Hiking Collection by Schwäbische Alb
Counting sheep on the Albschäfer Trail
10 days
3-5 h/day
166km
2,390m
2,380m
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.
Visibility:
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Albschäferweg
157km
2,310m
2,310m
Last updated: February 28, 2025
Do it yourself!
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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.
2. Stage 2: Stetten ob Lontal to Anhausen – Albschäferweg
14.3km
03:54
210m
220m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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3. Stage 3: Anhausen to Gerstetten – Albschäferweg
18.7km
04:56
240m
100m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4. Stage 4: Gerstetten Steinheim – Albschäferweg
18.4km
05:05
280m
380m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5. Stage 5: Steinheim to Zang – Albschäferweg
15.5km
04:13
280m
140m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
6. Stage 6: Zang to Heidenheim – Albschäferweg
17.2km
04:47
280m
380m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. Stage 7: Heidenheim to Nattheim – Albschäferweg
14.5km
03:56
190m
190m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
8. Stage 8: Nattheim to Neresheim– Albschäferweg
14.4km
04:00
240m
290m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
9. Stage 8: Nattheim to Neresheim– Albschäferweg
14.4km
03:56
210m
240m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
10. Stage 10: Ballmertshofen zurück to Giengen – Albschäferweg
21.0km
05:37
250m
260m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
10
Distance
166 km
Duration
45:04 h
Elevation
2,390 m
2,380 m
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