One of the most famous and impressive caves in the Swabian Jura, the Falkenstein Cave is located in the furthest corner of the Elsach Valley. Although the cave can only be explored by experienced, well-equipped cavers, or accompanied by an experienced guide, a hike along the romantic Elsach valley ending at the impressive portal of the Falkensteiner cave, is still very worthwhile. The way back is identical to the way there.
Autorentipp
Discover our 5 premium hiking trails Grafensteige: Wasserfallsteig, Hohenurachsteig, Hochbergsteig, Hohenwittlingensteig or Seeburgsteig. All premium hiking trails are suitable for sporty and sure-footed hikers and lead you to the most beautiful places in Bad Urach.
Wegbeschreibung
We cross the access road from Bad Urach and hike along the Pfählhof campsite to the crossroads at the foot of the Fuchsberg. Here we turn right into a wide, gently rising, shady forest path that runs along the Elsach river. After almost a kilometer, our path joins the country road between Bad Urach and Grabenstetten. Along this we go about 70 m to the right, we cross the valley and cross the Elsach. On the other side of the valley we turn left onto a forest path. It follows the creek bed of the Elsach up the valley through the shady forest.
1.4 km after crossing the valley we are at the beginning of the wooded Falkensteiner Gorge. From the left, the path leads from the parking lot to the Bad Urach - Grabenstetten road. On the left at the bottom of the valley we see a large rest area with benches and barbecue area. We hike further into the wild and romantic gorge alongside the river bed of the Elsach. Almost at the end of the valley, the gorge divides again, we follow the steep and slightly slippery footpath up the slope to the left. Halfway up we finally stand in front of the mighty entrance portal of the cave at the foot of the imposing Falkenstein rock face, on which a castle is said to have once stood. At over 5km the cave is one of the longest in the Swabian Jura and the dimensions of the portal are spectacular. When we have taken in the views and the special atmosphere of the Falkensteiner gorge, we start our way back. It is the same route back again.
Ausrüstung
The route follows asphalt and gravel paths, as well as narrow forest paths. We recommend sturdy walking shoes for this trail.
Sicherheitshinweise
Our circular tours are not walking, but hiking trails. Sturdy shoes, hiking poles and sure-footedness are recommended for all tours, particularly after and during rainfall and in the winter months, the limestone rock and soil can be very slippery, especially on slopes. We also point out the presence of natural forest hazards. We ask you to exercise caution.
In an emergency, always dial the number 112. If necessary, please mention that the people involved in the accident are in inaccessible terrain, so that the Bad Urach mountain rescue service is also informed and there is no unnecessary loss of time during the rescue.
On the hiking signposts of our trails, you will find a plaque with the exact location number on it. The location number consists of the letters BU and a max. 4-digit number. Communicating this number to the control centre in an emergency, helps to provide assistance faster.
Please note the current safety instructions
