Our hike begins at the train station in MĂźhlhausen near Engen, which we leave on the left side to follow the Duchtlinger Steig. The path gradually leads uphill, and before long, we catch our first glimpse of the Mägdeberg â a striking volcanic hill topped with the romantic ruins of a medieval castle.
We continue toward the Mägdeberg castle ruins, situated at about 654 meters above sea level. The castle was built in the 13th century and was part of the Hegau fortress network. It suffered major damage during the Thirty Years' War and was eventually abandoned in the 17th century. Today, the well-preserved remains are freely accessible and offer panoramic views over the Hegau hills and, on clear days, all the way to Lake Constance and the Alps.
After visiting the ruins of Mägdeberg, we continue our hike toward the Offeren â a lesser-known but scenic hill. At its summit, we find a simple summit cross, offering a peaceful spot for a short break. From here, we enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding volcanic landscape of the Hegau region.
Our next destination is the striking Hohenkrähen, which, at 643 meters, is not particularly high but stands out with its steep slopes and rugged, alpine-like appearance. The Hohenkrähen is the eroded core of an ancient volcano and one of the most impressive peaks in the Hegau volcanic field. A narrow path leads to the summit, where we encounter the ruins of Hohenkrähen Castle, believed to have been built around the year 1200.
Although only a few walls and a small viewing platform remain today, the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding region: the Hohentwiel fortress, Lake Constance, the volcanic peaks of the Hegau, and on clear days, even the Swiss Alps. Hohenkrähen is a hidden gem for hikers seeking a mix of natural beauty and historical depth.
Our hike now continues toward the impressive Hohentwiel, a striking 686-meter-high volcanic cone crowned by the largest fortress ruins in Germany. Given that we've already conquered 450 meters of elevation, we decide to climb only halfway up the mountain. Even from this point, the majestic volcanic formation and its historical significance can be clearly felt.
Our next stop is the Hohentwiel Information Center, located near the Hohentwiel service area. Here, visitors can learn about the geology, history, and nature of the Hohentwiel and the surrounding Hegau region. It's also a great place to pause and reflect on the hike so far.
From there, we begin our descent into the town of Singen. The path leads us through both forested and open landscapes before reaching our final destination, Singen Main Station. For those who still have energy left, the day can be rounded off with a stroll through town or a visit to the MAC Museum Art & Cars.
