Hechlingen am See: Hahnenkammsee, trails and local history

Hechlingen am See offers several ways to plan a stay: Lake Hahnenkammsee and its recreational activities, trails to a chapel ruin, evidence of local history and off-road training. You can plan your stay around activities at the lake, a specific tour, cultural and landscape topics, or driving training. For the trails, the stated distances and the duration of the circular route help you gauge the scope of different outings.

Trails and activities at Lake Hahnenkammsee

Lake Hahnenkammsee in Hechlingen am See offers hiking and cycling trails, family-friendly sunbathing lawns and boating. Facilities also include a playground, a shaded barbecue area with seating, changing rooms, toilets and showers with hot water. This means trails and cycling are complemented by places to relax and practical facilities. When planning, you can choose a specific focus, such as hiking and cycling trails, boating or the sunbathing lawns. The facilities listed also provide options for changing, showering and relaxing.

Trails to St. Catherine’s Chapel and around the lake

The Hechlinger Hohlweg is a 1.2 km educational trail leading to St. Catherine’s Chapel. The chapel ruin dates from the first half of the 15th century and can be reached from Hechlingen am See in an easterly direction via a natural sunken lane. A longer tour is the Hahnenkamm 20 circular route: a 10 km panoramic loop around Hechlingen and Lake Hahnenkammsee, with a stated duration of 3 hours. These offer different formats: an educational trail to the chapel and a circular tour with a stated duration. Trail and route details may change; check the information before setting out.

Church, castle and chapel festival

In the town centre stands the Protestant Church of St. Lucia and St. Ottilia; its church tower dates from 1491. South of Hechlingen, the ruins of Stahelsberg Castle remain; the castle was first mentioned in 1197. The ruin of St. Catherine’s Chapel dates from the first half of the 15th century. The dates refer to different things: 1197 is the castle’s first recorded mention, 1491 is the year of the church tower; a period is given for the chapel. The Chapel Festival is held annually in early August and is organised by the Hechlingen Horticultural and Tourism Association. Check the exact dates before your trip.

Dry grassland at Kapellbuck

The dry grassland vegetation typical of the Southern Franconian Jura is characteristic of Kapellbuck. Prominent plants include pasqueflower, spring gentian and silver thistle. Keeping flocks of head sheep preserves the protected plants and the distinctive character of the short-grass slopes. The characteristic vegetation and the way it is maintained are closely linked.

Off-road training at the BMW Motorrad Enduro Park Hechlingen

The BMW Motorrad Enduro Park Hechlingen offers individual off-road training for beginners and advanced riders on a circuit. The riding area covers 30 hectares. Its terrain includes steep slopes, muddy single-track trails, forest tracks with exposed roots, narrow footpaths and ruts, as well as smaller uphill and downhill sections. This selection describes a course with varied surfaces and terrain. Participation requires a booking, which you should take into account when planning your trip.

For the overarching travel overview: Heidenheim.