Spaichingen

A trip to Spaichingen brings together several distinct themes: the elevation levels at the end of the Prim Valley, the pilgrimage history of Dreifaltigkeitsberg, the design of the town parish church of St. Peter and Paul, and a stage of the Donaubergland Trail. You can plan your stay according to your interests in landscapes, religious history, architecture or hiking.

Spaichingen between the Prim Valley and the Alb Escarpment

At the end of the Prim Valley, the town’s territory extends into the Alb Escarpment. To the south, it includes the Brown Jurassic level at 953 m above sea level, and to the east, the Malm limestone plateau of Dreifaltigkeitsberg. The highest point is 985 m above sea level. Spaichingen is therefore defined by more than its location at the end of the valley: the town’s territory also includes the higher-lying Jurassic landforms. These elevations provide a concrete frame of reference for the different landscape areas.

Pilgrimage, church architecture and nativity scenes

The summit of Dreifaltigkeitsberg became a place of pilgrimage in 1415. The town parish church of St. Peter and Paul offers a glimpse into another aspect of Spaichingen’s religious history: its cornerstone was laid on 24 April 1898, and it was consecrated on 22 October 1900. One distinctive feature of the church is its altar. Carved from a single piece of light-colored Jurassic stone, it is supported by twelve interconnected columns. The dates and the altar’s design bring different aspects of the building to life.

On Dreifaltigkeitsberg, the nativity scene exhibition displays more than 50 nativity scenes from three centuries and different parts of the world, as well as figures depicting the life of Jesus. The collection spans a broad period and features nativity scenes from diverse origins, while the figures provide a clear religious focus. Nearby, the former renovated pump house on Dreifaltigkeitsberg invites visitors to pause and reflect to meditative music. Pilgrimage, the exhibition and quiet contemplation thus offer different ways to experience the mountain.

Hiking, cycling and rail connections

The first stage of the Donaubergland Trail runs from Gosheim to Spaichingen and ends at Dreifaltigkeitsberg. The Donaubergland Trail has been awarded the “Leading Quality Trail” certification. For navigation, the sequence of stages is especially useful: Gosheim is the starting point, and Spaichingen, with Dreifaltigkeitsberg, is the destination of this first stage.

On the R1 cycling route, the connection between Spaichingen and Gunningen runs for about 3 km along county road 5913; elsewhere, separate cycle paths or farm tracks are used. This clearly distinguishes the road section from the other types of routes. Check the route before setting off, as it may change due to roadworks.

Spaichingen is a stop for Intercity and Regional-Express trains, as well as trains operated by the Hohenzollerische Landesbahn. Since train stops and routes affect travel plans, it is advisable to check current connections before departure.

Within the broader travel destination of Tuttlingen

At the district level, Tuttlingen covers 734.4 square kilometers and includes the southwestern foothills of the Swabian Alb, parts of the Baar and the valley of the Upper Danube. The northern part of the district features juniper heathlands and the 10-Tausender region, with ten mountains over 1,000 meters high. Other landscape highlights in the district include the Danube Gorge and the Höwenegg volcanic crater. These landscapes form part of Tuttlingen’s regional setting and add further geographical features to the distinctive elevation levels within Spaichingen.

Discover more destinations: Balgheim, Reichenbach Am Heuberg, Gunningen, Durchhausen, Mahlstetten, Nendingen, Gosheim, Böttingen.

See the broader travel overview: Tuttlingen.