Fantastic ridge views – hiking on the Albtraufgaenger

Tours

34:13 h

71.4 mi

10,350 ft

The Albtraufgaenger long-distance hiking trail will take you to unique viewpoints, historic castle ruins and picturesque scenery. You will hike along the imposing rocky ridge that separates the mighty plateau from the gentle foothills of the Alb. The varied landscape, with its typical juniper heaths and rugged rock formations, is a paradise for hikers. On well-maintained hiking trails, the route leads through wonderful nature in six stages.

The circular hike starts and ends in Wiesensteig. You will hike 115 kilometers (71 miles) over undulating terrain, experiencing the beauty of the Albtrauf up close. Taste the mountain air on top of 800-meter-high (2,600 feet) peaks, such as the Bossler. Find peace and quiet in unspoiled valleys like the Felsental or the Autal nature reserve. The Albtrauf is known for its countless lookout points, from which you can enjoy the ever-changing landscape. Thanks to the numerous historical sites en route, culture lovers will also enjoy this circular walk. You can visit the ruins of Reußenstein, the Oedenturm and the pilgrimage church Ave Maria.

The individual stages end at rustic accommodation or in historic towns with beautiful half-timbered houses. You don’t need alpine experience to climb the Albtraufgaenger, just wear good footwear and bring a basic fitness level to the mountains. The paths are all easy to follow and well signposted. The Albtraufgaenger combines nature, history and culinary delights which is a real treat for body and soul.

Since Gingen an der Fils and Geislingen an der Steige have a connection to the VVS network, you can easily hike one part of the Albtraufgaenger at a time. You can take the bus to all other villages, such as Wiesensteig,. You can find more information here: vvs.de

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The Albtraufgänger

70.1 mi

10,300 ft

10,325 ft

Last updated: April 3, 2023

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 1: Von Wiesensteig zum Deutschen Haus – Albtraufgänger
Expert
05:30
12.1 mi
2.2 mph
1,300 ft
1,200 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The Albtraufsteiger starts in the center of Wiesensteig, which is known for its historic half-timbered houses. You follow the Fils westwards to the paper mill and cross the babbling brook there. You will soon reach the picturesque Fils origin, the source of the Fils.

The path winds through the quiet forest…
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Etappe 2: Vom Deutschen Haus zum Wasserberghaus – Albtraufgänger
Expert
06:57
14.6 mi
2.1 mph
2,000 ft
1,800 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
At almost 24 kilometers, this stage is the longest of the Albtrauffer, but offers you fantastic views and many highlights. The beautiful nature leads to the Aichelberg, the shape of its truncated cone reminiscent of its volcanic origin. You take turns walking through idyllic forests, small towns and…
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Etappe 3: Vom Wasserberghaus nach Gingen an der Fils – Albtraufgänger
Intermediate
04:04
8.64 mi
2.1 mph
875 ft
1,875 ft
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
After a restful night in the Wasserberghaus, the third stage begins with a quiet section through the forest. You pass a small lake and cross several streams. Through the idyllic region of the Swabian Albtrauf you hike to Grünenberg, an Aussiedlerhof with an inn.

We continue to the first impressive lookout…
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Etappe 4: Von Gingen an der Fils nach Geislingen – Albtraufgänger
Expert
05:39
11.9 mi
2.1 mph
1,825 ft
1,600 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
From Gingen an der Fils you climb the sometimes steep path to Hämmelplatz. On a promising path it goes past the Hohenstein and Klepperfels to the Kuhfels. There you can expect a wonderful view of Geislingen on the trail and cake.

Then the Albtraufsteiger route leads you down to the Eybtal, where you…
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Etappe 5: Von Geislingen nach Bad Ditzenbach – Albtraufgänger
Expert
06:52
14.1 mi
2.1 mph
2,400 ft
1,700 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
At the beginning of the fifth stage of the Albtraufganger you hike from Geislingen to the Sentinel with the imposing Ostlandkreuz. From the 665 meter high elevation you have a beautiful view of the highlights of the previous day, such as the Helfenstein ruins and the Ödenturm.

The route takes you along…
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Etappe 6: Von der Ruine Hiltenburg nach Wiesensteig – Albtraufgänger
Expert
05:11
10.2 mi
2.0 mph
1,950 ft
2,225 ft
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The first section of the final stage leads you through the village of Gosbach in Hiltental. From there the demanding ascent to the Leimberg begins, which rewards you with a panoramic view from the small Kreuzkapelle to the Upper Filstal. On the back of the church, wooden benches invite you to take a…
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