Zollern

Zollern is a toponym used in southwestern Germany for a group of geographic and historic features in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The name is most closely associated with the Zollern Hills (Zollerngebirge), a small ridge on the edge of the Swabian Jura near the towns of Hechingen and Balingen. The hills form a distinctive landscape feature and have lent their name to surrounding geography as well as regional designations.

Historically, the name Zollern is linked to the noble House of Hohenzollern, which took its name from a fortress known as Schloss Zollern located on the ridge. The castle and the family became prominent in Swabia and later supplied one of Germany’s leading ruling houses. The association between the name Zollern and the ruling dynasty helped popularize the term beyond its local geographic meaning.

In contemporary usage, Zollern appears in regional geography, tourism, and cultural heritage. The region is known for its scenic landscape, castles, and hiking opportunities. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the broader area is Hohenzollern Castle (Schloss Hohenzollern), a major tourist destination perched on a ridge in the vicinity. The Zollern Hills and their environs are commonly visited for outdoor recreation, historical interest, and scenic drives that highlight the Swabian Jura landscape.