Sigmaringendorf

Sigmaringendorf is located in Baden-Württemberg and has around 3,600 inhabitants. Both Sigmaringendorf, where the Lauchert river flows into the Danube, and Laucherthal are situated in the Upper Danube Nature Park about five kilometres east of the main town of Sigmaringen. The area's EU-designated Fauna and Flora Habitats are located towards Laucherthal as far as Hitzkofen and in the Luibentäle area. There is also a managed wetland biotope close by, providing a habitat for endangered plant and animal species.

The Lauchert river flows from Laucherthal through the heart of Sigmaringendorf before reaching the Danube, so following the Lauchert will take you into the pretty centre of the village with its numerous historical houses. Chief among these are the town hall, presbytery and the parish church of St. Peter and Paul, which dates back to 1317. The church as it looks today, with its stuccoed ceiling, rococo painting and Gothic pietà, dates from 1852. Then there is the fire station opposite the railway bridge and, of course, Schloss Ratzenhofen, often referred to simply as the Schlössle (little castle). First mentioned in 1542, it is mainly used today for functions and celebrations. The restored Bruckkapelle chapel, with its 17th century baroque altar, is situated by the bridge over the Danube and is one of Sigmaringen's highlights. In days gone by, it was used not just for worship but also for the levy of tolls from people crossing the bridge. Interesting buildings can also be found in Laucherthal, where the heritage-listed furnace building, the schoolhouse with its square and fountain, and the Church of St. Meinrad are all worth visiting. Plus there is a fascinating museum dedicated to Laucherthal's mining heritage. Just one more surprise in a place where you can expect the unexpected.

The Laucherthal iron and steel works is home to something of a rarity: one of the few remaining works musical bands, the Hüttenkapelle Laucherthal. The nearly 30 members of this brass band always play in traditional miner's uniform. Another band, the Musikverein Sigmaringendorf, was founded in 1872 but according to records dates back to 1808, so ensemble music making in Sigmaringendorf goes back over 200 years. Many years of friendly rivalry finally came to an end in 1990 when the two bands performed together for the first time.

The town hall is located on Wilhelm-Lehmann-Platz, named after the locally born founder of the Argentinian city of Rafaela. Built between 1884 and 1890, its construction necessitated the acquisition of the existing forge and the diversion of the Lauchert river. An annexe was added in 2007. Also on the square, the Danube-Lauchert Fountain symbolises the confluence of these two rivers at Sigmaringendorf.

Activities in Sigmaringendorf

Sigmaringendorf lies on the popular Danube Cycle Route from Donaueschingen to Ulm. Coming from Sigmaringen, the well-signposted path follows the Danube along a quiet road that is partly shaded by trees and closed to traffic in the summer. At the Danube bridge, a rest area with a fountain offers the ideal spot for a break. After a short stretch on the L455 road, the route goes left below the forest theatre and then follows the Danube towards Scheer along a flat, well-surfaced woodland road. The equally well-signposted Alb-Lauchert Cycle Route provides a shaded ride along the Lauchert river to Laucherthal and from there on to Gammertingen and the hills of the Swabian Alb.

For walkers, there is a network of walking trails lovingly cared for by the Friends of the Swabian Alb. The Josefslust royal park, the Wusthauer Weiher lake and the artificial lakes in the Ablach valley can all be reached on one of these leisurely trails and offer the ideal opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty. The popular hiking areas of the Upper Danube Valley, the Swabian Alb and Upper Swabia are all on Sigmaringendorf's doorstep. For a shorter excursion, visit the remains of a Roman estate in Laucherthal unearthed in 1866.

On the outskirts of Sigmaringendorf as you head towards Rulfingen, the Waldbühne Sigmaringendorf is an idyllic open-air forest theatre. Around 10,000 people visit the theatre every year, making it Sigmaringendorf's chief tourist attraction. Two plays are presented each year.

Accommodation and restaurants in Sigmaringendorf

The choice of places to eat and places to stay is of a high standard here and offers something for everyone. In the centre of Sigmaringendorf, the village itself is the landlord at the Hotel & Gasthaus Hirsch. Its adjoining community hall is a popular venue for groups from all over the region. The Rinderwirt restaurant is another Sigmaringendorf institution. Opened in 1871 as a small inn, it is known today for its excellent meat dishes. You can now also stay at Rinderwirt in one the inviting guest rooms.

Contact:

Town Hall
Hauptstrasse 9/Wilhelm-Lehmann-Platz
72517 Sigmaringendorf
Tel.: +49 (0)7571 73050
Fax: +49 (0)7571 14907
gemeindeverwaltung@sigmaringendorf.de
www.sigmaringendorf.de

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