Gomadingen: Discover Hiking and Nature

Those choosing Gomadingen for a stay can plan their hikes around two different themes: a loop around Sternberg and an astronomical trail in the Großer Lautertal. The Gomadingen “hochgehsprudelt” circular hiking trail is 8.7 kilometres long and can be walked in either direction. The Planet Trail depicts the solar system to scale at twelve stops. The trails therefore differ both in their thematic focus and in their stated distances.

Hiking Trails and Distances

When comparing the routes, it is important to include the return journey for the Planet Trail. The trail is 9.5 kilometres long, and the return journey adds another 7.5 kilometres. If you plan to walk both sections, the total distance comes to 17 kilometres. The stated length of the “hochgehsprudelt” circular hiking trail covers the 8.7-kilometre loop around Sternberg, which can be walked in either direction. When the Planet Trail’s return journey is included, the Gomadingen loop is therefore the shorter of the two routes described. These distances can help you decide how much hiking you would like to do during your stay, without assuming a walking time or difficulty level.

Landscape Along the Circular Hiking Trail

The “hochgehsprudelt” hiking trail passes through juniper heaths with diverse flora and fauna, as well as stretches of woodland. Alongside its length, the loop therefore has a clear landscape theme: both juniper heath and woodland are features of the route. If the scenery is also a factor in choosing a hike, you can take this contrast into account. The loop around Sternberg combines a defined route with the natural features mentioned.

The Große Lauter in Offenhausen

Another natural feature is the source of the Große Lauter: it rises in Offenhausen from a karst spring pool surrounded by old monastery walls. The combination of the spring and the masonry gives this place a distinctive character alongside the two hiking trails. The spring pool is a natural feature, while the surrounding monastery walls provide a historic architectural connection. This gives you a choice of different themes for your trip: a circular hike, an astronomical hiking trail, and a spring area with old monastery walls.

More Themes in the Wider Reutlingen Destination

Other places in the wider Reutlingen destination offer more nature and cultural themes. The Münster of Our Lady is the centrepiece of Zwiefalten, an old monastery and pilgrimage site, and is one of the most significant examples of German Late Baroque architecture. Münster concerts are held there every year, with dates that vary. It is therefore worth checking the concert dates in advance when planning your trip.

Another historic stop is Lichtenstein Castle, built between 1840 and 1842 on the foundations of an older knight’s castle. The Hochgehträumt hiking trail leads from the castle along impressive panoramic cliffs directly to Nebelhöhle Cave. Public transport does not go directly to the castle. The nearest bus stops are in Unterhausen (Oberhausener Steige), Honau and Traifelberg; from there, you can hike to the castle. If you plan this journey, check the current connections in advance, as public transport services may change.

The hochgehberge hiking network also includes 15 tours in the district of Reutlingen. This regional figure adds a broader hiking context to the specific distances in Gomadingen. As the route network may be revised, check the current selection if you are interested in another tour.

Discover more destinations: Metzingen, Eningen Unter Achalm, Sankt Johann, Hayingen, Mehrstetten, Engstingen, Reutlingen, Lichtenstein.

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Reutlingen.