Thermal Baths And Waterfalls Make This Overlooked German Town An Enchanting Outdoor Haven

Germany is known for its modern cities, charming medieval villages, and dramatic alpine views. Nestled in the foothills of the German Alps, Bad Urach is a bountiful nature escape, 30 miles south of Stuttgart. Travelers can spend their time hiking to waterfalls, relaxing in thermal spas, or strolling the streets of its historic old town.

The Urach waterfall is a local gem, a 15-minute hike just outside of town. As the green canopy opens to falling waters over 100-feet tall, harried hikers can retreat into the misty echoes of nature. Other nearby trails climb through woodland forests to ancient castle ruins. This idyllic wood is part of the Swabian Alb, an impressive UNESCO biosphere reserve, aiming to conserve nature and encourage ecotourism in the area. Tripadvisor reviewer Peter B. describes the hike in his 5-star review: "Uphill start but worth the view! Very well marked trails. It had just finished raining and we saw several fire salamanders ... Very peaceful 3 mile round trip and the view from top of falls is gorgeous!"

After hiking, you can sooth yourself with a historic European ritual: soaking in the warm mineral waters of a thermal spa. The AlbThermen offers indoor and outdoor pools fed by deep volcanic waters, bubbling up from over 2,200 feet below. The reasonably priced indoor spa features a spectacular crystal chandelier with many types of massages available. It's perfect for easing sore muscles after an active morning of hiking.

Bad Urach is a convenient home base for your foothill hiking adventure, adding its local village charm to the natural setting. Set in a lowland valley between lush green hills, its visible castle ruins, called Hohenurach, date back to the Dukes of Urach in the 11^th century. The city offers its own guided tours to the public, where you can wander the pedestrian-only cobblestone market square. The area is surrounded by towering cross-timbered houses that hint at only the halfway point of the city's thousand-year history. A central fountain, colorful banners, and fresh flower boxes adorn the city in its friendly summer season.

Shepherd's Run is a centuries-old warm weather festival that takes place every two years where you can see locals performing in traditional costume. The Autumn Music Festival with fall foliage or the annual twinkling Christmas market are other visit-worthy seasonal events to explore. Find a restaurant with the local Swabian cuisine – heavy on the spaetzle, a type of German egg noodle. Add a traditional onion roast and finish off with various sweets like apple fritters or pfitzauf, a local puff pastry. This is how to eat like a local. So the next time you're in Stuttgart, consider a quick trip to Bad Urach to explore both nature and history in a charming one-stop location.