Tuttlingen: Danube Valley, Cliffs and Culture

Danube Valley, Cliffs and Special Landscapes

In the Danube Valley, white limestone cliffs rise up; the Danube gorge is one of the district’s scenic highlights. The northern part is also home to juniper heaths and the “10-thousanders” region, with ten mountains over 1,000 metres high. The Höwenegg, a volcanic crater, adds a different geological feature and is also a scenic highlight in the district.

The Mühlheim Rock Cave is another notable natural attraction. In October 2022, it became the first cave on the Swabian Jura to be designated a Geopoint by the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Jura. Mühlheim an der Donau is also part of the Upper Danube Nature Park. The varied landscape features help define the character of the area: limestone cliffs and the Danube Valley sit alongside juniper heaths and a volcanic formation.

Cycling, Hiking and the Danube Sink

Mühlheim an der Donau lies directly on the International Danube Cycle Path. The route continues to the Danube’s mouth at the Black Sea and can also be cycled in shorter stages. If you are planning a cycling trip, Mühlheim can be a useful reference point when you have individual sections in mind rather than one long overall route.

A remarkable natural phenomenon is the Danube Sink between Immendingen, Möhringen, Tuttlingen and Fridingen. Its appearance can change from day to day: in some places, the Danube carries a lot of water; elsewhere, it is completely dry or carries only a little water. This is distinct from the “Donauversinkung” premium hiking trail of the DonauWellen, which runs between Tuttlingen-Möhringen and Immendingen. Another notable section of the Albsteig leads directly to Tuttlingen via Rußberg, Bettelmannskeller and Nonnen Cave near Wurmlingen.

The two-kilometre “Rock- & Roll Tour” runs through Tuttlingen-Nendingen. This walking and hiking route is largely accessible and fully wheelchair-friendly. Check local conditions before your visit. At Rabenfels in the Bäratal, the climbing areas between the “Mister Wendl” and “Gebrüderweg” routes are open from 1 August to 31 December; check the current regulations before climbing.

If you are looking for activities beyond hiking and cycling, Arena Geisingen has a 30,000-square-metre outdoor area with a road course, beer garden, slacklining, a beach volleyball court and other facilities. Access to individual activities may vary, so check the current conditions before visiting.

Museums and Events

The Neuhausen ob Eck open-air museum features 25 historic buildings. They were dismantled at their original locations, moved to the museum and restored there to their original condition. A visit offers insight into historic buildings through their architecture and careful restoration.

In Fridingen, the Museum in the Künstlerhaus Scharf Eck is dedicated to Hans Bucher, the painter of the Danube Valley. Three floors in the upper levels showcase his life and work. The Museum Oberes Donautal in Ifflinger Schloss has a different focus: its permanent exhibitions cover the history of the town and its rulers, archaeology, Fasnacht and more recent history, alongside changing special exhibitions. In Fridingen, you can explore both one artist and different aspects of the town’s history.

In summer, the ruins of Honberg Castle become the venue for the annual Tuttlinger Honberg-Sommer, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the current dates.

Choosing the Right Starting Point

When looking for a hotel, it is worth first mapping out your planned destinations: Mühlheim is a reference point for the Danube Cycle Path, Fridingen for museum visits, and Tuttlingen-Nendingen for the “Rock- & Roll Tour”. For train travel, Tuttlingen is an Intercity stop on routes from Stuttgart and Zurich; Tuttlingen, Mühlheim and Fridingen are also stations on the Ulm–Donaueschingen/Freiburg line. As timetables can change, check current connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Schura, Fridingen an der Donau, Tuttlingen, Rietheim-Weilheim, Wehingen, Spaichingen, Geisingen, Hausen, Emmingen, Möhringen, Nendingen, Talheim, Mühlheim an der Donau, Trossingen, Deilingen, Neuhausen ob Eck, Aldingen, Mahlstetten, Frittlingen, Wurmlingen, Immendingen, Bärenthal, Kolbingen, Königsheim, Irndorf, Gosheim, Gunningen, Balgheim, Seitingen-Oberflacht, Reichenbach am Heuberg, Renquishausen, Böttingen, Egesheim, Denkingen, Dürbheim, Durchhausen, Buchheim and Bubsheim.

For the broader travel overview: Baden-Württemberg.