Lauchheim Between Nature and History

Lauchheim offers great landscape diversity in a small area: the young Jagst Valley, the Ellwangen Virngrund, the heath hills on the edge of the Ries, the densely wooded Alb escarpment and the barren, rocky Härtsfeld each present a different landscape. Elevations range from 480 to 730 metres. Well-maintained hiking and cycling trails complement these natural attractions. During your hotel stay, you can choose from a range of activities—from outdoor pursuits to historical and cultural experiences. In the Ostalb district, the Limes Circular Hiking Trail near Rainau is about 11 kilometres long and takes approximately two and a half hours on foot.

Discover the Stettberg Trail and its stops

The Stettberg nature and exercise trail offers a way to learn about local flora and fauna. It starts at the fire pond by the municipal works yard and runs along Lindenstraße and Fuchsmühlweg. After passing under the railway, it continues across Wiedenfeld to Fuchsmühle and on to the Schützenhaus. Along the trail are a meadow with a barbecue area, a “Take a Breather” spot and a small exercise equipment course. The route combines its focus on nature with specific places to exercise and relax.

Churches and chapels from different periods

The present-day parish church of St Peter and Paul in Lauchheim was built in 1869 and 1870. The renovated Neo-Renaissance-style church has a unique interior and exceptional works of art. A much older landmark is St Barbara’s Chapel: it is the oldest surviving building in the parish and was built around 1400 in the Gothic style. The cemetery chapel, meanwhile, houses an elaborately decorated altar from the Baroque period. Together, these sacred buildings showcase different periods and artistic styles.

Local history in the gate tower and town centre

The museum in Lauchheim’s gate tower covers geology, prehistory and the Roman period, including two forts. Its exhibits also reflect Lauchheim’s distinctive development as the area’s original settlement and as the centre of the Kapfenburg Teutonic Order commandery. Several buildings in the town centre still bear witness to Lauchheim’s former role as the administrative town of the Kapfenburg Teutonic Order commandery. Outside opening hours, guided tours can be arranged by appointment, including in combination with a town tour; please arrange a time in advance.

Kapfenburg Castle and the Ukulele Trail

The International Music School Academy Cultural Centre at Kapfenburg Castle has been based there since 1999. A 2024 operator information page describes the interactive Ukulele Trail as a circular route around the castle that introduces children and families to its history in a playful way. Details at the stops may change. The trail adds a family-oriented activity to the historical experience; the churches, chapels and museum offer different cultural highlights.

Discover more destinations: Heubach, Jagstzell, Bopfingen, Unterschneidheim, Adelmannsfelden, Eschach, Abtsgmünd, Spraitbach

Go to the regional travel overview: Ostalb district.