Staufeneck Loop

The round-trip hike begins at the Stauferlandhalle and leads up to Staufeneck. After the climb, for a small fee, we can enjoy a fantastic view of the Göppingen district by climbing the tower. On clear days, the view stretches across the Forelalps to the Stuttgart TV Tower and from the Teck to the Hohenstaufen. The trail leads along the Geißrücken through lush, near-natural beech forests. Depending on the season, we’ll be accompanied along the way by magnificent flora and fauna, including many wildflowers and grasses. At the “Wannenhof – Etzberg” sign, we turn left and continue past the “Hinteren Etzberg” farm, following the edge of the forest through fields and meadows to Krummwälden, a district of the city of Eislingen. Here, it’s worth making a detour to St. James’ Church. Inside, you’ll find striking works of art, a two-winged shrine altar, and exposed murals. Passing a hiking parking lot, we head up the hill, from where we catch our first glimpse of the historic Schachenmayr settlement with its half-timbered houses. You can also enjoy a wonderful view of the middle Filstal valley from here. From here, we hike down into the village and through the residential areas back to the Stauferlandhalle. Just before reaching our destination, the Schachenmayr outdoor pool, with its plenty of historic charm, invites you to linger and cool off.

Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. A backpack with water, snacks, and a first-aid kit is recommended.

When it's wet, some trails can be slippery and dangerous. Watch your step and use hiking poles for stability if necessary.

Take the RE5/MEX 16 from Stuttgart or Ulm to the Göppingen train station. From there, take bus line 941 to the "Salach Staufeneckschule" stop.

View the district schedule:www.vvs.de/fahrplan  

Respectful Coexistence in the Göppingen District.

Code of Conduct:

Respect trail closures and the quiet zones established in the recreational trail plan. Leave no trace—such as trash or animal waste—and treat the trails with care. Be proactive and considerate. Adapt your behavior to the situation at hand. Safety comes first. Respect other users of the woods and countryside. Be considerate of animals and plants. Plan ahead and make the most of daylight. Try to avoid the early morning and evening twilight hours. Observe the ban on entering agricultural land during the growing season. Stay on marked trails and avoid forest edges; this helps wildlife become more accustomed to people.

For more information, visit ruecksicht-macht-wege-breiter.de

Staufeneck Castle

Staufeneck Castle towers high above the town of Salach. Its striking round tower is Salach’s landmark, visible from afar, and houses one of the region’s leading restaurants and hotels.

Schachenmayr Company

The spinning mill building of the former Schachenmayr company in Salach tells the story of a long industrial history. For many years, Schachenmayr operated a world-renowned wool production facility and left its mark on Salach. Despite financial difficulties, the company built an outdoor swimming pool that is still popular with Salach residents today. Visitors can also tour the company’s well-preserved and architecturally appealing workers’ housing complex.