Gammertingen: Historic Old Town and Lauchert Valley

Historical walking routes, a museum and the Lauchert Valley showcase different sides of Gammertingen. If you’re comparing hotels in Gammertingen, these themes can help structure your trip planning: would you like to focus mainly on local history, or are nature and seasonal activities your priority?

Historical routes and town layout

Historical Route 1 is about 1 kilometre long. It starts at Speth’s City Palace, now the town hall, and follows clearly signposted paths through the historic old town. Along the way, you’ll come across remains of the town wall and moat. The route thus connects the town hall, today’s focal point, with traces of the former fortifications.

Historical Route 2 offers a different perspective. About 3 kilometres long, it starts at the Old Brewery and leads to sights outside the historic town centre. The two routes therefore differ both in their approximate length and in whether they focus on the old town or areas beyond it.

The historic town layout was established in the 12th or 13th century on flood-free tufa terraces west of the Lauchert. The rectangular area, measuring 175 × 200 metres, is still recognisable today. Originally, it was surrounded by a continuous town wall. Together with the remains of the wall and moat visible on Route 1, this helps put the former fortifications into context within the townscape.

The former Speth’s City Palace was built in 1775 in the neoclassical style on the site of an earlier 13th-century palace. Today, the building serves as the town hall. It is therefore both a historic building and a prominent landmark marking the start of the first route.

Museum and changing exhibitions

The museum in the Old District Office is dedicated to the history of Gammertingen and the region. It collects and researches this history, presenting it anew through changing exhibitions. The museum is on the second floor of the historic Old District Office, built in 1724/25.

The exhibitions are also part of the local cultural offering: the working group stages two to three exhibitions a year in the museum’s rooms. If a particular exhibition is important to your trip, check the current programme in advance.

The Lauchert Valley and seasonal activities

Gammertingen is located in the Lauchert Valley. With the adjoining Swabian Alb plateaus, the valley is a popular local recreation area, thanks to its extensive forests and invigorating climate. The landscape and natural surroundings complement the historic themes of the old town, although each calls for a different kind of exploration.

There are five newly laid cross-country ski trails in the surrounding districts, with a total length of just under 23 kilometres. When snow conditions are suitable, they can be used for both classic and skating styles. Snow conditions are a key factor when planning this winter activity.

A Kneipp facility is located on the Lauchert between the main town of Gammertingen and the district of Bronnen. It has been part of the municipality of Gammertingen for over 80 years, has been completely renovated and expanded with additional leisure and recreation facilities. As the condition of a facility can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

The City of Gammertingen’s trekking camp is set in the natural surroundings of the Fehlatal valley. It is listed as open from May to October, and bookings are accepted online only. If you’re planning your trip around this seasonal offering, check the latest booking information in advance.

Additional information for the wider destination of Sigmaringen

In the wider destination of Sigmaringen, Sigmaringen Castle is a historic attraction in its own right. It evolved from a medieval castle into a princely residence and is considered a landmark of the city. Guided tours of the castle cover almost 1,000 years of Hohenzollern family history.

The activities vary in their seasonal timing: the cross-country ski trails require suitable snow conditions, while the trekking camp is listed as open from May to October. The museum features changing exhibitions. If one of these activities is the main reason for your trip, take its seasonal requirements or the current exhibition programme into account.

Discover more destinations: Schwäblishausen, Waldbeuren, Ostrach, Veringenstadt, Herdwangen-Schönach, Thiergarten, Krumbach, Mengen.

Back to the main travel guide: Sigmaringen.