In Reiat, the search for traces of the past leads from Upper Palaeolithic finds to a brickworks whose production ended in 1917. The region also has Ice Age lakes, archaeological sites and trails through a distinctive hilly landscape. Nature and culture each offer their own perspectives on the region.
Cave Finds and Prehistoric Trails
Kesslerloch is one of Europe’s most significant Late Glacial archaeological sites. The cave covers almost 200 m² and is divided by a rock pillar. Its Upper Palaeolithic settlement traces belong to the Magdalenian culture and date from 14,000 to 12,000 BC. From Thayngen railway station, Kesslerloch is about a ten-minute walk; there are several barbecue areas and a toilet on site.
The Stone Age Trail starts at the Kesslerloch site, west of Thayngen railway station. A short loop is 8.4 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 7 minutes. One route along the trail passes five archaeological sites and two geological stations. The settlement remains at Thayngen-Weier also tell of early habitation: dated structural timbers place them between 3800 and 3600 BC and link them to the Pfyn culture.
Rolling Hills, Water and Nature
The Reiat district is in the canton of Schaffhausen, covers 39.33 km² and ranges from 391 to 705 metres above sea level. Its landscape includes a plateau northeast of the city of Schaffhausen and the adjoining hilly terrain facing the Biber. The Biber and the Fulach flow through the wider Reiat area.
Morgetshofsee is a nature reserve of national importance and a kettle lake formed during the WĂĽrm glaciation. As an amphibian spawning site, it is home to eight recorded species and provides habitat for numerous threatened animals and plants. Schliffenhalde brings together different habitats: wetlands, hedgerows, dry grassland and natural meadows; rare animal and plant species are also found there.
On Foot or by Bike
The Reiatweg is an easy, 19-kilometre circular hike through the region’s characteristic hilly landscape of meadows, fields, vineyards and mixed forest. Hüttenleben stop in Thayngen is the recommended starting point. Along the way, the route offers views of Germany’s Hegau region, with its extinct volcanoes, and of the Alpine range on the Swiss side.
For a cycling trip, the Reiat Route is another option: it is 30 kilometres long, has 500 metres of elevation gain and requires a moderate level of fitness. The route passes through typical Swiss villages with historic centres and well-preserved half-timbered houses. The two routes therefore differ not only in mode of transport, but also in length and stated level of difficulty.
In Thayngen, the Biberweg adds an interactive nature theme to the range of activities. Information boards offer accessible insights into the beaver’s habitat. The trail is aimed at families, schoolchildren of all ages and nature lovers.
Industrial History and Village Culture
Hofen Brickworks was founded in 1834. Bricks, clay pipes and roof tiles were made there until production ceased in 1917, when the raw material supplies were exhausted. The Bibern Typewriter Museum offers a very different insight: it displays around 470 machines, most of which visitors can try out.
St Martin’s Church in Lohn is also worth a closer look for its architectural details: the medieval village church has a distinctive Käsbissen-style tower and a colourful choir window. It is one of five churches in the Schaffhausen countryside with significant pre-Reformation architecture. In Bibern, meanwhile, the Plum Festival celebrates the local variety known as “the Beauty of Bibern”.
Discover more destinations: Thayngen, Stein, Schleitheim, Unterklettgau, Oberklettgau, Schaffhausen
Back to the main travel overview: Schaffhausen.
