Reutlingen: Minster, Castles and Hiking Trails

The Minster of Our Lady stands at the heart of Zwiefalten, an old monastic and pilgrimage site. In the district of Reutlingen, possible travel interests also include museums in Münsingen, hiking trails and guided tours. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether architectural history, exhibitions, nature or outdoor activities should be the main focus. The individual places and activities offer different highlights; when making specific plans, pay particular attention to event dates, tour dates and how to get to Lichtenstein Castle.

Culture and history in Zwiefalten and Münsingen

Zwiefalten Minster is one of the most significant examples of German Late Baroque architecture. Minster concerts are held there every year, with dates varying from year to year. So if you would like to attend a concert, check the current event dates in advance. This allows you to combine a visit to this historic place with a specific cultural event while keeping its scheduling in mind.

Lichtenstein Castle also offers a glimpse into different periods of construction: it was built between 1840 and 1842 on the foundations of an older knights’ castle. In Münsingen, the focus is on local and regional history. The Old Castle houses the Castle City Museum, which presents the history and culture of the Münsinger Alb. The architectural history of Lichtenstein and the museum’s regional perspective in Münsingen thus offer different ways to explore history and culture.

The Swabian Alb Biosphere Centre in Münsingen shares insights into the nature, landscape and people of the biosphere area. It uses interactive exhibits as well as audio and video contributions. Educational group activities include felting, planting, harvesting and cooking together; programme details may change. Unlike the city museum, the centre focuses on nature and landscape as well as group activities, while the museum covers the history and culture of the Münsinger Alb.

Hiking trails and practical information

Fifteen routes from the hochgehberge hiking programme run through the district of Reutlingen. As the route network may be revised, we recommend checking the current selection before planning. One specific option is the Hochgehträumt circular hiking trail: it leads from Lichtenstein Castle along impressive scenic cliffs directly to Nebelhöhle Cave. The castle and the cave are thus linked as destinations on this named hiking trail.

When travelling to the castle, note that public transport does not go directly there. The nearest bus stops are in Unterhausen at Oberhausener Steige, in Honau and in Traifelberg; you can hike to the castle from these stops. Check current connections before you set off, as public transport services may change.

Another way to get to know Münsingen is to take a tour of the former military training area. Trained TrÜP guides lead visitors on private tours or on tours with other visitors on selected dates throughout the year. The options are therefore subject to the type of tour and the scheduled dates. If you are planning a guided tour, check the current dates and booking arrangements in advance. This makes it easy to compare the guided tour with independently chosen cultural activities or an interest in the region’s hiking trails.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Reutlingen, Sonnenbühl, Dettingen An Der Erms, Metzingen, Münsingen, Pfullingen, Pliezhausen, Riederich, Sankt Johann, Bad Urach, Trochtelfingen, Hayingen, Zwiefalten, Gomadingen, Lichtenstein, Römerstein, Eningen Unter Achalm, Hülben, Mehrstetten, Engstingen, Pfronstetten, Hohenstein, Grafenberg.

Back to the main travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.