Long-distance hikes in Heidenheim

The finale – once again expansive forests, a beautiful chapel, and wonderful heathland await. All Albschäferweg hikers are certainly grateful to the sheep – they are the landscape caretakers on the Heidenheim Alb.

High above on a rocky spur towers Castle Katzenstein. The castle was once a place of rule, residence, and robbery. Down in the valley awaits a peaceful rest and swimming stop at Härtsfeldsee. But once a year, the place rocks! Rock and metal bands provide loud sounds.

Backpack on and off, through forests and across the Härtsfeld to the world-famous Neresheim Monastery. The people of Nattheim carried heavy loads in 1775. The limestone slabs for the floor covering of the abbey church were hewn in Nattheim-Steinweiler and brought to Neresheim.

The landmark of Heidenheim is Hellenstein Castle. The hiking sign is again the Albshepherd. Actually, this stage should be called Albshepherd Women's Path.

From the ski jump to the lake, from the Ostalb height into the Brenz valley - variety is guaranteed. A round of water treading in the fresh spring water of the Brenz refreshes tired hiking calves, and a relaxation break is scheduled at Itzelberger See.

You will learn why the path is called "Albschäferweg" at the Schafhof in Steinheim. About 600 Merino sheep live here. In the Wental, there are thirty bizarre dolomite limestone rocks – also called a sea of rocks – unbelievable but true.

Geological history live – of all meteorite craters, the Steinheim Basin is the best-preserved crater in southern Germany and nature live is guaranteed. Large heathlands and colorful mixed forests delight the eye.

Two things are a must on this stage – a visit to the Charlottenhöhle cave and a break at the viewing platform on the Falkenstein estate with views of the renatured Brenz in the Eselsburger Tal.

Who doesn't know the teddy with the button in its ear? Giengen is its home. The Albschäferweg starts there and today ends in Stetten ob Lontal. On the way, you meet the shepherdess Ruth Häckh with her sheep and goats and at the end the UNESCO World Heritage site "Caves and Ice Age Art of the Swabian Jura" in the Lonetal.

The approximately 158-kilometer-long and award-winning circular hiking trail follows the paths of shepherds through typical landscapes of the Swabian Alb, passing remarkable cultural treasures and witnesses of Earth's history.10 stages, weekend routes, or day circular routes along the time trails promise a relaxed hiking pleasure.