On the road in Härtsfeld. Linguists translate the name as “rocky, treeless terrain.” The fact is that the stony soil and short growing season in this area result in low crop yields. Through woods and fields, past stony fields, the route leads to Neresheim. The Benedictine abbey on Ulrichsberg dominates the landscape and can be seen from afar. The abbey church is one of the most important late Baroque church buildings.
Autorentipp
Ride the Härtsfeld Museum Railway every first Sunday of the month between May and October, departing from Neresheim station.
Wegbeschreibung
The starting point for the eighth stage is the sheep farm in Nattheim. We follow the asphalt road northward and eventually cross the federal highway—please watch out for traffic! We continue eastward along the edge of the forest, with a beautiful view back to Nattheim. After about 1 kilometer, we need to pay attention. We turn left onto a forest path that climbs slightly. The ground here is often quite damp. We follow the white shepherd markings on a blue background. Along the way, we encounter historic ore mines where water collects and which today represent valuable biotopes. After 2.5 kilometers on a rather idyllic forest path, the signposts lead us to the right. But first, we can pay a visit to the Keltenschanze. The steep path branching off from the forest path on the Albschäferweg leads out of the forest and down to the Eschteich. Once at the bottom, continue to the left. The yellow signposts show the way. Without any detours, the trail continues along a beautiful meadow path lined with orchards, with a view of Fleinheim opening up on the right. We cross the road and continue straight ahead through the meadows and fields on the meadow path up towards Zettelhalde, one of the most beautiful juniper heaths on the Albschäferweg. Wind turbines now tower above the treetops. On this section of the trail, the Albschäferweg sign is carved into a stone in the path, as posts are often damaged by agricultural work here. Once we reach the other side of the valley, the post with yellow signposts is slightly offset to the right. However, we turn left and stay below the slope on the meadow path. To the right above us is the beautiful and species-rich heath, and to the left are the fields in the so-called Höllteich. Almost at the end of the heath, we find one of the beautiful Alb benches with a bench where we can rest. From there, we follow a section of heathland path into the forest and up a forest path until we reach the clearing of the former Auernheim castle. Here we follow the markings to the right until we reach the parking lot at the fitness trail. Several benches and a barbecue area invite us to take a break. A detour to the village is also worthwhile. The church wall is decorated with historical epitaphs. At the parking lot, we turn right and continue along the paths of the fitness trail until we reach the paved road that leads left to Auernheim and right to the Albschäferweg. At the Shepherd's statue with its bench, we enjoy the fabulous view of Neresheim Abbey and the barren fields of the Härtsfeld after our forest-rich hike. At the next fork in the path with yellow signposts, we leave the tarred road and continue left on the Albschäferweg. At the edge of the forest, we descend to the left along forest and meadow paths to Krautgartenhäule. Once we reach the paved road at the bottom, we turn right again, continue along the paved road for a short distance, and then follow the meadow path along the edge of the forest, always with a view of Neresheim Abbey. After about 1 km, we pass through a short stretch of forest into the Zwing nature reserve. The Zwing is one of the most beautiful juniper heaths in the Ostalb. With its striking juniper columns and rare plants, it is a real gem. We approach the town of Neresheim on the small tarred road. The monastery is our next beautiful destination on the Albschäferweg. We reach the town via a path, passing the Gallusmühle mill and initially following the Egau river. We then leave the path at the nursery and walk into the town, always heading towards the monastery. Our stage ends at the Härtsfeldschättere train station.
Access: From Nattheim to the start of the stage at sheep farm Nattheim + 1.5 km.
Ausrüstung
Good footwear (hiking boots) is recommended.
Sicherheitshinweise
The Albschäferweg trail has a high proportion of natural sections. You will be hiking on meadow paths and forest trails and paths. Forest paths may be in poor condition due to forestry work. Please therefore ensure you wear sturdy footwear.
Please bear in mind that there are not many places to stop for refreshments along the way. We therefore recommend that you take sufficient drinks and a backpack snack with you.
We offer more comfortable paths as an alternative to very difficult sections.
It is often necessary to cross busy roads. Please pay particular attention to traffic.
