Albsteig

The HW 1 first passes through the Wörnitz valley to Harburg and then runs along the edge of the Nördlinger Ries and Härtsfeld, often through woodland and flat terrain up to 600 meters above sea level. The Albtrauf is not as pronounced here as further along the route, but there are still views of the charming surrounding countryside and villages of the Ostalb.

You’ll hike through the lovely valley at the source of the Kocher River to Unterkochen and from there to the imposing Rosenstein Massif with its rock caves and castle ruins near Heubach.

Another highlight on the Albsteig trail is the imposing Reußenstein ruin. It is enthroned on a rock above the Neidlinger Valley. The route continues past numerous viewing rocks. The Breitenstein offers fantastic views and a memorial stone commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Albsteig trail (2008). The route then passes castle ruins, which offer wonderful views of the Alb foreland. The trail then leads through the Randecker Maar, a former volcanic vent, to Teck Castle. The castle is another hiking center of the Swabian Albverein with a magnificent view.

Finally, walk along the Albtrauf ridge past the Hohenneuffen ruins to Bad Urach. The Urach Waterfall awaits! The spring water plunges more than 30 meters to create a breathtaking spectacle.

The well-preserved Lichtenstein Castle is also open to the public. The last third of the Albsteig trail passes the Nebelhöhle cave and some magnificent panoramic peaks such as the Roßberg (Roßberghaus visitor center and viewing tower), the Dreifürstenstein near Mössingen and the Raichberg (Nägelehaus visitor center and viewing tower). It is worth making a short detour to the Zeller Horn viewing point for a unique view of Hohenzollern Castle.

Finally, you reach the Lemberg, the highest mountain in the Swabian Alb at 1015 meters, which also has a lookout tower. The view from here is often phenomenal over the Northern Alps. The final destination, Tuttlingen, is reached via the Dreifaltigkeitsberg.

In theory, the Albsteig trail can be walked all year round. Of course, the main walking season in a low mountain range is from spring to autumn. You will be walking through beech woods or sections of coniferous forest, as well as across the rough grasslands and meadows of the Alb plateau.

Each season has its charms: in spring you can experience the bright, delicate green of the leaves; in summer you can hike in the pleasant shade of the deciduous trees; autumn, with its golden time (Indian summer), is the great hiking season on the Swabian Alb. In winter you can enjoy even more panoramic views through the fallen leaves of the trees and, in special weather conditions, you can hike in the sun above a huge sea of fog.

However, take extra care on icy paths and trails.

When planning the Albsteig hike it’s important to consider several key factors to guarantee a secure outdoor adventure. Before starting your hike, conduct thorough research on your chosen trail. This includes assessing factors such as trail difficulty, length, elevation gain, and terrain. Gather valuable insights not only from this website but also from guidebooks, hikers who hiked this trail already, and local hiking tourism organizations.

Effective planning is paramount. Share your hiking plans with your family or friends, providing details like your anticipated start and end times, chosen trail route, and emergency contact information. This information serves as a critical safety measure in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Stay informed about the weather conditions in the area where you intend to hike. Avoid embarking on your journey during severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, or extreme heat, as these can pose significant risks to your safety.

Staying properly hydrated and nourished is essential. Ensure you have an ample supply of water and energy-rich snacks to maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Bring at least two liters of water with you.Familiarize yourself with the trail map and carry navigation tools such as a compass or GPS device to stay oriented and avoid getting lost.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (when needed), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails like this.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, pack out all trash, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats.