HIKING IN THE SWABIAN ALB BIOSPHERE AREA
Our best tour tips starting from Speidel's Brewery
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb It is one of the most beautiful hiking regions in Germany – with rugged cliffs, dense forests, sunny meadows and spectacular views. A variety of hikes for nature lovers, families, active hikers and those seeking peace and quiet start directly from Speidel's Brewery in Hohenstein.
Whether circular hike, linear tour or Albtrauf adventure – here you will find our personally tested hiking tips in the biosphere reserve.
1. Hochgehberge – hochgehsprudelt (Gomadingen)
A truly premium trail in the biosphere reserve – scenic, fragrant, and pristine. The "hochgehsprudelt" tour leads through juniper heaths, light forests, and over panoramic ridges. It takes its name from the legendary "Brünnele": an unexpected spring near the highest point of Gomadingen, where water bubbles directly from the rock.
The highlight is the Sternberg TowerThose who climb the 32 meters are rewarded with a panoramic view across the central Swabian Alb – on a clear day, all the way to the Alps. This tour appeals to all the senses – a particular delight in dry weather.
Length: approx. 9.3 km
Claim: easy to medium
Highlights: Sternberg Tower, Brünnele spring, juniper heaths, panoramic view
Tip: Ideal for spring and autumn – due to the blossoms and clear visibility.
2. Waterfall Trail Bad Urach – Two waterfalls & 1000 contrasts
The Waterfall Trail It is one of the most spectacular circular hiking trails on the Swabian Alb – and was named Germany's most beautiful hiking trail by Wandermagazin in 2016. The tour combines natural forces and quiet paths: roaring waterfalls, primeval forests, expansive ridges and rugged Alb escarpments.
The hike starts at the Bad Urach waterfall – an impressive torrent that plunges over 37 meters. From there, the trail continues along narrow paths to... Güterstein Waterfall, about the promising Rutschenfelsen and up to the Alb plateau. At the top, breathtaking panoramic views await over the Urach valley, the Hohenurach castle ruins – and with a bit of luck, young fillies at the foaling yard of the Marbach State Stud.
Length: approx. 10.5 km
Claim: medium to athletic
Highlights: Two waterfalls, Rutschenfelsen (sliding rocks), Albkante (edge of the Swabian Alps), Fohlenhof (foal farm)
Tip: Sturdy shoes and sure footing are recommended – especially in wet conditions.
3. Ödenwaldstetten circular tour – Enjoy nature, history & barbecue areas
This tranquil circular hike near Hohenstein is perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life, families, and anyone who wants to combine nature and culture. The circular route 9 km long tour It leads along well-developed paths through idyllic forests, nature reserves and past cozy barbecue areas – ideal for a picnic or a rest in nature.
One highlight is the Ödenwaldstetten Farmhouse MuseumIn the authentically furnished buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, visitors can experience firsthand what life and work on the Swabian Alb used to be like. Especially exciting for children and culture enthusiasts.
Length: approx. 9 km
Claim: lightweight · also suitable for strollers and seniors
Highlights: Farmhouse museum, forests, barbecue areas
Tip: Ideal for a relaxed half-day hike with a culinary break outdoors.
4. Between paradise and tank tracks – History meets pure nature
This extraordinary hike leads through the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Swabian AlbThe former Münsingen military training area. For over 100 years this area was a military restricted zone – today it is a quiet, impressive natural area with rare plant and animal species.
The circular route "Between Paradise and Tank Tracks" follows paved paths entirely, which must not be left for safety reasons. Nevertheless, it reveals a unique landscape: expansive, peaceful, and full of contrasts between history and nature. Information panels along the way tell the story of the area's transformation – from military use to idyllic natural setting.
Length: approx. 12–13 km
Claim: Easy · Fully asphalted · Barrier-free
Highlights: Military training area history, wide landscapes, pure nature conservation
Tip: Ideal for long walks, also with a bike, stroller or wheelchair
5. Glastal & Wimsener Cave – Rocks, bridges & a cave by boat
This hike combines tranquil nature with a real highlight: the Wimsener Cave, the only Germany's navigable caveThe path leads through the romantic glass valley, which has cut deep into the Alb plateau – past moss-covered rocks, under beech trees and over idyllic wooden bridges.
