Bisingen: Kaiserweg, History and Hohenzollern Castle

The hilly landscape of the Alb foothills shapes a large part of Bisingen’s scenery. At the same time, the municipality includes the striking Hohenzollern and extends to the summit ridges of some of the highest peaks in the Swabian Alb. This mix of foothills and high Alb ridges gives your choice of location a clear connection to the landscape. There is also the Kaiserweg, memorial sites and buildings with various historical associations. This means you can consider Bisingen both for a hike and for a stay focused on culture.

Alb Foothills, Alb and Kaiserweg

The Kaiserweg is a circular hiking trail about six kilometres long, starting in Zimmern, a district of Bisingen. Signs bearing the Kaiserweg logo guide you from one stop to the next. Its circular route and approximate length give you a concrete framework for planning your hike; the signs guide you along the sequence of stops. Unlike a single memorial or building, the Kaiserweg centres on a continuous hiking route.

Memorial Sites and History

Bisingen’s memorial sites include one at the concentration camp cemetery. The history trail on the history of the Bisingen concentration camp connects seven historical sites. This means that a specific memorial site and a trail linking several sites offer different ways to engage with the history of the camp.

The Bisingen Concentration Camp Memorials Association organises guided tours, workshops and events in cooperation with the municipality. If you would like to include one of these accompanying activities in your trip, check the current programme before your visit. The formats cover different areas of focus; the history trail, in turn, links the history of the concentration camp with seven historical sites.

Hohenzollern Castle and Buildings in Zimmern

Hohenzollern Castle is located in Bisingen, in the district of Zimmern. It was completed in its present form in 1867 and is considered an outstanding example of neo-Gothic architecture in Germany. In the wider destination of Zollernalbkreis, its history also forms part of the overall picture: today’s castle is the third fortress on Zollerberg. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867.

Other historical points of interest in Zimmern include the Wangerhaus, dating from 1710 and home to an original, preserved wheelwright’s workshop, and St. George’s Church, which has 16th-century frescoes. Together with the castle, these offer different historical reference points: the 16th-century frescoes, the Wangerhaus from 1710 and the completion of the castle in its present form in 1867.

In the wider destination of Zollernalbkreis, the castle also offers a cultural programme featuring numerous concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. It opens to visitors daily and offers a glimpse of its historic rooms. Check the current visiting hours before your visit.

Kirchspiel Street Festival in Bisingen

The Kirchspiel Street Festival takes place every four years, turning the town centre along the main street into a festival area for two days. Its four-year cycle and two-day duration set the festival apart from Bisingen’s enduring landscape and historical themes. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event date before finalising your plans.

Discover more destinations: Albstadt, Tieringen, Dotternhausen, Balingen, Winterlingen, Rosenfeld, Unterdigisheim, Weilen Unter Den Rinnen

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Zollernalbkreis.