You can explore the volcano trail at the town's striking landmark, the Hohentwiel, independently or with the help of an audio tour. Magnificent views and impressive fortress ruins await you. But the Hohentwiel has much more to offer: the mighty volcanic rock bears witness to past fire and glacial activity. Humans have also left their mark here for around 7,000 years, influencing even the mountain's flora and fauna. The Hohentwiel reflects the interplay between geological forces, humans, and nature, evident in its diverse habitats.
A nature reserve since 1941, the mountain is a true paradise thanks to its scenic beauty and rich diversity of rare plants and animals. The volcano trail provides information about nature and landscape protection, as well as the ecological significance of the current slopes. Many endangered animal species and rare plant varieties live here, many of which are on the Red List due to their endangered status. This is why the area requires special protection.
If you would like to be guided through the fascinating world of flora and fauna, you can download the free audio guide via the Lauschtour app (Android, iOS), which features geologist Matthias Geyer, nature conservationist Heinrich Werner and former operator Hubertus Both.
Autorentipp
It is worth making a detour between stations 4 and 5 to visit one of Germany's largest fortress ruins. This impressive defensive structure has a fascinating history and is highly significant, offering fabulous panoramic views of the surrounding area, from Hegau to Lake Constance and the Alps.
Please note that tickets for the fortress must be purchased before the start of the hike, either from the information centre on Hohentwiel or from the tourist information office in Singen.
Wegbeschreibung
The trail begins at the Hohentwiel Information Centre, located near the estate. From there, it follows a gravel path to the right, passing the sheepfold. The first information board is located here and explains how the forces of nature, fire and ice, have affected the mountain. The path then continues uphill slightly to the second information board, which explains how sheep are used to prevent the mountain from becoming overgrown. On the way to board no. 3, there is a wide view down to the municipality of Hilzingen and across to the Swiss border. Boards 3, 4 and 5 deal with herbs that have spread from the castle garden to its heights since the Middle Ages. The red-backed shrike, the grasshopper species 'Die schöne Italienerin' (The Beautiful Italian) and the moor grasshopper are also native to this area. In certain places, lapilli — marble-sized pieces of magma — come to the surface.
From the viewpoint with the 'sky lounger', the trail leads across a meadow and later down steps towards the Vollmayer winery. It then continues through the southern slope of the mountain and the vineyards of the Meersburg state winery, finally reaching the foot of the mountain. Information boards 1–8 provide details on the changes to the landscape, the flora and fauna and the highest vineyard in Germany. The trail then continues uphill via Widerholdweg back to the starting point at the estate.
It is worth taking a detour between panels 2 and 3 to visit the fortress ruins. These are definitely worth seeing, especially if you have children with you. Please purchase tickets from the estate's information centre before starting the hike.
Ausrüstung
- The volcano trail is very steep in places, so it is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
- Wear clothing suitable for the weather (sun/rain protection).
- Good footwear is essential.
- Food and drink.
- You will also need an entrance ticket to the Hohentwiel fortress ruins. If you would like to visit the fortress ruins, you must purchase your ticket at the information centre in the car park or at the tourist information in the city centre.
Sicherheitshinweise
Caution: There is a risk of slipping in wet or snowy conditions!
Weitere Informationen
The start and end point is the sheep pen next to the information centre.
The audio tour app's content is stored offline at the start, so you won't need an internet connection while you're out and about. If you have GPS activated, the app will guide you via audio. Free Wi-Fi is available in the city centre.
