The Eselsburger Valley Nature Reserve is a very special gem. There is much to discover along the Brenz River and on the heights around Herbrechtingen. The valley to the left of the Brenz is beautiful. Soon we catch sight of the Stone Virgins on the other side of the valley. The next highlight towers high above the Brenz: the Falkenstein estate. At the top of the viewing rock, there is a fantastic place to rest. The trail leads to Anhausen, sometimes through the forest, sometimes along the edge of the forest, and then back to the leisure pool via the Stürzel and Schäfer Wiedenmann's sheep farm.
Autorentipp
Beaver information station at the wooden bridge in Eselsburg
Wegbeschreibung
From the parking lot, the trail follows the beautiful Brenz River to the right through the Eselsburger Valley nature reserve with a view of the famous rock formation. The yellow ring marks the way. Once you reach the Brenz Bridge, follow the path on the right uphill through the hillside forest. At the top, we recommend a detour to the Buigenhütte (approx. 400 m) with an impressive view over the valley. On the left, the trail descends again to the other side of the river bend. After crossing the river, follow the hiking sign – yellow ring – steeply uphill to the Falkenstein estate with its viewing rock. A fantastic view – a brilliant place to rest. Here we also meet the Albschäferweg trail. On a wonderful path, we now hike along the Albschäferweg trail, sometimes in the forest, sometimes along the edge of the forest, downhill to Anhausen. At the former monastery, the Albschäferweg trail leaves us and we continue to follow the yellow ring towards Herbrechtingen. Passing the Riedmühle Kneipp facility, the trail first leads into the village and then up to the Pfaffenberg with a magnificent view as far as Heidenheim and the Stürzel with a fantastic view of the Eselsburg Valley via the Bindsteinmühle to the Falkenstein. Through a magnificent beech forest, we reach the Wiedenmann sheep farm. Continuing between heathland and protected forest, we reach our starting point.
Approach:
From Herbrechtingen train station through the city park to the start of the stage at the Jurawell indoor swimmingpool + 1 km
Rules of the game in the nature reserve
Cycling is not permitted on the heathland or on narrow forest paths. To protect rare plant species, it is also forbidden to leave the paths in the hillside forests, with the exception of the Celtic ramparts on the Buigen. Please do not pick any plants; digging them up is also not permitted. Dogs must be kept on a leash, otherwise wild animals and flocks of sheep will be disturbed. Remember: fires are only permitted at public fire pits, such as at the mountain guard hut on the Bindstein. Take your breaks away from the rocks and heathland! There are also restrictions on horseback riding and climbing: Horseback riding is only permitted on the paths of the floodplain and short connecting paths at the Falkenstein estate and Eselsburg. Climbing is permitted on nine rocks, some with seasonal restrictions. Short-term closures for the protection of breeding birds must be observed. Boaters are asked to avoid shore areas and shallow water zones so as not to disturb water birds, especially during the breeding season. Caves may not be entered from October to March to protect hibernating bats, and cave dwellers enjoy non-smoking protection: never light a fire in a cave. There is also no need to leave behind rubbish, broken bottles, and other “cultural artifacts” for future archaeologists. A ranger (full-time conservation area manager) from the town of Herbrechtingen ensures that the rules are observed in the nature reserve.
Ausrüstung
Sturdy shoes and a backpack lunch are recommended.
Sicherheitshinweise
Please bear in mind that you will be walking on mostly natural paths. Paths in the forest may be in poor condition due to forestry work. Sturdy footwear is therefore required.
Check the opening hours of the refreshment stops.
