The Hochbergsteig is one of our five Premium hiking tours (Grafensteige) which showcase the beautiful landscape of the Biosphere region of the Swabian Alb.
From the scenic viewpoint, Michelskäppele to the dramatic rock formations at Kunstmühlefelsen, the route offers fantastic panoramas over the town and the Seeburg valley. Follow the forest pathway between the various lookout points and take a rest along the way on our relaxing wooden recliners, ideally situated to take in the view.
Directions: At the Car Park (P18) you will find a wayfinding sign complete with map and route outline, this is the start of the hike. Going past the sports club the walk begins through the lovely Wiesental valley. Take a sharp right and the path starts to go steep uphill in the forest, then parallel to the slope, in the direction of Wassersteinhöhle (Water Cave). The last meters of the forest path up to the cave are quite steep, much like the following curving pathway which leads to a clearing. From here we take a field path and walk along the edge of the forest, briefly changing onto a service road off to the right. Continue left on the Alb plateau, before descending in the woods to the Kunstmühlenfels. From here we enjoy the beautiful view over the Seeburg valley and surrounding rock formations. Following a narrow pathway northwards across the Hochberg, we pass the cliffs of the same name and are rewarded along the way with splendid views of Bad Urach. Our next target is the viewingpoint Michelskäppele, where a wooden pavilion offers hikers stunning views with a little shelter. The return descent back to the sports field requires some surefootedness but within a short time the end is in sight. Along a natural grandstand we walk back to the car park, Zittelstatt which was our starting point.
Autorentipp
See the lovely old town of Bad Urach: visit the marketplace with its half-timbered houses of the 17th Century!
Ausrüstung
Sturdy footwear and surefootedness is recommended for this tour.
Sicherheitshinweise
Please note, the Grafensteigen routes are hikes and not strolls! Sturdy footwear and surefootedness is recommended for all tours. In particular, please be cautious during and after rainfall as the limestone rock and soil, especially on an incline, can be very slippery.
In an emergency dial 112. Where necessary, make the emergency services aware that the injured persons are located in inaccessible terrain, so that the mountain rescue Bad Urach can be alerted and there is no loss of time needed in the rescue.
All along the signposted routes you will find plaques with your exact location number on them. These numbers are known in the emergency control center and will help to speed up rescue times, please reference them when making an emergency call.
