운터슈바닝겐 최고의 러닝 경로

The radio tower on the Hesselberg is the summit's prominent landmark and a key point of orientation for hikers and runners. It stands on the highest point in Middle Franconia (689 m) and was originally built as a telecommunications tower for the German Federal Post Office. Today, it serves for broadcasting and microwave radio communication and is operated by Deutsche Funkturm GmbH. With its distinctive silhouette, the tower rises above the tree line and can be seen from afar, even from the Ries crater or the Altmühl Valley. Right next to it are the summit cross, the geological nature trail, and a small viewing platform offering views as far as the Alps on a clear day. In the early morning, when mist rises from the valleys and the tower glows in the first sunlight, it appears almost like a silent sentinel over the landscape.

The Hesselberg geological trail leads for approximately 2.5 kilometers through a fascinating landscape, where you can experience the history of the southern German Jura up close. Several information panels explain how the Hesselberg, a mountainous site, formed from the White Jurassic (Malm) layers – remnants of an ancient seabed formed about 150 million years ago. The trail impressively demonstrates the transition from limestone to marl and leads past small outcrops where fossil traces of mussels and ammonites can be found. In addition to geology, you will also learn a great deal about the flora and fauna of this special cultural landscape: dry grasslands, rare orchids, juniper heaths, and nutrient-poor grasslands characterize the landscape. At the end, the trail rewards you with a wide panoramic view from the summit plateau – stretching across the Nördlinger Ries, the Franconian Lake District, and all the way to the Alps. A tranquil place where geological history, nature, and vastness merge.

From the Hesselberg to the south, the view extends far across the Franconian hills, over golden fields and dark forest islands. In the distance, on a clear day, the bluish contours of the Alps emerge – barely tangible, yet clearly noticeable. The morning light settles like a veil over the landscape, mist rises from the valleys, and the wind carries the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. A silent moment between sky and land.

Kiosk at the foot of the Hesselberg with adjacent parking lot

An experience in every season and in every weather!

tranquil town center of Wassertrüdingen

it is simply fascinating to watch the model gliders in the summer as they silently and skillfully make their rounds above the heads of hikers

Wonderful place for gliding, kite flying and soaring.