Sigmaringen: Castle, Old Town and Danube Valley
Accommodation in Sigmaringen
In Sigmaringen, urban history meets the surrounding landscape: the Old Town lies at the foot of Hohenzollern Castle. The town is also part of the Upper Danube Nature Park and lies on the edge of the Swabian Jura. Here, the Danube flows through a landscape shaped by towering rocks and forests. On your trip, you can combine sightseeing, events and outdoor activities.
Explore the Castle and Old Town
Sigmaringen Castle evolved from a medieval fortress into a princely residence and is considered a landmark of the town. Guided tours of the castle introduce you to almost 1,000 years of Hohenzollern family history. The castle is home to a private weapons collection containing around 3,000 objects. The tour and the collection focus on different aspects: one explores the history of the family, while the other showcases the variety of an extensive private collection. If you are interested in history, the castle offers more than a look at its exterior.
Museums and Local History
There are also various ways to enjoy a culturally focused stay beyond the castle. The Round Tower was built as a defensive tower in the old town fortifications and converted into a local history museum in 1970. The Round Tower Local History Museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; check the opening hours before your visit, as they may change.
The Zündapp Museum of the Zoller-Hof Brewery is located in the Marstall building at Fürst-Wilhelm-Straße 5–7. It displays more than 100 exhibits from the Zündapp motorcycle brand. If you are planning a visit specifically to the museum, it is a good idea to confirm the address in advance. The “Stadtführung Sigmaringen” app also offers a self-guided way to explore the town’s history: it lets visitors and locals discover the town’s eventful past interactively and at their own pace. Check in advance that the app is available.
Hiking and Cycling
The DonauFelsenLäufe comprise five premium hiking trails in Sigmaringen. They lead through the Danube Valley, the Schmeien Valley and the Lauchert Valley. These valleys connect the trails to the surrounding landscape; specific route information can help you choose a trail that suits your plans. The Danube Cycle Path also passes through Sigmaringen. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a stay focused on hiking and one centered on cycling; these are separate options, not a single route.
Festivals and Annual Events
Several events shape the calendar throughout the year. The annual Fidelis Festival takes place on April 24: a church service at St. Johann parish church is followed by a candlelight procession through the town center. The Fasnet carnival tradition in Sigmaringen and its districts includes parades, balls, a storming of the town hall and the historic Bräuteln ceremony; the exact program varies from year to year.
The Sigmaringen Town Festival takes place every year in the town center on the last weekend in June. In winter, SIG on ICE is held every year in December and January as an eco-friendly open-air ice rink on the market square. From mid-December, skating enthusiasts can skate there for four weeks. Since seasonal dates and programs can change, check the specific dates if you want to plan your trip around an event.
Everyday Life and Getting Around
A visit to the weekly market is also part of the Sigmaringen experience. Regional products are available there, including baked goods, meat and sausages, fruit and vegetables, cheese, olive oil and honey. The market offers a different way to experience the town than its castle and museums: the focus is on local food and everyday goods.
The train station is centrally located in the town center, and several city bus routes provide additional transport within the town. If you want to combine your journey with a visit to attractions, an event or cycling and walking activities, these options can provide different points of reference for planning your trip. Timetables and routes can change, so it is worth checking current connections for a specific journey.
Discover more destinations: Gammertingen, Krumbach, Mengen, Bad Saulgau, Scheer, Waldbeuren, Veringenstadt, Schwäblishausen, Ostrach, Herdwangen-Schönach, Illmensee, Hohentengen, Herbertingen, Pfullendorf, Thiergarten, Beuron, Bingen, Meßkirch, Leibertingen, Wald, Schwenningen, Sigmaringen, Hettingen, Inzigkofen, Sigmaringendorf, Neufra and Sauldorf.
Go to the overview of destinations: Baden-WĂĽrttemberg.
