Hohenstein: Cross-country ski trails in snowy conditions, circular routes and cycling routes

Hohenstein combines hiking and cycling routes with a winter offering that depends on snow conditions: when there is sufficient snow, the cross-country ski trails are groomed. The tours vary considerably in length, elevation gain and character.

Explore on foot – and ski the trails when there is snow

Several circular routes take you on foot through the districts and surrounding area. If you would rather focus on a particular theme, you can include the nature trail: it passes partly through the Bauenhofen/Häulesrain nature reserve.

The health hiking trail leads to Ödenwaldstetten. It focuses on the landscape, fauna and flora, as well as the trail conditions and views that visitors can experience with all their senses. In winter, there is another factor to consider: the cross-country ski trails are groomed when there is sufficient snow. Snow conditions therefore determine whether this offering is available during your visit.

Mountain bike tours and a flat loop

The challenging West mountain bike tour is 32.3 kilometres long and includes around 450 metres of elevation gain. Its named highlights include Dachenstein, Hohenstein Castle ruins, the Maßhalderbuch estate and the Oberstetter Valley. The starting point is Brechhölze in Bernloch. The distance and elevation gain give you a concrete idea of the tour’s scope; you should also take its challenging rating into account when planning. Check current trail conditions before setting off.

The East mountain bike tour covers 24 kilometres and 390 metres of elevation gain. It starts at the farm museum in Ödenwaldstetten and leads over the Schachen into the Lauter Valley to Wasserstetten. This route continues beyond Hohenstein. A shortcut through the Amsel Valley instead of over the Schachen offers a shorter alternative to the East tour. This gives you a specific route choice without requiring an additional distance to be specified.

Another way to explore Hohenstein by bike is the relatively flat, 30-kilometre “Around Hohenstein” tour. It passes through all of Hohenstein and can be completed by bicycle or inline skates. According to its description, it is well suited to families. Compared with the two mountain bike tours, the emphasis here is on the relatively flat terrain and the choice between a bicycle and inline skates; the West tour is explicitly described as challenging, while the East tour’s distance and elevation gain are given.

Castle ruins, woodland and local history

Near Oberstetten, Hohenstein Castle ruins stand in a wood among moss-covered boulders and gnarled trees. The grounds include a viewing platform and a barbecue area. The woodland setting, boulders and trees shape the description of the site; the platform and barbecue area add specific options for visitors.

In Bernloch, the Hans-Reyhing-Stube commemorates the local poet Hans Reyhing. It was established in 1985 in his memory. The castle ruins provide a scenic highlight, while the Hans-Reyhing-Stube offers a historical and cultural one: together, they show two different sides of the local attractions without implying the same kind of visit.

Whether you want to focus on a cross-country ski outing that depends on snow conditions, a hike or one of the cycling routes described here, the information on terrain and route helps you compare your options.

Discover more destinations: Ödenwaldstetten, Dettingen an der Erms, Sonnenbühl, Sankt Johann, Gomadingen, Trochtelfingen, Lichtenstein, Bad Urach.

View the main travel overview: Reutlingen.