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 the Gassen- und Säubere Tal. On the plateau, the Eglenseen lakes invite you to take a break. It is not far to the water tower, the “landmark” of Gerstetten. You should take a break at the “Drei-Wettertannen” barbecue area. The trail leads us back across beautiful plateaus, past large heathlands and through colorful mixed forests.
Wegbeschreibung
Stage 1: Anhausen – Gerstetten (18.8 kilometers)
The starting point for this three-day stage tour is Anhausen Monastery, which we leave behind on the road toward Bolheim. After crossing the L1164, we follow a beautiful forest path above Wolfstäle to the rest area of the same name. The route continues on gravel forest paths through Kießental and Sillerstetter Hau. Along the edge of the forest, we reach a paved field path. We stay on the path and pay attention to the ground markings. 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 – be careful when crossing! Now a beautiful meadow path leads us directly to the Banzhaf sheep farm. Here you will meet shepherd Holger Banzhaf with his sheep. We continue on the unpaved meadow path above towards Hungerbrunnental. Extensive juniper heaths with impressive veteran trees line our path. On the municipal road between Heldenfingen and Ballendorf, we descend into the valley and turn right. It is only a few meters to the Hungerbrunnen, a karst spring that is usually dry. Be careful here, otherwise you will miss the spot. On the way to the spring, we can admire some of the sculptures on the Urwelt Mosaik Pfad (Primeval World Mosaic Trail) and linger in the beautiful surroundings. We continue our hike through the quiet and picturesque Hungerbrunnental valley to the former ski lift in Hirschtal. Here, too, special care must be taken when crossing the road. From the parking lot, we first enter the forest and then exit it again. At the edge of a meadow along the state road, we reach the Gassental valley. Following the markings (white shepherd on a blue background), we now walk through the Gassental valley. At the end, we reach the parking lot at the Greut ski lift. Passing the clubhouse, we hike between the ski slope and beautiful juniper heathland with impressive old trees through the Säubere Valley towards Gerstetten. A tarred road leads out of the forest area up to the ridge. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of Gerstetten and Lake Eglen. From there, you can call your host to pick you up or follow the hiking trails into the village.
Stage 2: Gerstetten – Mergelstetten (14.3 kilometers)
In Gerstetten, we start at the Eglenseen lakes. We follow the trail markings – a white shepherd on a blue background. Passing the gardens, we cross the L1164. We continue along the slope, with a beautiful view of Gerstetten and its landmark – the water tower. After about 600 meters, follow the asphalt road to the right. Continue straight ahead at the crossroads. After about 350 meters, follow the markings to the left. Via Müllerweg, Alleestraße, and Ameisenbühl, we reach the water tower. The viewing platform offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Alb plateau and, on a clear day, as far as the main Alpine ridge. It is open on Sundays. From the water tower, the hiking trail leads to the forest cemetery and from there along quiet forest paths and across picturesque heathland to the “Drei-Wetter-Tannen” barbecue area. At the edge of the forest, signs point left to the Kulturhof Erpfenhausen. However, we turn right and follow the Küpfendorfer Sträßchen straight ahead for the next 2 kilometers. At the large fork in the road just before the edge of the forest, we leave the Albschäferweg and turn right. We now follow the markings of the Schwäbischer Albverein (Swabian Alb Association) – initially the yellow fork. We now walk steadily downhill into the idyllic Ugental valley. We continue along beautiful forest paths and trails past the Buchhof farm. At the Gemeindeberg, we change the trail marker again and now follow the red fork. After about 700 meters, we reach the outskirts of Mergelstetter Reutenen. Along the residential area, we reach the “Albstadion” sports facilities. We now turn sharply to the right and follow the main hiking trail 4 (HW4) of the Swabian Alb Association. Passing the Kistelberg sports facilities and crossing Kistelbergstraße, we reach the Buchhofsteige.
Down in the village, you can stay overnight at the Hotel Hirsch or continue on for the last few kilometers to the starting point.
Stage 3: Mergelstetten – Anhausen (7.4 kilometers)
We start the last stage in Mergelstetten at Buchhofsteige. We now follow the Schwäbischer Albverein's HW4 trail to Anhausen. This is a truly enchanting hiking trail above the Brenz Valley, which is also known as the Zoeppritzweg from Bolheim onwards. The beautiful forest path leads us southwards to Bolheim. Around the village, the hiking trail continues along beautiful forest paths and magnificent heathland back to our starting point in Anhausen.
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 packed lunch with you.
We offer more comfortable alternative routes for very difficult sections.
It is often necessary to cross busy roads. Please pay particular attention to traffic.
