Zollernalb District: Hohenzollern Castle, Geopark and Hiking Trails

In the Zollernalb District, visits to historic castles sit alongside geological landscapes and walking or cycling tours. Hohenzollern Castle, the Schlichem Hiking Trail, and seasonal leisure activities offer different options for planning your trip. You can tailor your stay to whether you want to focus on culture, nature, or outdoor activities.

Hohenzollern Castle: History and Cultural Program

The present-day Hohenzollern Castle is the third fortress on Mount Zoller. It belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the boundaries of the district of Zimmern. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into disrepair, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. Its construction history provides a historical context for a visit, while the cultural program includes numerous concerts, family days, open-air cinema, and exhibitions.

The castle opens to visitors daily and offers a glimpse of its historic rooms. As visiting hours may change, check the current schedule before your visit. This will help you fit a visit to the castle around your other travel plans.

Geopark, Rock Formations, and Hiking Trails

The Zollernalb lies in the western part of the Swabian Alb UNESCO Geopark, where the mountains reach their highest elevations. The Zillhausen Waterfall and the sea of rocks below the Hörnle are highlighted as geological natural attractions of the Zollernalb. Another geological point of interest is the educational trail on Westerberg above Nusplingen, which ends at a rock-knocking site.

The 33-kilometer Schlichem Hiking Trail runs from Meßstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf. The varied route features small waterfalls, wet meadows, and a steep-sided gorge. Its landscape differs from the geological destinations at Westerberg, the Hörnle, and the Zillhausen Waterfall.

The hiking options include fourteen premium trails—eleven in Albstadt and three in Meßstetten—as well as more than 100 signposted circular hiking routes. These numbers may change as the trail network is updated. Four stages of the European Martinus Trail cultural route also cross the Zollernalb. Alongside hiking routes focused on nature and landscapes, you can therefore also explore sections of a cultural trail.

Tours for Every Interest and Season

The Schömberg Reservoir, for example, is recommended for easy family cycling trips in the foothills of the Alb. The “Hiking Like Everyone Else” program features varied, diverse tours that are also suitable for people with disabilities. These options have different focuses; check which specific tour best suits your plans.

Albguide tours share fascinating information about the region’s flora and fauna, as well as its history, prehistory, archaeology, and geology. Booking an Albguide tour is recommended. You can hike with a donkey at Lochen. Those interested in winter sports will find numerous cross-country ski trails and ski lifts across the Zollernalb. The range extends from guided themed tours to seasonal activities; choosing a focus can help you find suitable ideas for your trip.

Seasonal Connections and Choosing a Hotel

During the 2026 leisure transport season, the Schieferbahn runs directly from Balingen to Dotternhausen and Schömberg, without requiring a transfer. This season runs until October 18, 2026. Also during the 2026 leisure transport season, the Nauf-Nab-Trauf bus connects Hechingen with the Nägelehaus in Albstadt-Onstmettingen. The routes have different destinations; check the current timetable before setting off.

If you’re looking for a hotel, first decide whether a castle visit, hiking, cycling, or winter sports will be the focus of your stay. Also take into account the seasonal connections and the places you want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Albstadt, Balingen, Haigerloch, Hechingen, Obernheim, Winterlingen, Tieringen, Meßstetten, Geislingen, Burladingen, Unterdigisheim, Laufen, Grosselfingen, Jungingen, Weilen Unter Den Rinnen, Schömberg, Hausen Am Tann, Zimmern Unter Der Burg, Dormettingen, Ratshausen, Dautmergen, Rosenfeld, Dotternhausen, Bisingen, Nusplingen.

View the regional travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.