Discover Merklingen: Bakehouse and local history

For a stay in Merklingen, you can focus on two local themes: local history and cycling. The bakehouse, church and Bleichhäusle represent the town’s history; two circular routes listed in a tour overview dated 2020 pass through Merklingen. The wider destination of the Alb-Donau district also offers a regional perspective on culture and hiking.

Bakehouse and pasta-making tradition

The “Merklinger Nudel” originated in the bakehouse in Merklingen. Located in the town centre, the bakehouse combines traditional baking culture with modern facilities and a communal gathering place. Use of the rooms is also clearly regulated: private individuals, clubs, companies and groups can rent them individually or in combination. This brings culinary tradition and communal use together in one place.

Church and former linen weaving

The Church of the Three Holy Kings was built in 1452; its high altar, from the Ulm school, dates to 1510. The building’s history and its furnishings therefore point to two different dates: the altar was made later than the church. The Bleichhäusle recalls the former linen weaving industry in Merklingen. With more than 100 looms, it was one of the town’s more significant sources of employment. The history of a church building thus sits alongside the memory of work once carried out locally.

Cycling routes that include Merklingen

A tour overview dated 2020 lists two circular cycling routes that include Merklingen. Tour 1 is 45 kilometres long: it runs from Laichingen via Aufhausen, Nellingen and Merklingen, returning to Laichingen. Tour 4 covers 51 kilometres and runs from Westerheim via the Fils spring, Merklingen and Laichingen, returning to Westerheim. Both are circular routes, but differ in length, starting point and the stops listed. Tour 4 is six kilometres longer than Tour 1. As the overview is dated 2020, check the current route before setting out.

Model railway in Merklingen

A model railway in Merklingen is described as “Europe’s most beautiful model railway”. If you would like to include it in your plans, check current visiting options in advance.

Cultural and hiking destinations in the Alb-Donau district

The wider destination of the Alb-Donau district includes the Hohle Fels cave near Schelklingen, a UNESCO World Heritage cave and the findspot of the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Vulture Bone Flute”. Both finds are about 42,500 years old. Blaubeuren Monastery was founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1085 and today consists mainly of Gothic buildings dating from 1466 to 1510. Together, these sites represent different historical periods: very early finds and later monastic architecture.

The hiking options in the Alb-Donau district also vary in length and duration. The 20 “Ice Age Trails” circular routes are 6 to 14 kilometres long and are suitable for day hikes. In addition, there are family-friendly “Ice Age Tracks”, ranging from 1 to 6 kilometres, as well as the Reflection Trail for multi-day hikes. In practical terms, the Ice Age Trails are described as day hikes, the Ice Age Tracks cover shorter distances, and the Reflection Trail is intended for hikes lasting several days.

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Merklingen, distinguishing between local history, cycling and a broader perspective on the Alb-Donau district can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Emerkingen, Ulm, Staig, Ehingen, Dornstadt, Börslingen, Laichingen, Asselfingen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Alb-Donau district.