Waterfall & Grafensteig
For good fitness, sturdy footwear and a full day outdoors. The Grafensteige are demanding hiking trails, not strolls.
Bad Urach & the Swabian Alb
Being Outdoors. Feeling at Home.
Waterfalls, beech forests, and panoramic views from the Albtrauf. In between, half-timbered alleys, a visit to the thermal baths, or a day without a big plan. Discover the home of the Vier Jahreszeiten.
THE ALB OUTSIDE. HOME INSIDE.
Bad Urach is your starting point, not just the backdrop.
Historic lanes, waterfalls, beech forests and the Alb escarpment are all close by. Plan an active hiking day, combine culture and timber-framed architecture, or make time for warmth after just a few stops.
Vier Jahreszeiten is right in the heart of Bad Urach. The region is not an anonymous tip for leisure time, but part of your stay: set off in the morning, choose as you go and return to Karl’s or the courtyard in the evening.
WHAT SUITS TODAY?
Four ways to spend a day, not one long checklist.
Old town & Residenzschloss
Timber framing, the market square and history combine into a gentle day around the hotel.
Thermal spa & an evening of good food
A flexible rainy-day option or a considered finish after a hike. Check the AlbCard benefit beforehand.
Cave, museum or castle
A regional day trip with one clear destination. Check season, reservations and connections beforehand.
FROM THE HOTEL
Eight highlights for your first selection.
The full overview covers nature, hiking, culture, wellness, family and shopping.
Bad Urach · Nature
Urach Waterfall
A classic right at the gates of Bad Urach: The Brühlbach falls over limestone steps in the protected beech forest. The path from Maisental starts flat; at the waterfall itself, stairs and steeper passages continue. Stay on the marked paths, as the limestone structures are sensitive.
Official informationMaisental · Nature
Güterstein Waterfall
Hidden and intricate compared to the Urach Waterfall: The water flows in several cascades into a contained pool. The zigzag path ascends. Particularly important is the protection of growing limestone; the sensitive moss cushions and water areas must not be entered.
Official informationBad Urach · View
Burgruine Hohenurach
The castle ruin is the far-reaching landmark of Bad Urach. The ascent is athletic, at the top views open up over Ermstal, the town, and the Alb ridge. The ruin tells of a castle from the 11th century, later expanded into a Württemberg state fortress.
Official informationBad Urach · Premium Hiking
Urach Grafensteige
Five challenging round tours reveal waterfalls, view rocks, castle ruins, and the forests around Bad Urach. The paths are designed for an active hiking day. Those who prefer a leisurely walk choose a shorter valley route or a single viewpoint.
Official informationDiscover from the hotel
Timber-framed old town of Bad Urach
Around the historic market square stand timber-framed houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. The collegiate church, narrow streets, and cafés make the old town a fitting program for the arrival or rest day. It can be easily combined with the residence castle and discovery world.
Official informationBad Urach · Culture
Residence Castle Urach
The late medieval residence castle belongs to the most important historical sites of the town. Since July 2026, it has been reopened after renovation and is accessible with an interactive exhibition. The regular admission is free for AlbCard guests.
Official informationBad Urach · Wellness
AlbThermen Bad Urach
Thermal water, indoor and outdoor pools make the AlbThermen a quiet counterpart after a hiking day. The specified admission is included as a AlbCard service. Specific duration, children's regulations, sauna, and additional services may differ and should be checked directly with the operator.
Official information
Beuren · Wellness
Panorama Therme Beuren
The Panorama Therme combines warm thermal water with views of the Alb ridge. With the AlbCard, 2.5 hours of spa and steam baths are free once per stay; sauna and longer stays are charged additionally.
Official informationYOUR BENEFIT FROM THE FIRST NIGHT
With the AlbCard, a day trip becomes more.
More than 180 free experiences and free travel by bus and rail in the card area give you genuine freedom of choice. The detailed AlbCard page explains rules, real examples and planning ideas.
All AlbCard benefitsRegional sources: Bad Urach Tourism · Swabian Alb Tourism