Best attractions and places to see around Härtsfeldsee include 3 notable spots. Härtsfeldsee is a man-made lake in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, known for its natural beauty and cultural sites. The area features a picturesque reservoir, a heritage railway, and various recreational facilities. Visitors can explore the lake's western shore, experience the historic Härtsfeld Museum Railway, and visit the Katzenstein terminus.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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The temporary terminus of the Schättere line is a great success. The association members are doing a tremendous job. A member of the association explained to me during a conversation that the railway will be extended to the former station in Dischingen. The station in Dischingen is also owned by the museum association.
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A truly unique highlight of the association's more than 40-year history: the Katzenstein terminus of the "Schättere" (Schättere Railway), which entered into operation in 2021. Twenty-nine years after its closure in 1972 and complete dismantling, the first 3 km section of the Härtsfeld Railway, which formerly ran from Nerresheim to Dillingen, was put into operation with great enthusiasm and commitment in 2001. The second, 2.6 km section to Härtsfeldsee followed in 2021. Steam operations now take place on this idyllic narrow-gauge railway on selected weekends (see https://www.hmb-ev.de). Now that this success, which was deemed impossible and a crazy idea by some crazy people in 1984, has been achieved, Dischingen is now to become the future terminus of the railway – the old station building there is already owned by the association. The only downside: the railway line cycle path to Dischingen, which is beautifully shaded for large parts, is likely to get lost in the process…
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Provisional terminus of the Härtsfeld Museum Railway. With sidings and dead-end tracks on which a few freight wagons are parked. At some point the line will run to Dischingen again. However, as this is being done entirely privately, it will take some time. The Härtsfeld Railway once ran from Aalen to Dillingen an der Donau in Bavaria.
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Very beautiful lake, also ideal for walking around as a short hike
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A new train stop is almost a rarity.
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Privately restored museum railway worth seeing. Timetable on homepage.
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Really nicely done
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The primary natural feature is the Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee itself, a picturesque man-made lake. It offers recreational facilities and two islands that are primarily inhabited by birds and animals, making it a significant natural focal point. Visitors often enjoy the idyllic location and the beautiful landscape.
Yes, the region boasts significant historical and cultural sites. You can visit the Katzenstein Station of the Härtsfeld Museum Railway, which is part of a heritage railway line offering a unique way to experience the scenic Egau valley. Additionally, the impressive baroque Neresheim Monastery, designed by Balthasar Neumann, is located nearby and is a major cultural landmark.
Härtsfeldsee is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes, including traffic-free bike rides and road cycling options. For example, explore routes like the "View of Neresheim Abbey – Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee loop" or the "Härtsfeldsee – Katzenstein Castle loop." You can find more details on these and other cycling routes in the Traffic-free bike rides around Härtsfeldsee and Road Cycling Routes around Härtsfeldsee guides.
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families. The Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee features a playground and recreational facilities. The Katzenstein Station (Härtsfeld Museum Railway) and the Katzenstein terminus are also family-friendly, offering a unique experience on the historic steam train, especially during summer months when it runs on certain weekends.
Yes, the Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee is noted as dog-friendly, making it a great spot to enjoy with your canine companion. The surrounding trails and natural areas also offer ample opportunities for walks with your dog.
Visitors particularly appreciate the idyllic setting of the lake and the beautiful landscape. Many enjoy taking a break at the Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee, which has a kiosk and a playground. The historic Härtsfeld Museum Railway also receives positive feedback for its unique charm and scenic journey.
The Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee itself is considered a beautiful viewpoint, offering serene vistas of the lake. The entire Egau valley, through which the Härtsfeld Museum Railway runs, is also known for its scenic beauty.
For attractions like the Katzenstein Station, parking is available. The Härtsfeld Museum Railway itself provides a unique mode of transport between Neresheim and Katzenstein during its operating season. For other areas, driving and cycling are popular options, with parking available at key points like the Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee.
Yes, the Western shore of the Härtsfeldsee offers various facilities, including a kiosk and a playground. Parking for hikers is also available there. The Katzenstein Station also provides facilities for visitors of the museum railway.
The summer months are particularly popular, especially for experiencing the Härtsfeld Museum Railway, which runs its steam locomotive between Neresheim and Katzenstein on certain weekends. The lake also hosts a yearly rock music festival, indicating a lively atmosphere during warmer seasons. For outdoor activities like cycling, spring through autumn generally offer pleasant weather.


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