On the way there you hike upstream through the gorge, always accompanied by clear water and high limestone walls. At the end awaits the mysterious Wimsener Cave – a karst cave that can be explored on a short boat trip. The return route runs above the valley with magnificent views back into the Glastal valley.
Length: approx. 8 km
Claim: easy to medium
Highlights: Glastal, Wimsener Cave (boat trip), pure nature
Tip: Plan your boat trip well in advance (seasonal & weather dependent), good footwear recommended.
6. Prelate's Way Zwiefalten – Following in the footsteps of the abbots to the Swabian Alb plateau
The historical Prelates' Way It combines culture, nature and history: The abbots of Zwiefalten Abbey once used this path to reach their summer residence on Mochental Castle to reach. Today he is a idyllic circular hiking trail, which begins directly in the town center of Zwiefalten and leads through a varied Alb landscape.
The tour offers quiet forest paths, expansive meadows, and consistently impressive views of the Zwiefalten Valley. Along the way, one can easily imagine the prelates of yesteryear traveling here by horse and carriage. The route is ideal for a half-day excursion and can be perfectly combined with a visit to the baroque Zwiefalten Monastery combine.
Length: approx. 9–10 km
Claim: easy to medium
Highlights: Zwiefalten Abbey, Mochental Castle, historical paths
Tip: Perfect for anyone who wants to combine culture and nature in the Swabian Alps.
7. Heathland, hedges & trade routes at Schachen – History meets the Swabian Alb wilderness
This varied tour takes you through quiet forests, across the Swabian Alb plateau and along old trade routes around the legendary... SchachenThe ascent follows narrow paths through dense hillside forest – once at the summit, the landscape opens up, revealing lonely farms and wide heathlands.
Special stations include a lonely farm, a historic cemetery and a charming Albdorf with a turbulent historyThe route is a short walk through the past – nestled in the pristine nature of the Swabian Alb.
To conclude, a culinary stop is worthwhile, with Vesper from Fladhof or a detour into the traditional Luz Mill, where regionality and craftsmanship are practiced.
Length: approx. 10 km
Claim: moderate · partly steep climbs & natural paths
Highlights: Schachen summit, Albdorf, Luz mill, Fladhof snack
Tip: Hiking poles recommended · ideal for history buffs & explorers
8. Planet Trail Gomadingen – Wandering through the solar system
The Planet Trail Gomadingen makes science come alive: Along a picturesque hiking trail through the Great Lauter Valley Guests experience our solar system on a scale 1 in 1 billion – each step corresponds to a journey of millions of kilometers through space.
On approximately 6 kilometers are the planetary models including informative display boards It is structured. From the sun to Neptune, you will learn exciting facts about the size, distance and special features of the celestial bodies – easily understandable and ideal for families with children, school classes and curious adults.
The route starts at Sternberg near Gomadingen and leads past the pastures and stables of the Marbach State Stud Farm, through the Lauter valley to the district of Wasserstetten. The route connects Landscape, education and movement in a unique way.
Length: approx. 6 km
Claim: lightweight, family-friendly & child-friendly
Highlights: Planetary models, Lautertal, Sternberg, Marbach State Stud
Tip: Ideally combined with a picnic – information boards will also pique the curiosity of little explorers!
9. Round trip St. Johann stud farm – Panoramic views, foals & fire pits
This enjoyable circular hike It offers everything the heart of the Swabian Alb could desire: expansive landscapes, gentle paths along... Foal pastures, rest areas with fire pits and magnificent views over the biosphere reserve.
The path leads around the St. Johann Stud Farm, an outpost of the famous Marbach State Stud Farm. Here the focus is on raising foals – if you're lucky, you'll see the young horses frolicking in the expansive meadows.
Along the way, several fire pits invite you to picnic or enjoy a light meal. The route is ideal for a relaxing day trip with family or dog, because the paths are mostly easy to walk and extremely scenic.
Length: approx. 10 km
Claim: easy · easily walkable
Highlights: Foal pastures, St. Johann stud farm, fire pits, Alb panorama
Tip: Especially beautiful in spring and autumn – foaling season and clear visibility!
