Hayingen: Wimsener Cave, Hiking Trails and Nature Theater

Hayingen offers a range of options when planning a stay: nature experiences, hiking and local history. Wimsener Cave offers a boat trip, the trails lead to a variety of landscapes and destinations, and the Old Hospital adds a historic building in the old town to the mix.

Wimsener Cave and the Great Lauter

Wimsener Cave in Hayingen is Germany’s only water cave that can be explored by boat. During the boat trip, the ferryman tells stories. Canoeing and boating in the area around the Great Lauter are another seasonal highlight: according to Naturerlebnis Hayingen, visitors can enjoy these activities there.

Hiking trails with a variety of destinations

The “hochgehschätzt” premium hiking trail is the Hayingen–Glastal route and is 9.2 kilometers long. The published route length offers a practical guide for planning; check the latest information and trail conditions before setting out.

There are also two published circular hikes with different routes. One starts in Hayingen, passes through Maisenburg and offers a detour to the castle ruins. A second also starts in Hayingen and leads through the “Digelfeld” juniper heath. You can choose between the Hayingen–Glastal route and circular trails whose descriptions mention different stops or landscapes. Check the conditions for your chosen route before setting out.

Old Town, Theater and Town Festival

The Old Hospital is one of the notable buildings in Hayingen’s old town. Schweikhard von Gundelfingen founded it in 1536. The building’s name, founder and date give it a clear historical connection to the town.

The Hayingen Nature Theater presented the family musical “Heart of Stone” from July 5 to August 30, 2026. These dates refer to the 2026 season. In the same year, Hayingen’s town festival in the town center was held for the 41st time.

In the wider Reutlingen destination

The wider Reutlingen destination also offers more cultural and hiking experiences. In Zwiefalten, the Minster of Our Lady is the centerpiece of the old monastic and pilgrimage town. It is one of the most significant examples of German Late Baroque architecture. The Zwiefalten Minster hosts concerts every year; dates vary. In Reutlingen district, 15 routes in the hochgehberge hiking network also run, and the network may change.

Lichtenstein Castle was built from 1840 to 1842 on the foundations of an older castle. The Hochgehträumt circular trail leads from the castle past scenic viewpoints 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. Check current connections before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Lichtenstein, Römerstein, Grafenberg, Gomadingen, Dettingen An Der Erms, Trochtelfingen, Metzingen, Zwiefalten.

View the wider travel guide: Reutlingen.