233
w Burg Hohenzollern
Baden-Württemberg; 72379
Sitting on an isolated crag in a
broad valley, Burg Hohenzollern
(open daily) is one of Germany’s finest
fairy-tale castles. Yet its medieval-
looking battlements and towers are
deceptive, since they were built
between 1846 and 1867, albeit using
the foundations of castles that have
stood here since the 11th century.
Only St-Michael-Kapelle, a chapel
with ornate stained glass, survives
in its original state. The castle still
belongs to the Hohenzollern family,
who reigned over a united Germany
between 1871 and 1918, and the
crown of German Emperor Wilhelm II
is the pride of the castle treasury.
Also among the family artifacts
are several snuff boxes from the
collection of Frederick the Great.q Freilichtmuseum
Hechingen-Stein
Baden-Württemberg; 72379
A fascinating open-air museum,
Freilichtmuseum Hechingen-Stein
(Apr–May & Oct: closed Mon; Jun–Sept:
open daily) preserves the ruins of a
sizable Roman country estate,
the result of a chance discovery
during road construction. Between
AD 1–3 this estate was of regional
importance and a vital staging post
for travelers passing through the
area. Some key buildings have been
reconstructed, while an ongoing
archaeological excavation uncovers
more foundations beyond the estate
compound. Little is known about the
estate – even its name is a mystery –
but it was certainly destroyed by
Germanic tribes as they pushed the
Romans out of southern Germany.
ª Exit the parking lot and take the
first right down Römerstrasse.
Continue towards the B27 junction
and drive south until brown signs for
Burg Hohenzollern lead to the castle.
Above Soaring towers of the majestic
Neo-Gothic Burg HohenzollernEat and Drink: inexpensive under €20; moderate €20–€40; expensive over €40EAT AND DRINKDONAUESCHINGEN
Hotel Linde moderate
A traditional restaurant serving a
mix of fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes.
Karlstrasse 18, 78166; 0771 831 80;
http://www.hotel-linde-donaueschingen.de
Other options
For simple pub food and a full range of
beers, try the Bräustüble (Postplatz 1),
the inn of the Fürstenberg brewery. The
Öschberghof (Golfplatz 1, 78166; 0771
840) is the best restaurant in town.HAIGERLOCH
Cosita expensive
This gourmet restaurant serves
excellent Mediterranean cuisine.
Marktplatz 5, 72401; 07474 954 60;
http://www.micosita.de
Other options
Best for traditional fare, Gaststätte
Schlössle (Hechinger Strasse 9; 07474
62 35) also serves local beers.(1580) beside the church is now
an attractive hotel, restaurant,
and arts venue. On the opposite
side of its courtyard, a short path
leads along a cliff to a lookout with
great views of the town. The steps
up to the church and castle are
found by turning right out of the
Atomkeller and following the base
of the cliff.
ª From the parking lot, turn left in
the direction of Rangendingen and
continue towards the sign for
Freilichtmuseum parking lot.
DAY TRIP OPTIONS
With its pleasant atmosphere,
Tübingen makes the best base
along this drive. Local highways,
particularly the A81, help speed up
the return part of day trips to the
southern portion of the route.Caves and historic Ulm
Visit Schloss Lichtenstein 2 before
heading to explore the caves at
Laichingen 3. Tour Ulm 5 at a
more relaxed pace with an ascent of
the Münster spire and a visit to the
art museum, Kunsthalle Weishaupt,
as well as the Ulmer Museum.Follow the tour to Ulm, but skip stop
at Blaubeuren. Follow the B28 to A8
then to Ulm. Return via the A8 and B28.Castle hopping
Treat yourself to three of Germany’s
finest castles – Schloss Lichtenstein
2 , Schloss Sigmaringen 6 , and
Burg Hohenzollern w – in a day
and enjoy scenic drives on minor
roads across the Swabian Alb.Follow the route to Schloss Lichtenstein
and beyond to the B313, turn left to
Gammertingen on to the B32. Turn
left to Sigmaringen. Retrace the route,follow the B32 to turn left on to
the B463, and then left again to
Burg Hohenzollern.Scenic trail and chants
The walk around picturesque
Blaubeuren 4 is a relaxed and
scenic option. Next, follow the
Danube to reach the imposing
Kloster Beuron 7 to hear
Gregorian chanting.Follow the tour to Blaubeuren, take the
B492, turn right at the B311, and right
again on to the B32 via Sigmaringen
to Beuron.Turn right to parking lot at shuttle bus
stop below Burg Hohenzollern.DRIVE 22: Castles and Caves