With the vaccine roll-out finally coming into full speed, it looks as though we may be able to start exploring again very soon.
International travel could still be tricky for the rest of this year but Germany has a huge amount to offer those of us lucky enough to live here. Whilst many attractions might be restricted for a while, there are plenty of places that are just a very short drive away from USAG Stuttgart so that you can stretch your wings… and your legs!
We’ve put together a selection of hidden treasures that you can easily reach from USAG Stuttgart in less than an hour from the Covid-secure comfort of your own car – or even a new-to-you vehicle from Used Car Guys!
Not So Bad Urach
Pack your hiking shoes, camera and a waterproof jacket because Bad Urach has got some awesome hiking trails, castle ruins, caves and waterfalls. Set amongst a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Bad Urach is a nature lovers’ paradise.
Falkensteiner Höhle
The Falkensteiner Cave is at 5km long one of the longest caves in the Swabian Alb, but you can really only venture inside the first 20 metres or so without getting very wet! The entrance alone however is quite photogenic and worth the trip, just watch your step, it’s very slippy. Post-lockdown you will be able to book tours of the Falkenstein Cave that include special safety equipment and a guide, which is quite the adventure.
Urach Waterfall
Visiting the waterfall is an absolute must for every visitor to Bad Urach. Nearly 40 meters high, the water streams from the high point over the Albtruffkante into the depths below.
The best way to enjoy the waterfall is via the beautiful hiking trail, Wasserfallsteig. The trail encompasses not just the Uracher Waterfall but also Gütersteiner waterfall as well as the views from the ridge of the Alb into the valley below and far beyond to the castle ruins of Teck, Hohenneuffen and Hohenurach.
Bad Urach Thermal Spa
This is one to save up for when we can do all the things again! AlbThermen Bad Urach is considered one of the most beautiful and traditional spas in Europe so keep checking back to see when it’s open again.
Located in the heart of the biosphere reserve, the Swabian Alps, the spacious AlbThermen thermal spa has been offering guests a unique and holistic wellness experience since 2007, including a panoramic view of the mountains and the Hohenurach Castle Ruins. Initially built in 1972, AlbThemen was redesigned and renovated in 2007.
There is a selection of indoor and outdoor pools at various temperatures plus an extensive sauna area including a sauna and steam bath for those who prefer to keep their bathing suits on. 🙂
What’s the Perfect Vehicle for a Drive to Bad Urach?
Just for fun… when you get to Bad Urach you will most likely park up for the day, so that you can hike or spa, so you need something that will be fun and comfortable on the B-roads getting there. Anyone of our SUVs or Sedans will give you a smooth ride while you take in the scenery.
Bad Urach can be reached via the B27, B312 then B28 in around 30 min’s drive from USAG Stuttgart.
Go Castle Crazy
If visiting castles is your thing (if not, why are you even in Germany?!) then you will be pleased to know that there are two close by that you can cross off your list in one day!
Lichtenstein Castle
Schloss Lichtenstein was built in the Gothic Revival style in the 19th Century by order of Count Wilhelm of Württemberg. It perches on a long cliff in the Swabian Alps, 250 metres above the Echaz River.
The site around the castle is composed of a chapel, an ample garden and the romantic courtyard. The ruins of its medieval predecessor, Burg Alt-Lichtenstein, sits immediately next to it so it’s certainly impressive to see.
When covid restrictions are lifted, then it is possible to buy tickets to view the inside the castle and grounds. English-speaking guided tours are also available.
If you like to combine culture with adventure, then there is a high-ropes adventure park nearby too!
Hohenzollern Castle
Burg Hohenzollern is the ancestral seat of the Prussian Kings, German Emperors and Princes of Hohenzollern. The impressive castle construction sits atop Mount Hohenzollern, above Hechingen in the Swabian Alps. It was rebuilt in the 19th century as a family memorial and is still privately owned by the family.
Among the historical artifacts of Prussian history contained in the castle are the Crown of Wilhelm II, some of the personal effects of King Frederick the Great, and a letter from US President George Washington thanking Hohenzollern descendant Baron von Steuben for his service in the American Revolutionary War.
Hohenzollern is one of the most visited castles in Germany and once covid-restrictions are lifted you too can buy tickets to tour Hohenzollern Castle.
What’s the Perfect Vehicle for a Drive to Lichtenstein and Hohenzollern Castles?
Just for fun… enjoy a luxurious ride in one of our nearly new sedans to the ancestral homes of these aristocrats.
Lichtenstein and Hohenzollern Castles are both around 55 minutes from USAG Stuttgart and around 40 mins apart from each other, so you can certainly visit both in one day.
Go Wild in Bad Wildbad
For adrenaline junkies, Bad Wildbad has quite a lot to offer you in Germany’s famous Black Forest. Keep checking back to see when these attractions start opening up again for a guaranteed adventurous day or two out!
Dare You Walk the Wildline?
If you have the nerves for it, then the Wildline pedestrian suspension bridge will reward you with spectacular views of the stately 100 year old fir trees of Germany’s most well-known forest. It’s 380 metres long and situated 60 metres above the ground. You’ll need nerves of steel when it sways and wobbles, which is thankfully what the bridge is made of!
The Treetop Walk
Bad Wildbad kinda has a thing about heights and this fabulous and family-friendly treetop walk is it’s finest example where you can experience the Black Forest at eye level.
Situated on Sommerberg, with an overall length of 1,250 metres and a height of up to 20 metres, the treetop walk meanders through the beech trees, firs and spruces of the impressive mixed mountain forest, past numerous learning and activity stations.
The highlight is the 40-metre-high, architecturally unique observation tower. The walk and observation tower are designed to be accessible and family-friendly – maximum gradient of 6% allows easy access with a wheelchair or pushchair.
Funicular Fun
The Sommerbergbahn, Baden-Württemberg’s highest funicular railway, has connected the centre of Bad Wildbad with the Sommerberg for over 100 years. Since its impressive renovation in 2011, the railway has been regarded as one of the most modern funiculars in Germany. It offers stunning views of Bad Wildbad from the Sommerberg plateau, 300 metres above the valley.
Enjoy an impressive view of the typical Black Forest flora from the Sommerbergbahn’s new, state-of-the-art panoramic cars on the way up.
“The Cold Heart” Fairy-tale Path
If you want to help younger members of your family discover exciting facts about the Black Forest and its inhabitants, then the Fairy-tale Path in Bad Wildbad is ideal.
The Fairy-tale Path is located on the Sommerberg and starts right by the treetop walk tower. The 3.2-kilometre gravel track can be used both with a suitable pushchair and with wheelchairs.
In three places, the paths branch off, which are visible from the main road, but unpaved and not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs – but they’ll make young explorers’ hearts race. The circular walk lasts about 1 hour.
What’s the Perfect Vehicle for a Drive to Bad Wildbad?
Just for fun… as well as the attractions above, Bad Wildbad offers some fabulous mountain biking trails and hiking trails, so we recommend a sport utility vehicle or a pick-up so you can throw a bike or hiking gear in the back and hit those trails!
Bad Wildbad is about an hour’s drive from USAG Stuttgart on the B295/B296.
The Used Car Guys
Pre-Owned Vehicles in Germany
Need a new-to-you vehicle to get to one of these fabulous day trips we have recommended? Visit our online showroom to view our latest inventory of used cars available. We offer a click and collect service during Corona times to reduce contact, maintain social distancing and comply with host country Covid regulations. Check out our inventory here >
