Hettingen(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a romantic retreat in Hintergen, Hotel Alte Mühle stands out with its riverside suites featuring private terraces overlooking the Neckar River. The rooms blend historic stone walls with modern luxury, and couples can enjoy in-room candlelit dinners curated by the head chef using local ingredients like black forest ham and wild berries. At sunset, the view from the terrace turns golden, perfect for quiet moments.

Another top choice is Hotel Schwarzwaldblick, a secluded countryside inn offering cozy cabins with wood-burning stoves and access to a private forest trail. The hotel hosts monthly "Love & Wine" evenings where guests enjoy a tasting of regional wines paired with handmade chocolates. Both hotels provide English-speaking staff and offer packages that include spa treatments, sunrise breakfasts, and guided night walks through the old town—ideal for intimate, memorable experiences.

The heart of authentic Hintergen lies in the historic Old Town Quarter, centered around Hauptstraße and the Town Hall Square. This pedestrian-only zone preserves 19th-century architecture, with cobblestone alleys flanked by family-run shops, cafés, and craft workshops. Every Saturday, the Local Craft Market opens here, showcasing hand-thrown pottery, embroidered linens, and traditional Baden-style breads baked fresh daily.

Don’t miss the Hintergen Historical Museum, housed in the former municipal archive, which displays medieval manuscripts, vintage farming tools, and wartime memorabilia. Guided tours in English are available on weekends, led by local historians who share stories of the town’s evolution from a farming village to a cultural hub.

For true immersion, join the Sunday Folk Music Night at Wirtshaus Zum Roten Hahn, where local bands perform traditional Baden folk songs while guests sip homemade schnapps and dance the polka. It’s an unmissable experience for travelers seeking genuine German rural life.

Near Hintergen, the Neckar Valley Trail (Nebelweg Trail) is the top hiking destination—a 8-kilometer scenic path winding along the Neckar River through ancient oak forests and past historic bridges. Starting at Hintergen Bridge, the trail features interpretive signs about local flora and fauna, including sightings of red foxes and gray herons. It’s ideal for families and casual hikers, with benches and rest stops every kilometer.

For more challenging routes, the Burgberg Forest Loop climbs to 412 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Black Forest foothills and distant Swabian Alps. At the summit, the Warte Turm Observation Tower provides a breathtaking vista, especially at sunrise. The trail is well-marked and accessible via public bus line 6 from the town center.

Both trails are part of the Baden-Württemberg Nature Network, and visitors can pick up free maps at the Hintergen Tourism Office or download them via the official app. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes—this is nature at its purest.

In Hintergen, must-try dishes include Hinterländische Wurst, a smoked pork sausage made with local herbs like rosemary and juniper, served with sauerkraut and mustard at Wirtshaus Zum Roten Hahn, a century-old tavern. The flavor is rich, smoky, and deeply regional.

Another highlight is the Black Forest Cherry Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), reimagined by local baker Anna Müller. Her version uses fresh cherries, low-sugar cream, and a delicate almond crust—lighter than traditional versions. Available only at her shop, Müller’s Backstube, it sells out daily, so arrive before 10 a.m.

For a seasonal treat, try Neckar River Fish Stew, prepared with freshly caught trout and river herbs at Ruderhaus am Fluss, a riverside restaurant. The dish is simmered in white wine and served with creamy potato mash. All ingredients come from nearby farms and fisheries, ensuring freshness and sustainability.

Yes, Hintergen is highly family-friendly. Familienhotel Schwarzwaldblick offers spacious family rooms, a kids’ playroom, indoor heated pool, and daily activities like storytelling, crafts, and farm visits. Children can help feed goats and collect eggs at the on-site mini-farm, making it both fun and educational.

The Hintergen Nature Park has dedicated family trails with interactive stations—kids can learn about birds, insects, and trees through audio guides and scavenger hunts. The park also hosts monthly “Family Discovery Days,” where parents and kids participate in outdoor games and nature art projects.

