In the Land of the Lion

Between Stuttgart and Ulm, in some of SouthWest Germany’s prettiest countryside, Göppingen sits at the foot of the Kaiserberg mountain. With a thousand years of history, this town is a popular base for hiking the Löwenpfade Trails. 

There are 15 in all: some loops are as short as 4 km / 2 miles; other paths are as long 24 km / 15 miles. In between is a wide choice of length and difficulty. Löwenpfade means Lion Trails, a reference to the Staufer family, who ruled the Holy Roman Empire from their base here back in the Middle Ages. Their family crest, with three heraldic lions, is still on Baden-Württemberg‘s coat of arms today. And the cheerful lion logo marks all the trails, so they are easy to follow! 

Göppingen is in the Swabian Alb, the low rolling hills that are known for their rocky outcrops, juniper-covered heathland and stunning panoramic views. The valleys are thick with more than 1.5 million fruit trees growing in ancient orchards that seem to stretch forever between the Alb and the Neckar River. Farming is a way of life here, so fresh local produce is on every menu. No wonder hikers of all ages love the Löwenpfade Trails. The region offers the perfect combination: history, good food and a totally natural break. Göppingen is 45 minutes east of Stuttgart.

☀Tip☀
Regional delicacies revolve around orchard and wild fruits. Hägenmark, for example, is a rosehip puree or jam with an extremely high vitamin C content. Then there are award-winning sparkling fruit wines, such as a delicate perry, or pear cider. Made from the Champagner Bratbirne, a Württemberg heritage pear grown in orchards some 90 to 120 years old, it is delicious as an aperitif and also with food.

Contact:
Landkreis Göppingen - Löwenpfade
Lorcher Str. 6
73033 Göppingen
Phone: +49 7161 202 9740
Email: loewenpfade@lkgp.de