Through beech forests up to the Alb, the trail leads through the Kießental valley to the Heldenfinger Kliff. Part of the rocky coastline—now the border between the Kuppenalb and Flächenalb—of the Tertiary Sea 15 million years ago. The activity of drill shells and drill sponges can still be seen on the pitted rocks. The Banzhaf family's sheep farm is located on the way to Hungerbrunnental. Through the secluded valley with a Hungerbrunnen (hunger well) typical of the Alb, you reach Gassen- and Säubere-Tal. On the plateau, the Eglenseen lakes invite you to take a break.
Autorentipp
Reef museum with geopark information center and railway museum at Gerstetten station
Amstetten-Gerstetten museum railway
Wegbeschreibung
The starting point for this stage is Anhausen Monastery, which we leave behind on the road toward Bolheim. After crossing the L1164, we follow a beautiful forest path along the lower-lying Wolfstäle valley to the plateau. We continue on gravel forest paths, through the Kießental valley and the Sillerstetter Hau. The path turns into a paved field path. We stay on the path. Just before Heldenfingen, pay attention to the markings on the ground. After a branching asphalt road and a meadow path, we turn right and hike past paddocks and orchards directly to the upper edge of the Heldenfinger Kliff. Up there, you can learn a lot about the geology of the Swabian Alb at various stations. Steps lead down the rocky slope to the cliff with its impressive drill holes. The Heldenfinger Kliff is unique in Europe. The multi-generational playground invites you to take a break. We leave Heldenfingen via Raiffeisenstraße and Muschelweg. The paved road takes us past the Rößeweiher pond to the L1164 state road – please exercise caution when crossing. A beautiful meadow path now leads us directly to the Banzhaf sheep farm. Here we meet shepherd Holger Banzhaf with his sheep. Continue along the unpaved meadow path towards Hungerbrunnental. Extensive juniper heaths with impressive veteran trees line our path. On the Heldenfingen–Ballendorf municipal road, we walk down into the valley and turn right at the car park at the bottom. It is only a few meters to the Hungerbrunnen, a mostly dry karst spring. Take care here, otherwise you will miss the spot. On the way to the spring, you can also admire some of the sculptures on the Urwelt Mosaik Pfad (Primeval World Mosaic Trail) and linger in the beautiful surroundings. We continue through the quiet and picturesque Hungerbrunnental valley to the former ski lift in Hirschtal. Here, too, special care is required when crossing the road. Please pay close attention to the markings at the parking lot. From the parking lot, turn right into the forest and then right again in the forest. You will come to a meadow next to the country road and cross the valley. Follow the markings (white shepherd on a blue background) through the Gassental and Säuberes Tal valleys, passing another ski lift and impressive old trees on the heath. Once you reach the ridge, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of Gerstetten and Lake Eglen.
Access: From Herbrechtingen to the start of the stage at Anhausen Monastery + 2.5 km.
Ausrüstung
Good footwear (hiking boots) is recommended.
Sicherheitshinweise
The Albschäferweg has a high proportion of natural paths. You will be walking on meadow paths and forest trails and paths. Paths in the forest may be in poor condition due to forestry work. Please therefore make sure you wear sturdy shoes.
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 packed lunch 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.
