You probably couldn’t ask for better neighbors than Hechingen, Haigerloch, and Burladingen; but let me be the first to tell you the town of Rangendingen can hold its own against some of the heavy hitters.
For me the highlight of Rangendingen (besides just being in the Swabian Alb) is Burg Hohenrangendingen. Or, more specifically, what used to be a 13th century castle whose origins date back to prehistoric times. The castle itself wasn’t around too long, now overcome by the ravages of time since for more than 700 years.
I liked the Ruine Haimburg, too. There’s something to be said for those up to the challenge of building a castle in the late 13th century, then rebuild it again after it was destroyed in the 14th century. Too bad no one rebuilt it after it was destroyed (yet again) more than 400 years ago.
If you really must see a totally intact castle, you’re in luck. You’re close enough to see Haigerloch Castle that’s now part museum and part Parish Church. And the mighty Hohenzollern Castle isn’t that far away, either, and worth the trek because it’s one of the most outstanding castles in Germany (if not in all of Europe).
Folks can’t live by castles alone — OK, they can, but another subject altogether. So, after your journey of castle sightseeing, come find a hike and/or bicycle path. The Starzetal makes a wonderful backdrop for leisurely strolls, active bike riding, or stealing a kiss from your honey behind a tree.
Ugh, the romantic in me just came out there for a minute. Quick, someone distract me with a festival or something. ;-)
As for those, Rangendingen sure knows how to give someone a good time. The Family Festival (1st Sunday in July) is a good one for those traveling with little ones, but everyone is just as welcome to the Beetenfest (Sept/Oct), the Maypole Celebrations, to listen to the Christmas caroling, or eat until they pop at the Bachkuchefest (end of Oct).
Even if there’s no festival going on while you’re here, you can always appreciate the half-timbered houses along little lanes, the quiet stillness of the nearby Jewish cemetery, or the art and architecture of the St. Ägidius Church.
So what if Rangendingen is surrounded by more famous neighbors, I think this place holds its own quite nicely.
