Hausen am Tann: Lochenstein and Zollernalb District

Hausen am Tann is best discovered through the Lochenstein: it brings together an early settlement history and sweeping views across the Neckar Valley to the Alps. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing this local highlight from other offerings in the wider travel destination of Zollernalb District.

The Lochenstein: History and Views

The Lochenstein near Hausen am Tann has been identified as a prehistoric hilltop settlement. It is said to have a 6,000-year history; archaeological interpretations may develop further as research continues. Anyone interested in the early history of the area will find a specific point of reference here, although its historical classification need not yet be considered final.

From the Lochenstein, the view stretches across the Neckar Valley towards the Alps. Two different perspectives come together here: the long history of settlement and the far-reaching views across the landscape. This gives your plans a clear local focus, even if you also want to explore other aspects of the Swabian Alb.

Hiking and Nature in the Wider Travel Destination of Zollernalb District

The wider travel destination of Zollernalb District promotes activities on foot, by bike and by car across the Swabian Alb. For hikers, the area offers 14 premium trails—eleven in Albstadt and three in Meßstetten—as well as more than 100 signposted circular hiking routes. These figures may change when the trail network is updated.

For a longer route, consider the 33-kilometre Schlichem hiking trail: it runs from Meßstetten-Tieringen to Epfendorf through a landscape of small waterfalls, wet meadows and a steep-sided gorge. The distance and the landscape features described give you several points of reference when choosing a tour. The “Hiking like everyone else” offer presents a range of tours that are also suitable for people with disabilities; this statement applies to the offer and not, as a general rule, to all trails.

Albguide tours on the Swabian Alb share information about regional flora and fauna, as well as history, prehistory, archaeology and geology. Booking is recommended for these tours. This lets you choose between hiking independently and joining a tour with a thematic focus. Cycling and winter sports offer different seasonal highlights: the Alb foothills are suitable for leisurely family bike rides, for example around Schömberg Reservoir; in winter, the Swabian Alb is known for numerous cross-country ski trails and ski lifts.

The geological landscape is also part of the region’s character: the Zollernalb lies in the western part of the UNESCO Swabian Alb Geopark, where the mountains reach their greatest heights. The Zillhausen Waterfall and the Sea of Rocks below the Hörnle are highlighted as geological natural spectacles of the Zollernalb. Four stages of the European Martinusweg cultural route also cross the Zollernalb. These themes complement the local focus on the Lochenstein with nature and culture perspectives on the wider travel destination.

Culture and Trip Planning in Zollernalb District

Hohenzollern Castle is part of the history of Zollernalb District. The present castle is the third fortress on Mount Zoller, belongs to the municipality of Bisingen and is located within the district of Zimmern. After its two predecessors were destroyed and fell into ruin, the present castle was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867. This timeline helps distinguish it from its predecessors.

Hohenzollern Castle is open to visitors daily, offering a look inside its historic rooms. Its cultural programme includes numerous concerts, family days, open-air cinema and exhibitions. As visiting hours may change, check the latest opening times and programme details before your visit.

For leisure travel in 2026, the Schieferbahn train runs directly from Balingen to Dotternhausen and Schömberg; the season lasts until 18 October 2026. During the 2026 leisure travel season, the Nauf-Nab-Trauf bus connects Hechingen with the Nägelehaus in Albstadt-Onstmettingen. When planning bus journeys from Hausen am Tann, consider connections towards Tieringen and Schömberg. Check the latest timetables before travelling, especially for seasonal services.

Discover more destinations: Albstadt, Burladingen, Haigerloch, Dautmergen, Laufen, Jungingen, Geislingen, Zimmern Unter Der Burg.

View the wider travel guide: Zollernalb District.