Discover Obernheim: Hiking Trails and Chapels

Obernheim is part of the Upper Danube Nature Park, which covers around 1,492 km². A visit here can be shaped especially by hikes across the Swabian Alb plateau and by the town’s chapels and churches. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Obernheim, these different interests can help guide your choice of destination.

Hiking trails on the Swabian Alb plateau

Obernheim has six newly signposted circular hiking trails for different preferences and fitness levels, including options for children and seniors. One specific example is the circular trail to Heimbuch: this easy route is about 3.5 km long and is suitable for families, casual walkers and leisurely hikers. It starts at the car park by the sports facilities in Obernheim.

The “Via the Fohlenweg to Schneckengarten” circular trail also starts at the car park by the sports grounds. It follows well-maintained forest and meadow paths through the varied landscape of the Swabian Alb plateau. At Schneckengarten, there are views across Obernheim and of the Scheibenbühl Chapel. The viewpoint is a good place to take a break or photos.

The Blütenweg is a circular route around Obernheim, offering views and a diverse range of plants, especially visible in spring and summer. Its landscape includes traditional orchards, small patches of woodland and typical Swabian Alb pastures. If you would like to focus on the variety of plants, you can take this seasonal difference into account when planning your trip.

The Rappenstein–Tanneck circular trail offers a different perspective on the landscape, leading through the species-rich Stromelsberg/Hessenbühl nature reserve. The local flora and fauna are among the scenic highlights of the route. The trail connects impressive natural and cultural landscapes.

The Berg- und Talweg (Mountain and Valley Trail) starts at St. Afra Catholic Church in the town centre. It follows the Blütenweg down into the valley and continues to the Oberdigisheim Reservoir, a popular destination for day trips and a peaceful place to visit. In addition to hiking trails, Obernheim also has mountain biking routes through varied landscapes.

Chapels and religious traditions

St. Wolfgang’s Chapel stands on the 947-metre-high Scheibenbühl, overlooking the surrounding village. Every two years, a mountain mass is held at the chapel on Whit Monday, bringing together worshippers from the Balingen deanery. The chapel is therefore also the setting for a recurring religious tradition.

The Pilgerhäusle was originally called “Bilgenhäusle”. It was built around 1540, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is considered Obernheim’s oldest chapel. The rosary has been prayed there every Friday since 1873, and this tradition is still maintained today. The history of the little chapel and the regular prayer give this place a different focus from the mountain mass at St. Wolfgang’s Chapel.

St. Afra Parish Church is another local point of interest; it has a lovely parish garden. Together with the starting point of the Berg- und Talweg in the town centre, this creates a connection between sightseeing in town and planning a hike. When travelling to Obernheim, you can decide whether you are more interested in exploring the landscape, learning about local religious history, or doing both.

Discover more destinations: Haigerloch, Meßstetten, Geislingen, Hechingen, Laufen, Schömberg, Dotternhausen, Albstadt.

For the overview of the wider area: Zollernalbkreis.