Hohenstaufen Castle Loop Trail

Starting at the hiking parking lot by the sports field in Hohenstaufen, we first hike downhill toward Maitis. Once we’ve left Maitis behind, we continue toward Wäschenbeuren, but turn left toward the forest before reaching Wäschenbeuren.

The trail

continues along the Sonderbach stream, past a playground with a barbecue area, where you can take a short break to recharge before heading back uphill.

We then continue through the forest toward Hohrein, enjoying beautiful views of the unspoiled side of the Hohenstaufen along the way. Leaving Hohrein behind, we walk uphill through the area known as Wiesenecker, past the former Hohenstaufen outdoor swimming pool and the “Schaafbrunnen,” back to Hohenstaufen. Once we arrive on Ailstraße in Hohenstaufen, we turn left at the first fork in the road toward Spielburg and follow the trail. The cliffs of the Spielburg Nature Reserve are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful vantage points overlooking the Swabian Alb.

Via the Herbweg and turning right around the mountain, we reach the Barbarossa Church, which is worth a detour. Before we climb to the summit of Göppingen’s local mountain—where the ruins of the Staufer family’s ancestral castle stand—those interested can visit the Staufer exhibition at the foot of the mountain. Once at the summit, you can enjoy the view from the 684-meter-high mountain while savoring coffee and cake. You can borrow audio guides for free, sit down on one of the reclining benches or swinging benches, and immerse yourself in the myths, stories, and songs surrounding the mountain.

Finally, a winding path on the northeast side of the summit leads back down into the valley to the starting point.

Coming from Stuttgart or Ulm on the B10, take the Göppingen exit (near Möbel Rieger), then follow Heininger Straße and Hohenstaufenstraße to Hohenstaufen.

From the A8, take the Kirchheim unter Teck-Ost exit onto the B297. In Bartenbach, take Lerchenberger Straße and follow the L1075 to Hohenstaufen.

If you're coming from Stuttgart or Ulm on the RE 5 or MEX 16 from the Göppingen train station, you can reach the tour's starting point by taking bus line 933 toward the Hohenstaufen Youth Hostel. From the “Hohenstaufen, Jugendherberge” stop, you’ll be right at the tour’s starting point.

You can find the district schedule at: www.vvs.de/fahrplan

Respectful Coexistence in the Göppingen District.

Code of Conduct:

Respect trail closures and the quiet zones established in the recreational trail plan. Leave no trace—such as trash or animal waste—and treat the trail with care. Be proactive and considerate. Adapt your behavior to the situation at hand. Safety comes first. Respect other users of the woods and open fields. Be considerate of animals and plants. Plan ahead and make the most of daylight. Try to avoid the early morning and evening twilight hours. Observe the ban on entering agricultural land during the growing season. Stay on marked trails and avoid forest edges; this helps wildlife get used to people.

For more information, visit ruecksicht-macht-wege-breiter.de