Hardthausen am Kocher
Hardthausen am Kocher
Best natural monuments around Hardthausen am Kocher offer a diverse geological and ecological landscape. The region features five officially designated natural monuments, including three area-based sites and two individual tree monuments. These protected areas provide insight into the local geology, wetland biotopes, and historical natural formations. The Kocher valley and Hardthäuser Wald contribute to the area's appeal for nature exploration.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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Highlight • Historical Site
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A linden tree, a forester's lodge, and a chapel form Neusaß above Schöntal Monastery. Historical speculations, stories, and tales give the place its very own significance. It cannot be precisely determined when a chapel has existed in Neusaß. As stated in a booklet on the history of the place, the first reference to a pilgrimage dates back to the year 1395. The chapel itself shows late Gothic features. The pilgrimage tradition has endured to this day.
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The "Vogelhalde Sindringen-Ohrnberg" nature reserve in the lower Kocher valley has been home to one of the largest grey heron colonies in the Stuttgart administrative district for decades. At 216 hectares, the area is unique, being the largest of the 21 nature reserves in the Hohenlohe district.
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Originally built in the 15th century, it was later remodeled in the Baroque style. The church is a destination for numerous pilgrims, especially on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Its simple interior exudes tranquility, with a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary as its centerpiece.
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The small lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers lovely seating and peaceful nature experiences. Swimming is not permitted here, as it is a natural body of water with no designated swimming area.
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The Stone Table is an atmospheric spot in the forest between Schwabbach and Eberstadt, near the L1036. Presumably once a courthouse, it is now considered a cultural monument. 🌳 Surrounded by forest and vineyards, it is a popular starting point for hikes – quietly located, with a small forest playground nearby.
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A cycle path to enjoy. Mainly on asphalt with almost no car traffic
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Beautiful forest lake with several seating areas and a good view of the body of water hidden in the forest.
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The Stone Table is a cultural monument as it is believed to be an old courthouse. There is no certain information about the age of the table. The year 1709 probably only stands for the year the table was renovated, like 1924. It is assumed that the table is significantly older. The name of the neighboring town Siebeneich could also indicate an important courthouse in very early times, as the number seven often had significance in old legal systems. A courthouse near seven oaks is possible. A final indication of a courthouse is the area of Hölle near the table. This field name often appears near old courthouses.
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Hardthausen am Kocher offers a variety of unique natural features. You can discover geological formations like the Doline im Breitfeld, a funnel-shaped depression revealing banked limestones, or the impressive Wasserfallkessel Hackklinge, where water cascades into a 10-meter basin. The region also features the Kocheraltarm, a valuable wetland biotope that was once a loop of the Kocher River.
Yes, several natural monuments also hold historical or cultural significance. The Neusaß Pilgrimage Church and the Heiligenbrünnle (Holy Spring) is a religious building and natural monument, a destination for pilgrims since the 14th century. Additionally, the Stone Table is considered a cultural monument, possibly an ancient courthouse, and serves as a popular starting point for hikes.
The region around Hardthausen am Kocher is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Hardthausen am Kocher guide, the Road Cycling Routes around Hardthausen am Kocher guide, or the Gravel biking around Hardthausen am Kocher guide.
Absolutely! Many natural monuments in the area are suitable for families. The Neusaß Pilgrimage Church and the Heiligenbrünnle (Holy Spring), the Stone Table (with a small forest playground nearby), and the Brettach Forest Lake are all great options. The Kochertal Cycle Path also offers easy, flat sections perfect for family cycling.
Hardthausen am Kocher is home to two notable individual tree monuments: the Hindenburgeiche (Hindenburg Oak) and a protected Linden Tree. These ancient trees are cherished for their ecological value, aesthetic appeal, and often serve as local landmarks.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil and picturesque settings. For instance, the Brettach Forest Lake is loved for its lush greenery and peaceful seating areas. The Stone Table is praised as an atmospheric spot and a great starting point for hikes. The Neusaß Pilgrimage Church offers a tranquil interior and a sense of history.
No, swimming is not permitted in the Brettach Forest Lake. It is a natural body of water without a designated swimming area, primarily intended for peaceful nature observation and relaxation.
Yes, you can visit the Helenenquelle, a natural spring that serves as a nice rest stop with seating. While the water is not designated as drinking water, it's a pleasant spot to pause and enjoy the surroundings. The Wasserfallkessel Hackklinge also features an impressive waterfall basin.
The natural monuments in Hardthausen am Kocher can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. Summer is ideal for longer days outdoors, while winter can provide a serene, snow-covered landscape, though some paths might be less accessible.
Yes, many areas around the natural monuments are accessible via easy walking trails. For example, the Kochertal Cycle Path offers very quiet and easy sections suitable for walking. You can find various easy hiking routes in the Hiking around Hardthausen am Kocher guide, such as the "Rest stop with display vineyard – Playground at the Kocherwiese loop from Hardthausen am Kocher" which is rated easy.
Yes, the Doline im Breitfeld is an excellent site for understanding the region's geology. Within its funnel-shaped depression, you can observe the banked limestones of the Upper Muschelkalk geological formation, offering direct insight into the area's geological past.


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