Swabian Alb

You cycle through the Aach and Schmiechtal valleys via Schelklingen to Ehingen, where you meet the still young Danube. After visiting the market square with the original market fountain, you continue on the Danube cycle path. The former Upper Austrian town of Munderkingen is surrounded by the Danube. The picturesque old town is characterized by high gabled houses, winding alleys and numerous churches. You cycle further via Untermarchtal with its active monastery of the Sisters of Mercy and reach Obermarchtal. The completely preserved, baroque complex of the former monastery is one of the largest and most beautiful in Upper Swabia!

Overnight place: Obermarchtal

A highlight of the biosphere reserve is a bike tour through the valley of the Große Lauter, which is one of the most beautiful and interesting in the Swabian Jura, and not just for cyclists. The natural Lauter meanders idyllically past the rugged limestone cliffs. For long stretches, cyclists and hikers have the Lautertal all to themselves. Shady forest paths, green meadows and high rock faces alternate on the fantastic cycle route. Other sights along the cycle path are the Marbach State Stud with its Arabian breed, the Jewish cemetery in Buttenhausen and a snail garden. In the afternoon you will reach St. Johann, where you will spend two nights.

Overnight place: St. Johann or Gomadingen

Today you will undertake an exciting and scenic circular tour over the Reutlinger Alb. At the Albtrauf, the plateau of the Swabian Alb drops steeply into the valleys and the foothills of the Alb. The white limestone cliffs often offer a magnificent view. Lichtenstein Castle, which towers high above the valley, is an often photographed landmark of the Swabian Alb. On the car-free paths you will cycle across the plateau to the Fohlenhof, an outpost of the Württemberg main and state stud farm in Marbach. Past the Rutschenfelsen, from which you have a magnificent view of the Ermstal with Bad Urach, you will return to St. Johann/Gomadingen.

Overnight place: Like the day before St. Johann or Gomadingen

A bike tour through the former military training area in Münsingen is a unique experience in Germany! Even during the more than 70 years of military use, nature was able to develop undisturbed in many areas. You cycle through an area that is now the core of the biosphere reserve. Since the military withdrew a few years ago, the area has increasingly been transformed into a natural paradise. From the asphalt roads on which tanks once drove, cyclists have an impressive view of the unique landscape. No houses, no fields, almost no human influence, only huge pastures with gnarled trees and extensive forest areas characterize the almost 12.000 square kilometer area. More than sheep keep the landscape open. Time seems to have stood still here for decades. Overnight stay in Münsingen.

Overnight place: Münsingen

A beautiful cycle path leads you across the Alb plateau into the region of the Vordere Alb. You cycle past the Heidegraben, an impressive relic from the Celtic period. The next destination is Hohenneuffen Castle, which stands on a mighty limestone base. Here, on the Albtrauf, the plateau drops steeply to the Alb foreland, which lies over 300 m below. The view of the white limestone cliffs and the towns below, as far as Stuttgart, is overwhelming. The route continues to Laichingen, where the weaving and local history museum reminds us that the town used to be one of the most important centres of traditional linen weaving in Württemberg.

Overnight place: Laichingen

The Laichinger Tiefenhöhle is the deepest show cave in Germany with huge shafts and large halls. Today again offers the landscape forms typical of the biosphere reserve. The cycle route runs through the varied cultural landscape of the Swabian Jura with its juniper heaths, flowery grasslands, meadows, arable land and forests. You cycle over lonely plateaus, through quiet, shady valleys and past white limestone cliffs. You will reach Blaubeuren again in the afternoon.

Overnight place: blaubeuren

Today you can go home on your own or you can take the opportunity for an extension. 

Overnight place: Blaubeuren (departure)