Veigelesweg

The Veigelesweg circles the beautiful village of Simmozheim in the Calw district. The hiking route is continuously marked with wooden signs and has a total length of 8.4 km. Along the way, 134 meters of elevation are climbed. It mostly runs through the Hörnle and Geißberg nature reserves on paved, low-traffic farm roads. 

The Veigelesweg is suitable for hikers, families, joggers, cyclists, riders, and, depending on snow conditions, also for snowshoers.

The varied landscape, sunny location, beautiful views, and the blossom spectacle that unfolds several times a year invite visitors from near and far to stroll and linger.

Why the name Veigelesweg?

The people of Simmozheim are commonly called “Veigele.” This is the Swabian form of the violet, of which there are over 500 different species worldwide. In this region, the dog violet (Viola riviniana) is especially common. On the sun-kissed slopes around Simmozheim, the Veigele finds the best growing conditions. If you hike attentively, you will repeatedly discover these flowers (especially in spring) along the path.

During the hike, you also cross the nature reserve between Hörnle and Geißberg. On the northwest side of this area lies the village of Möttlingen. Between the two villages Simmozheim and Möttlingen, or their inhabitants, there have been occasional minor disputes over the nickname “Veigele.” Historically, it has been proven that the areas around Simmozheim were and are covered with wild violets. Both the bright and the fragrant dark blossoms shaped the landscape. Therefore, the population from Simmozheim was given the designation “Veigele.” On the shaded side of Geißberg towards Möttlingen, due to higher moisture and the shady slope, there were and still are many snails. In earlier times, these were also gathered and eaten. Therefore, the inhabitants of Möttlingen were and still are called “Snails.” All attempts by the people of Möttlingen to oppose this (e.g., founding the Veigelesbühne) are kindly smiled upon by the “Semmerzer Veigele.”