the Ellwangen lake district, passing through wooded valleys, scenic heights and lakes. You can choose from shorter and longer routes with a variety of natural and cultural destinations.

You can also explore the area by bike on a circular route: the Ellwangen Limes Cycling Circuit starts at Ellwangen’s Schießwasen, is 42 kilometres long, and returns to Ellwangen through the Jagst Valley, across the Limes and through the hilly lake district. Local route conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Getting to Ellwangen

By train, Ellwangen is an InterCity station on the Karlsruhe–Stuttgart–Nuremberg route and a stop on the Ulm–Frankfurt route. The town centre is just a few minutes’ walk from the main station. As current connections may change, check the timetable before travelling. By car, Ellwangen is directly off the A 7 and has its own exit; the town centre is 10 minutes away. Check current road conditions and signage when planning your journey.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Heubach, Böbingen An Der Rems, Neresheim, Essingen, Rainau, Lauchheim, Täferrot, Jagstzell.

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