Nusplingen: Fossils, Hiking Trails and Winter Cross-Country Skiing

Two things are at the heart of a stay in Nusplingen: the fossils of the Nusplingen Plattenkalk and a wide range of hiking and other trails. Viewpoints add to the routes; in winter, seasonal activities for skiing and cross-country skiing are also available. If you are looking for accommodation, you can plan your trip around whether geology, hiking or winter sports will be your main focus.

Geology and Fossils

During the Late Jurassic, the area where Nusplingen now lies was home to a deep tropical lagoon about 1.5 kilometres wide. Fossils of pterosaurs, marine crocodiles, fish and crustaceans have been found in the Nusplingen Plattenkalk. More than 350 animal and plant species are known from the area. These include 15 specimens of ray-like sharks known as angel sharks.

In some ammonites, both jaw elements have been preserved; some specimens also retain stomach contents. For travellers interested in the history of the Earth, the topic is not only the diversity of species but also the different details preserved in individual specimens.

Fossils may not be excavated in the Nusplingen Plattenkalk. The exception is the designated hammering site next to the Geological Trail, where visitors may search with a hammer and chisel. Please follow the local safety instructions.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

The Geological Trail is about 10 kilometres long and starts at Nusplingen Town Hall. Alternatively, you can access it from the Laisental car park. The trail also provides information about the Westerberg Nature Reserve. Check the latest trail and access information before setting out.

On the Hummelbühl circular trail, dense beech forests alternate with juniper bushes and areas of silver thistles. The Felsenweg follows the edge of the Alb escarpment through meadows and mixed woodland to several viewpoints with benches. The Staufenberg Trail is a circular route through the forest on Nusplingen’s highest mountain. A walk to Marienfelsen offers views of Nusplingen, rocky terrain and dense beech forests.

There are also well-signposted trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, as well as dozens of kilometres of paved and gravel paths for walking, hiking, cycling and inline skating. Many of the paths are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. Check the conditions on individual routes in advance, especially if you require a particular type of path.

Guided Tours and Winter Sports

Alb Guides offer 22 themed tours, including hikes, snowshoe walks, cycling tours and mountain biking tours. Routes can be shortened or lengthened and adapted to participants’ fitness levels. Check the booking arrangements and availability of your chosen tour before travelling.

The seasonal Hart ski lift is located on the Nusplinger Höhe; check operating conditions before your visit. Nusplingen and neighbouring Schwenningen jointly groom more than 20 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. The Nusplingen trail connects to the Schwenningen trail to form the 28-kilometre Großer Heuberg ski trail; a shorter 6.5-kilometre route is also available. Check snow and grooming conditions before setting out as well.

Discover more destinations: Meßstetten, Hausen Am Tann, Tieringen, Burladingen, Obernheim, Rosenfeld, Schömberg, Weilen Unter Den Rinnen

View the full travel guide: Zollernalbkreis.