For convenience, the Hintergen City Card grants free entry to museums, unlimited public transport, and discounts at restaurants and shops. Many hotels provide baby cots, high chairs, and multilingual staff. With clean air, safe streets, and abundant green spaces, Hintergen is a peaceful, child-safe destination.

During winter, Hintergen transforms into a snowy wonderland. The Schneewaldpark Ski Area offers two beginner slopes and one intermediate run, complete with a chairlift and snowmobile rentals. The park also features a stunning Ice Sculpture Exhibition, where local artists carve intricate figures like forest spirits and historical townscapes—illuminated at night.

The Hintergen Christmas Market at Town Hall Square runs from late November to December 24, with over 40 stalls selling mulled wine, gingerbread, handmade ornaments, and regional cheeses. The centerpiece is a 12-meter-tall tree, lit by students each Friday evening, creating a magical atmosphere.

Guests can book a Winter Evening Walk with lanterns, guided by local storytellers sharing tales of winter legends. Hotels like Hotel Alpenruhe offer special packages with hot cocoa, thermal baths, and fireplace lounges—perfect for cozy nights under the snow.

Traveling to Hintergen is convenient via train and car. Hintergen Train Station is served by regional trains (RB) and InterCity Express (ICE), connecting directly to Freiburg (25 min), Tübingen (40 min), and Stuttgart (70 min). The ICE stops hourly, and tickets can be booked online via Deutsche Bahn.

From Stuttgart Airport, take the direct bus service to Hintergen station (1 hour), or rent a car at the airport for scenic drives through the Black Forest. The town is also accessible via A8 Autobahn, exit 18 (Hintergen-West).

Public buses (Line 6) connect all districts within Hintergen and link to the train station. For tourists, the Hintergen City Card includes unlimited rides and discounts on attractions—available at the station or tourist office. No international airport exists in Hintergen, but nearby options are easily reachable.

Yes, Hintergen hosts several unique festivals annually. The Autumn Wine Festival (Weinfest) in September is a highlight—held at Town Hall Square with over 30 local wineries offering tastings of regional Riesling and Spätburgunder. Visitors can enjoy live Baden folk music, traditional dances, and a grand parade in folk costumes.

The Hintergen Candlelight Festival in early December brings the entire town to life: homes and shops are decorated with handmade candles, and the old church hosts a midnight choir performance. Families gather for a lantern procession through the streets, ending at the Old Bridge with a fireworks display.

Additionally, the Craftsmanship Week in May showcases artisans from across Baden-Württemberg. Workshops include pottery throwing, weaving, and wood carving, all open to public participation. These events reflect Hintergen’s deep-rooted traditions and vibrant community spirit.

Hintergen is ideal for wellness seekers. Hotel Alte Mühle features a full-service spa with treatments using local botanicals—like elderflower and mountain thyme—and offers yoga sessions by the riverbank. Their signature therapy, the "Neckar River Rejuvenation," combines forest bathing, hydrotherapy, and mindfulness meditation.

The town’s natural setting enhances relaxation: clean air, quiet streets, and abundant greenery. Guests can book guided forest walks with certified wellness coaches, focusing on breathwork and sensory awareness.

Many hotels also provide quiet hours in the afternoons and evening silence zones. For those seeking solitude, the Burgberg Observation Tower offers panoramic views perfect for quiet reflection. With minimal noise pollution and no nightlife distractions, Hintergen delivers a true digital detox and mental reset.

For authentic souvenirs in Hintergen, visit Kunsthandwerk Hintergen, a local art cooperative featuring handcrafted items by regional artists: ceramic mugs with engraved town maps, wool scarves with traditional Baden patterns, and wooden toys carved from local beechwood.

The Hintergen Tourist Shop at the train station sells limited-edition postcards, vintage-style town maps, and branded tote bags with the slogan "Hintergen – Heart of the Region." All items support local artisans.

On weekends, the Open-Air Market at Town Hall Square offers organic honey, handmade cheese, and jars of cherry jam—perfect as edible gifts. For collectors, the Antiquities Market on the first Saturday of each month features vintage books, porcelain, and antique silverware from the 19th century. Everything is locally sourced, ethically produced, and truly representative of Hintergen’s heritage.