Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg
Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg
Best attractions and places to see in Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg include a diverse landscape characterized by the Stromberg and Heuchelberg mountain ranges, extensive vineyards, and dense forests. This region, located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historical sites, numerous lakes, and a network of hiking and cycling trails. The park's theme, "Wein. Wald. Wohlfühlen." (Wine. Forest. Feel Good.), reflects its focus on viticulture, nature, and recreation.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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Popular around Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg
The Stromberg Murrtal Bike Path – 7 stages of nature and culture
Vineyards, River Valleys & Panoramic Views: Cycling in the HeilbronnerLand
Wine love & wanderlust – gourmet tours in HeilbronnerLand
Forest & Wonder – family hikes in HeilbronnerLand
Trail running between woodlands & wine in the Land of 1000 Hills
Hiking between Baden's vineyards, wildflowers & green lizards
The National Natural Landscapes in Baden-Württemberg
Family hiking with the adventure factor in the 'Süden ganz oben'
Cycling and local cuisine – pleasure rides in the Süden ganz oben
Picnics, wine and wide views – along the Baden Wine Route
When you walk around the lake you have to cross a few bridges.
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A small forest lake in the Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park with beautiful rest areas by the lake. Forest trail and bird trail on and around the lake.
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The Aalkistensee nature reserve extends over the entire surface of the lake and beyond. The area stretches east along the Salzach to the federal highway 35; in the south to the railway line of the Westbahn. The 50.5 hectare area (protected area number 2,042) was placed under protection by decree of December 21, 1979 and is assigned to the natural area of the Kraichgau and Stromberg-Heuchelberg. The conservation of the lake with the various wetlands and hillside zones surrounding it in their uniqueness, diversity and beauty was named as an essential protective purpose, whereby the worthiness of protection, in addition to the supra-regional importance as a breeding and resting place for birds and as amphibian spawning waters, is based on the importance of the area as a Habitat of species-rich plant and animal communities and the importance of the lake as the location of large reed beds, in its shore area as a growth site for endangered plant species such as tambourine and marsh groundsel.
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The Aalkistensee was created by monks. It is always a magnet for visitors.
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The lake is primarily used for flood protection on the Zaber. In summer, swimmers and other people looking for relaxation visit the lake with its bathing beach; Anglers can catch pike, zander and perch there, as well as rainbow trout, carp, tench, bream, catfish and eel. Sailing and motor boating, on the other hand, are prohibited on the lake. Walking and hiking trails of different lengths touch the Ehmetsklinge, including a 6.5 km long circular lake trail, which also connects it with the Katzenbachsee, which is almost 2 km to the east. A forest and tree as well as a wine educational trail also run near the lake. There are some inns by the lake. In May 2009, the new nature park center of the Stromberg-Heuchelberg nature park opened its doors on the lake shore. The lake was created between 1968 and 1970, inaugurated in June 1970 with a lake festival, and expanded in 2000 and 2001. EnBW, the operating company of the Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant, initiated the enlargement of the lake; Low water in the Neckar during the summer and legal requirements had previously led to a lack of cooling water in the reactor at this time of year, which now hardly ever occurs. In the north-eastern area near the dam it has a fairly constant width of around 250m, further up it branches into two peaks that reach into the valleys of Zaber in the south-west and Ehmehtsklingenbach in the west and reaches its greatest length of around 600m at the tributary of the latter. With normal traffic jams, the surface of the lake is 232m above sea level. NN. The expansion increased the crest height of the dam structure on the air side from 12.50m to 15.05m, the crest length of the dam from 320.50m to 335.50m, the water depth from 4.80m to up to 8m with permanent waterlogging, the water area from 7, 3ha to 13.8ha, the storage volume from 190,000m³ to 590,000m³. Annually from August 15th to December 31st, the Neckar can now be supplied with an additional volume of water of up to 400,000 cubic meters via the Zaber to compensate for the evaporation caused by the operation of some thermal power plants on its banks, but the flood protection in Zabergäu and the Increasing the water level in case of low water in the Zaber. During the expansion, around 10 hectares of arable land were converted into meadows, trees and shrubs were planted and the front dam was designated as a biotope. The costs for this and for a number of other measures were borne by the operators of a number of thermal power plants on the Neckar under the management of the Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant.
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founding Under the aegis of Abbot Bernhard von Clairvaux, the Cistercian order also became very popular in today's Germany. In south-west Germany, the Edelfreie Walter von Lomersheim was infected by the enthusiasm. He donated his Eckenweiher heritage between Mühlacker and Lienzingen to found a Cistercian monastery, which he intended to join as a lay brother. For this purpose, the Neuburg monastery in Alsace sent an abbot and twelve monks - as it is called after the number of apostles. The refoundation of this monastery was entrusted to Abbot Dieter of Morimond Primary Abbey, who arrived on March 24, 1138. However, the location of the donated lands seems to have been of little help in founding the monastery. Among other things, there seems to have been a lack of water. Around 1146, the responsible bishop of Speyer, Günther von Henneberg, personally took care of the matter. He declared the place unsuitable and gave the monastery the bishop's fiefdom of Mulenbrunnen.
