Live geological history – the Steinheim Basin is an exciting meteor crater region. This exceptional hike, awarded the title “Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland – traumtour” (Quality Trail Hikeable Germany – Dream Tour) in 2024, requires a certain level of fitness, with almost 20 kilometers and 600 meters of elevation gain. The hike starts with a highlight: the Burgstall with its magnificent view of the Steinheim Basin. Passing the Schafhof, with its 650 Merino sheep, the trail leads to Galgenberg. Food was once brought to the Bettelbuche for those suffering from the plague. The Hirschtal valley impresses with its rock formations. The trail then climbs again to Bäcker-Hülbe and then returns comfortably to Sontheim.
Wegbeschreibung
The circular trail starts below the so-called Burgstall. From the meteor crater museum with parking lot, we reach the starting point in about 300 m. We follow the Hochfeldweg and turn right onto the Burgstallweg. At the parking lot, a large information board tells us about the route. After passing a historic beer cellar, we reach the official entrance with signposts. The antlers of a prehistoric stag show us the way. Almost the entire hiking trail runs through a nature reserve. Therefore, please be especially considerate, stay on the designated path at all times, and observe the protection regulations. The sensitive nature will thank you for it.
We climb up a narrow grassy path and a staircase to the viewpoint, where we enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the Steinheim crater. On the other side of the hilltop, we follow the path back downhill and hike eastward along meadows. We follow the markings back up to the crater rim and reach the Knillwald forest. In the shade of the trees, a wooden bench offers a comfortable place to rest. At the edge of the forest, we walk straight ahead across the juniper heath and soon come to the expressway, which we cross and continue straight ahead to the Croonen guesthouse. At the top of the path junction, we keep to the right and shortly afterwards can choose between two options: the steeper path leads left up a trail into the forest and up to the Heiderose forest inn on the heath. The easier path leads straight ahead on a gravel path through the fields into the forest and follows the forest road. In the forest, it is worth making a detour to the clay pits. From the Heiderose forest inn, we take a small tarred road to the Schäfhalde car park. There, our route turns left and leads us towards the glider airfield. From the road, we turn right onto the heath, enjoy magnificent views, and walk through a magnificent tree-lined avenue down into the Steinheim crater, where we can take a break at the Smietana family's sheep farm and stock up on regional products. We continue straight ahead into the Busental valley and turn left through the forest, climbing up an often slippery sheep track to the Hitzinger Steige. Here, a barbecue area invites us to take a leisurely break. Our trail continues along the edge of the forest, offering beautiful views of the juniper landscapes, now heading west. We walk along the edge of the forest for a long time, then enter the forest at the forest sensory trail with its forest loungers and rest area. We follow the stag sign to the Hohe Steige car park, which offers us a magnificent panoramic view of Steinheim. Across the fields, we then pass the stone quarry and return to the forest, where we descend into the Hirschtal valley. Behind the dam, we follow the path to the left. Shortly before the parking lot (the Meteor Crater Circular Trail was relocated here in 2023), we turn left onto a gravel path that leads us below a strictly protected slope that is regularly grazed by goats. At the end of this section, we reach a paved footpath and bike path, turn right, walk a little further alongside the road, and then turn left up the small road for about 100 m. There, the Meteor Crater Circular Trail leads along natural paths through the forest and along the edge of the forest. When you reach the residential area, take the challenging path up to the right. This route, newly created in 2023, is only suitable for experienced hikers. If you want a more comfortable option, follow the asphalt road further up and follow the markings for the alternative route.
Once you reach the top via the beautiful nature trail, you will come to a forest path and, at the edge of the forest, a lovely rest hut with information about the hermit Sofonias Theuß and a beautiful view of the crater. From here, we hike along the crater rim, past burial mounds and down narrow forest paths back into the Stubental valley and on to Sontheim.
Ausrüstung
Sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sufficient drinks and food.
