Breathtaking Natural Attractions Near Lichtenstein Castle

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Visiting Lichtenstein Castle is a fantastic experience, but it’s a bit off the beaten path compared to the main tourist destinations in Germany. You might have some free time after exploring the castle (check out the highlights here).

The good news is, you don’t need to travel far to find other interesting places. A short drive or a quick bus ride from the town where the castle is located will take you to another attraction, or maybe even a hidden gem. And since the castle is in such a scenic location, you can expect to find plenty of natural beauty nearby, like breathtaking views. There are three that I think you might enjoy.

Schönbergturm Pfullingen

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Schönbergturm, Near Lichtenstein Castle, Pfullingen, Germany
Schönbergturm
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If you love sweeping views and unique architecture, you’ll definitely want to check out the Schönbergturm in Pfullingen.

This iconic tower sits on the Swabian Alb in Baden-Württemberg and is a major landmark of the town. Built in 1905, it’s hard to miss at 26 meters tall.

What makes it special is its unique design – two towers joined by a bridge at the top that you use to go up and down.

The Schönbergturm originally sported wooden shingle roofs over the viewing platform and entrance. But in November 1949, they swapped those out for copper, giving the tower its signature look. And thanks to its quirky double-tower design, locals nicknamed it the ‘Pfullinger Unterhose’ – the ‘Underpants’ – making it a tourist draw.

On clear days, the tower has an extra perk: you can spot Lichtenstein Castle from up there, making your visit even better.

Besides the awesome views, the tower offers a bunch of activities. At the base of the tower, visitors can spend their time sightseeing, flying kites, having a barbecue, or even hitting the hiking trail.

Before you go, check the local weather and see if there are any closures. Since it’s an outdoor destination, dress for the weather. You can visit the tower any day of the week. For the latest info and more details, check out Pfullingen’s official website.

Ruine Achalm

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A sunrise view of the tower at Ruine Achalm, Pfullingen, Germany
A sunrise view of the tower at Ruine Achalm
View of the town from Ruine Achalm, Pfullingen, Germany
View of the town from Ruine Achalm
View of the Swabian Alps from Ruine Achalm, Pfullingen, Germany
View of the Swabian Alps from Ruine Achalm
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If you’re into history or love nature, Ruine Achalm in Reutlingen is a must-see. It’s a historic hill with the ruins of an 11th-century castle – imagine walking through the remains of a structure that’s been around for ages!

There’s also a lookout tower from 1838. Climbing it is an adventure, and the view from the top is amazing. You can see all the surrounding towns, from Reutlingen to Pfullingen to Eningen.

Before you pack your bags, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, the weather. Clear skies are best for enjoying the view. Second, be prepared for a bit of a climb to reach the top of the lookout tower. If you have any mobility issues, it might be a challenge.

For more info, check out their official webpage here.

Driving is the easiest way to get to Ruine Achalm. You could stop at Restaurant Achalm – park your car and grab a bite to eat before you start exploring. The hike to Ruine Achalm actually starts right there. So, after you enjoy your meal, you’re ready to go!

Nebelhöhle

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Did you know that there’s beauty above and below ground near Lichtenstein Castle?

If you rented a car, consider adding Nebelhöhle to your trip. This cave is just a short drive from the castle and a hidden gem in Sonnenbühl, Germany.

It’s a karst cave stretching over 814 meters, with 380 meters open for exploring. As you wander through, you’ll be amazed by the unique formations. The eerie beauty of the black grime under a thin layer of calcite is especially cool.

For more info, check the Baden-Württemberg tourism website.

For further planning, check out my additional tips for navigating to and around Lichtenstein Castle. Learn which city is closest to the castle, and also see when I think the best time to visit is!

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