Experience 100 years of railway romance on the Gerstetter Alb and embark on the 17 km long Zeitspur trail. First, all hikers cross the Galgenberg to Heuchstetten. At the top of the wide field, the trail leads to Gussenstadt. Here at the Gasthof Hirsch inn, you can sample high-proof spirits made from local orchard fruits. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take the museum railway back. The return route over the peaks of the Alb promises magnificent views and leads past juniper heaths typical of the Alb.
Wegbeschreibung
We follow the yellow ring hiking sign along Osterstraße and Heuchstetter Straße and reach Galgenberg via meadow paths, with a beautiful view back to Gerstetten. We continue through the gardens and along the small road connecting the municipalities towards Heutenburg. We follow the hiking trail in a westerly direction. After crossing the K3016, we have a wide view over Heuchstetten and reach the outskirts of Heuchstetten. The café and newly renovated bakery invite us to take a short detour. The well-marked hiking trail leads past Heuchstetten, across fields and meadows to Gussenstadt. Via Birkholzstraße, Kirchstraße, and Marktstraße, we reach the town center with an information board at the bus stop. On the right-hand side, the Gasthof Hirsch inn invites us to stop for a bite to eat. Cross the main road. Pass the historic train station in Gussenstadt and follow the yellow ring hiking sign along Bahnhofstraße. Walk past the Pfisterer company and after about 100 meters, turn right and follow the gravel path, first through the forest for a short distance and then along the edge of the forest. A beautiful view over the meadows and heathland opens up before us. At the Bauernhauhütte, the barbecue area invites us to take another break. Back on the hiking trail, we continue for a short distance along the meadow path. A gravel path takes us to the Gussenstadt-Bräunisheim municipal road. We follow this for about 500 meters and then turn left. We continue across the juniper heath typical of the Alb and through the forests of the Pfaffenberg and Leerenberg towards Gerstetten. Through fields and meadows, we follow our hiking sign, the yellow ring. At the “Hühner-Eiche” (chicken oak), we turn left and reach Gerstetten on the paved road. Via Blücherstraße, Seeplatz, Wasserstraße, and Karlstraße, we return to our starting point.
Variation: We start at the train station in Gerstetten and walk along Karlstraße, Wasserstraße, past the fire station at Seeplatz, along Blücherstraße to the edge of town. We follow the road towards Neuburghof. At Hühnereiche, we turn right and follow the meadow path. We walk along gravel forest and meadow paths over the Leerenberg and Pfaffenberg to the Bauernhauhütte. We finally reach Gussenstadt station via Bahnhofstraße. We then take the local train back to Gerstetten.
Kuppenalb from Gussenstadt to Gerstetten – family tour
A 9.5-kilometer family circular hike starting at the train station in Gussenstadt. We hike along the Zeitspur trail from the train station in Gussenstadt via Bauernhau, Pfaffenberg, and Leerenberg to the small forest. From there, we continue via Drei Linden, Millionenweg, and through Montal back to the train station in Gussenstadt.
Ausrüstung
Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Please bear in mind that there are not many places to stop for refreshments along the way. We therefore recommend that you bring plenty of drinks and possibly a packed lunch with you.
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.
