Swabian treats – hiking the HochAlbPfade around Meßstetten

What does enjoyment mean to you? Tucking into a delicious snack overlooking a panoramic view? At one of the unique picnic spots – a small table and four cosy benches – along the HochAlbPfade, the view over the Alb ridge and picturesque valleys will take your breath away. The so-called HochAlbPfade is made up of three varied premium hiking trails that lead you to these magical places and reveal the beauty of the Swabian Alb in Baden-Württemberg. The Tours are all circular and of a manageable length.

From the foot of the Heimberg mountain, you climb directly onto the Trauf escarpment. From Gräbelesberg, you enjoy sweeping views over the foothills of the Alb and even as far as the Black Forest. If you like exploring, there is a karst cave dating back to the time of the Celts to discover along the way. At the end of the HochAlbPfad Hossinger Hochalb, a visit to Castle Hossingen beckons.

If you enjoy wonderful views as well as a refreshing swim, then set off on the Felsquellweg. Here, the HochAlbpfad leads you through the beautiful valley of the babbling Kohlstattbrunnenbach stream and up to sunny hilltops with picnic benches. At Oberdigisheim Reservoir, you can unpack your swimming gear and take a dip in the cool water.

On the Tieringer Hörnle HochAlbPfad, you can dive into the Schlicher Valley and climb the Hörnle, which stands at almost 1,000 metres (3,280 feet). In good weather, you can enjoy panoramic views as far as the Feldberg in the Black Forest and might even spot the Stuttgart TV tower on the horizon.

As all the Tours take you into the heart of the countryside, you should bring along food and drinks. With so many great places to take a break, your homemade bread will taste even better.