The aim of the Brenz renaturation project was to make the Brenz more natural, more winding, and more diverse for flora and fauna, and this has been achieved. You can see this for yourself on this tour. From Hermaringen, the route takes you directly to the Brenz and the Hürbe estuary. A short break on the riverbank is recommended here. On the way to Bergenweiler, you will find the Brenzturm tower. Climb to the top for a magnificent panoramic view. In Bergenweiler, we recommend taking a walk around the village, because from the Weichselberg hill you can see far into the Danube valley, where the cooling towers of the Gundremmingen nuclear power plant point the way. Art and culture await you in Sontheim in the district of Brenz. There you will find the castle right on the river. Storks nest on the roof. Along the forest on the other side of the Brenz Valley, with a view of the Wiesental, where buzzards, herons, and storks frolic, the trail leads back to Hermaringen.
Wegbeschreibung
Access from Hermaringen train station + 1 km
We start the hike at Hermaringen train station, follow the green signposts and the yellow ring, and walk along Schillerstraße directly to the Brenz. After the Brenz bridge on Zeppelinstraße, the yellow ring points to the right, always along the banks of the Brenz. After a few meters, a meadow path begins, which we follow to the pedestrian bridge. Here we cross to the other bank and can take a break at the willow tent. The kingfisher is a frequent visitor here. Renaturation has created an enchanting river landscape here. It is also a place where people can dip their feet in the cool waters of the Brenz. We cross the Hürbe river on the wooden footbridge and now walk along the Albschäferweg trail to Bergenweiler. From the Brenzturm tower, you can enjoy a sweeping view, including the growing industrial park in Hermaringen. At the cemetery in Bergenweiler, we leave the Albschäferweg for a short distance and follow Kirchbergstraße and Dorfstraße into the village. At the Brenz learning center by the mill canal, we learn interesting facts about hydropower and can take a break. The Häuleweg trail takes us back to the Albschäferweg trail. A nice alternative is to walk around the village on the Albschäferweg trail from the cemetery. The time trail, marked with a yellow ring, leads out of the village together with the Albschäferweg trail and along a meadow path at the edge of the forest. Brenz Castle and Gallus Church are always in view. The view extends as far as the Danube Valley. The cooling towers of the Gundremmingen nuclear power plant are visible from afar. At the end of the meadow path, we leave the Albschäferweg and turn left towards Sontheim and the train station. Follow the yellow ring through Sontheim. There are several places to stop for refreshments or shopping here, including some directly on the route. After the town hall and the Rewe supermarket, turn left after the gas station onto Wiesenstraße and cross the Brenz to reach the rear entrance of the castle. Walk across the castle grounds—the courtyard is always open—to reach the market square. Stay on the left side of the road, pass the Hirsch inn, and cross the road opposite Sachsenhauser Weg towards the cemetery. After the bridge over the federal highway, turn left onto a dirt road back towards Hermaringen. Parallel to the federal highway, which is currently under construction, the trail leads up to the forest and then along the edge of the forest. Until the federal highway is completed (around the end of 2021), you won't be disturbed by traffic noise. So don't miss the opportunity to take a break on one of the benches. At the old quarry, we walk along a paved dirt road next to the federal highway and over a bridge back to Hermaringen.
At the quarry, the route can currently be shortened. Due to the closure, it is possible to cross the federal highway at the quarry and then take the dirt road on the opposite side (take the one on the right) towards the other side of the valley. On the right is the Hauff company premises, which you pass until you reach a narrow path. This leads directly to the Brenz.
Access: From the train station to the start of the stage at the Hürbe estuary +1 km.
Shortcut: Take the train from Sontheim back to Hermaringen.
Ausrüstung
Sturdy shoes, plenty of drinks, 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. Therefore, make sure you wear sturdy shoes.
Check the opening hours of the refreshment stops.
