A journey through Prehistory, the Ice Age and Culture
Over millions of years, the Brenz Region has developed from a primeval sea landscape in the Jurassic period (200 to 144 million years ago) to a karst landscape (around 5 million years ago) and finally to a cultural landscape.
Where colorful corals and prehistoric sea creatures once lived, primeval rivers later shaped the landscape, a meteorite impact changed the natural scenery and karstification created our caves, spring pots, and dry valleys. And finally, the people of the Lone Valley created the first works of art (30,000 to 40,000 years ago).
They evolved from Stone Age hunters and gatherers to farmers and cattle breeders. In the Middle Ages, houses were built of stone and knights and noble families settled in the eastern part of the Swabian Alb. Most people earned their living as millers, weavers, miners, charcoal burners, craftsmen, farmers, and shepherds, leaving behind a cultural landscape that tells many stories.
The Brenz Valley
The 52 km long river Brenz runs through the region like a sparkling blue ribbon. In addition to exciting excursion destinations, the Brenz Valley offers water adventures and pure nature. Just like the river itself, time splashes merrily along here.
Cave Region Lone & Hürbe Valley
Around 40,000 years ago, people in the Lone Valley created the first works of art from mammoth ivory. Today, the sites where these were found are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Caves and Ice Age Art of the Swabian Alb.” The neighboring Hürbe Valley was home to cave bears.
Natural world Meteor Crater
15 million years ago, a meteorite impact created the Steinheim Basin. What began as a natural disaster is now characterized by beautiful scenery. A hike along the crater rim bears witness to the “impactful” event.
Prehistoric experience in the Gerstetter Alb
Off to the “Caribbean of prehistoric times”! The Gerstetter Alb lies on a 145-million-year-old reef of the Jurassic Sea. In Heldenfingen, people once looked out from the cliffs onto the sea. Its fossilized inhabitants can still be admired today.
Härtsfeld Cultural Region
The Härtsfeld Region impresses not only with its charmingly rugged landscape, but also with its monastery and magnificent castles and palaces. World-famous coral fossils were found there and bear witness to the region's ancient geological history.
