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Counting sheep on the Albschäfer Trail

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes

Counting sheep on the Albschäfer Trail

Hiking Collection by Schwäbische Alb

Counting sheep on the Albschäfer Trail

10 days

3-5 h/day

166km

2,390m

2,380m

Vast juniper heathlands with bleating flocks of sheep, a mysterious stalactite cave, a valley where mammoth hunters once roamed, a deep meteorite crater, a cliff covered with shells and hugged by turquoise water – this may sound like dreamland but will become reality as you hike the Albschäferweg (Alpine Shepherd’s Trail) in the Swabian Alb.

This long-distance hiking trail leads you 160 kilometres (100 miles) in a large circuit through the entire Eastern Alb. You will roam through wonderful forests and pretty meadows, passing various rock formations which tell the tale of incredible history. You will meet shepherds and their peaceful sheep many times along the trail. But, should you miss them in real life, you will find steel sculptures of shepherds marking the Albschäfer Trail along the way. They tell stories about the everyday life of traditional shepherds.

Shepherds have been wandering with their herds through the valleys and plateaus of the Heidenheim Brenz region since the 15th century. The Albschäfer trail (Alpine Shepherd's Trail) follows the tracks of the wandering shepherds and takes you past sheep farms, juniper heaths and rocky outcrops as it winds its way through the gently hilly landscape following picturesque, near-natural paths and stopping at idyllic villages and magnificent castles en route.

The official starting point of the Albschäferweg is in Giengen an der Brenz. To get there, take the Brenztalbahn train which runs between Ulm and Aalen. Free parking is also available at the station if you decide to travel by car. Since the Fernwanderweg is a circular route, you can start at any point along the route. Heidenheim is a great alternative starting point as it also has good rail connections.

If you want to shorten the hikes, you can divide the circuit into smaller routes or try out one of the 10 circular day routes known as the ‘Albschäfer-Zeitspuren’ (Shepherd’s historical footsteps.’

Each stage of the Albschäfer Trail except one ends in a village with good overnight accommodation. Here you can choose between guesthouses, holiday rentals and hotels. Along the trails, you will also find a few places to stop and replenish your drinks and snacks. With your rucksack full of goodies, you can relax on a bench and enjoy a break in wonderful places with great views. What could be better than enjoying this together with the happily grazing sheep? This is peaceful hiking at its best.

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Albschäferweg

157km

2,310m

2,310m

Last updated: February 28, 2025

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Activities

1. Stage 1: Giengen to Stetten ob Lontal – Albschäferweg

17.5km

04:40

210m

170m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Intermediate

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Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Intermediate

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Expert

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Intermediate

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Intermediate

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Intermediate

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Intermediate

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Intermediate

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Expert

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Collection Stats

Activities

10

Distance

166 km

Duration

45:04 h

Elevation

2,390 m

2,380 m

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