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Natural lake, where you can watch many birds and let your soul dangle. Belongs to the cultural landscape that the Cistercians left in the area from Maulbronn Monastery.
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The World Heritage site Maulbronn Monastery is considered one of the best-preserved medieval monastery complexes north of the Alps. The Cistercian imprint on the architecture and the surrounding cultural landscape are almost perfectly preserved. Therefore, when visiting, one should not only see the monastery itself but also explore the surroundings through a short hike or as part of a bike tour.
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The most prominent historical site is the Maulbronn Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a former Cistercian abbey considered the most completely preserved medieval monastery complex north of the Alps. You can also explore the remains of historic fortifications along the Eppinger-Linien-Weg, a 41 km hiking trail connecting Eppingen and Mühlacker.
Yes, the park offers several family-friendly options. The Ehmetsklinge Reservoir and Katzenbachsee are popular lakes with natural beaches, sunbathing lawns, and circular paths, perfect for a day out. The Wildkatzenwelt Stromberg features an exhibition and adventure play area, ideal for children to learn about wildcats. Additionally, the Hirschkäferpfad (Stag Beetle Path) offers an informative and engaging walk.
Beyond its popular lakes, Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg is defined by the gentle contours of the Stromberg and Heuchelberg mountain ranges. You'll find extensive vineyards, particularly on the southern slopes of the Stromberg, which create picturesque landscapes, especially during autumn. Large forested areas provide numerous hiking opportunities and are home to diverse wildlife, including wildcats.
For expansive views, head to Schlossberg, one of the highest elevations on the western edge of the Stromberg. From here, you can see across the Kraichgau, including Ravensburg and Burg Steinsberg, and even to the Vosges, Palatinate Forest, and Odenwald. The western shore of Aalkistensee also offers a peaceful viewpoint.
The park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an attractive and extensive network of cycle and hiking tracks. Popular activities include hiking, gravel biking, road cycling, and running. The region's diverse terrain, from vineyards to forests and lakes, provides varied routes for all skill levels. You can find more details on specific routes in our guides for Gravel biking, Road Cycling, and Running Trails.
Absolutely. Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg boasts an extensive network of hiking trails. You can explore the Eppinger-Linien-Weg, which follows historic fortifications, or enjoy circular paths around lakes like Katzenbachsee and Ehmetsklinge Reservoir. For more challenging options, consider routes like the 'Official Eselsburg Trail' or 'Digging deep on the Krappenberg'. Find more hiking inspiration in our dedicated Running Trails guide, which also covers many walking paths.
Yes, the park is excellent for cycling, with numerous routes catering to different styles. You can enjoy road cycling through vineyards and forests, or tackle gravel biking trails. Popular routes include the 'Baiselsberg tour' for gravel biking or the 'Zabergäu Cycle Path' for an easier road cycling experience. Explore detailed routes in our Gravel biking and Road Cycling Routes guides.
Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly recommended. During the Indian summer, the vineyards transform with vibrant colors, making it an ideal time for scenic walks and wine-related activities. Spring and summer are perfect for enjoying the lakes and extensive outdoor trails.
Wine culture is central to the region's identity. You can participate in various wine festivals, visit local wineries, and join guided wine tours, including unique mulled wine hikes during colder months. The cozy villages often feature traditional restaurants and 'Besenwirtschaften' (seasonal wine taverns) where you can sample regional wines like Lemberger, Trollinger, Riesling, and Kerner.
The Naturparkzentrum Stromberg-Heuchelberg, located at the Ehmetsklinge Reservoir, serves as a central contact point for visitors. It houses an office and an exhibition themed "Wein. Wald. Wohlfühlen.", providing comprehensive information on the region's facets, sights, and activities.
Visitors highly appreciate the diverse landscape, which offers a harmonious blend of vineyards, forests, and lakes. The well-preserved historical sites like Maulbronn Monastery are a major draw. The extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, along with the family-friendly amenities at lakes like Katzenbachsee and Ehmetsklinge Reservoir, are frequently praised. The region's focus on 'Wein. Wald. Wohlfühlen.' truly resonates with those seeking relaxation and outdoor experiences.
Yes, for peace and relaxation, the western shore of Aalkistensee is considered a natural monument and a tranquil viewpoint. Additionally, smaller forest lakes like Jägersee, Eppingen offer beautiful rest areas away from more bustling spots.


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