The 'Hohentwieler' premium hiking trail is an extremely varied 7 km circular route which leads over the heights of Hohentwiel, Singen's local mountain, and around the 'Staufen'. The majestic Hohentwiel, with its imposing fortress ruins, has stood proudly above Singen for over 1,000 years, telling a captivating story of changing rulers and sieges. For a long time, the mountain was under Württemberg control. In 1969, the Württemberg exclave was transferred to the town of Singen. Although the castle was never taken, Napoleon ordered its destruction around 1800. The Staufen, which was also once fortified with a castle, played an important role in the siege of Hohentwiel until 1644. Now derelict, the castle's ruins were later used as a source of building materials.
The ruins of the Hohentwiel fortress offer exceptional living conditions for diverse flora and fauna thanks to their steep rock faces, primeval forest and flowering rough grassland, providing an impressive cultural and natural experience. Numerous wall lizards inhabit the castle ruins, while peregrine falcons and ravens nest in the rocks. Germany's highest vineyard, at heights of up to 530 metres, is also located on the slopes of the 689-metre-high Hohentwiel. This special circular hiking trail offers hikers wonderful views of the Hegau volcanic landscape, Lake Constance and the Alps.
Autorentipp
Buy entrance ticket to the Hohentwiel fortress ruins
Refreshments: Hotel Restaurant Hohentwiel, Tel.: 07731/99070; (note opening hours!)
Wegbeschreibung
From the parking lot at the Hohentwiel information centre, the path leads towards the sheepfold and volcano trail. Should you wish to climb the entire fortress ruins, it is advisable to purchase your entrance ticket from the information centre located in the car park. Shortly after the last buildings, there is a wide view of the unique volcanic landscape. The Hohenstoffeln, with its two peaks, and the striking Hohenkrähen, greet you from afar. As you continue, the village of Hilzingen will soon become visible in the lowlands. The presence of up to 200 sheep and goats has been identified as a key factor in maintaining the open character of the large open areas on the ridge of the Hohentwiel, which would otherwise be at risk of becoming overgrown. The hike continues into the Bannwald forest. At this point, the volcano trail branches off, leading directly out of the forest and into the pastures.
The route continues downhill through the vineyards of the Vollmayer winery towards Twielfeld and Staufen, Hohentwiel's smaller counterpart. A meadow path leads to a designated rest area, complete with a sky lounger. The volcanic landscape is once again showcased in all its splendour. The route then continues to follow the Staufen and into the forest. As you depart the forest, the imposing Hohentwiel once again comes into view, standing tall with one of the largest fortress ruins in Germany. A meadow path leads uphill to the sheepfold, and the volcano path then takes you back to the starting point at the car park near the information centre.
Ausrüstung
- Wear clothing adapted to the weather, such as sun or rain protection.
- Good footwear.
- Food and drink.
- An entrance ticket to the Hohentwiel fortress ruins. If you would like to visit the fortress ruins, you must purchase your ticket from the information centre at the Hohentwiel parking lot or the tourist information in the city centre.
Sicherheitshinweise
Caution: There is a danger of slipping in wet or snowy conditions!
Weitere Informationen
During summer months and on weekends, the parking facilities at the Hohentwiel (behind the information centre) are often at capacity. In this case, the free parking lot at the Landesgartenschau rail stop in Singen is a viable option (access route approx. 1.4 km, uphill).
Various wines from the Meersburg State Winery can be purchased from the information centre. The
Vollmayer winery is also located along the route of the hike.
Should you require further information regarding the fortress ruins, including opening times, admission prices and guided tour availability, please visit
our website.
