Region
The Swabian Alb has a lot to offer: Remarkable towns and attractions in the middle of two protected areas, the Biosphere reserve and the Global Geopark.
Biosphere reserve Swabian Alb
In 2008, the town of Bad Urach joined forces with 28 other municipalities of the Swabian Alb to form the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve. The project focused on the sustainable coexistence between man and nature in our region, and was recognized by UNESCO with the award as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009.
Like the other 651 biosphere reserves in 120 countries worldwide (as of June 2015), we had to meet certain requirements for recognition. The hillside and ravine forests on the Albtrauf are our unique natural feature. Our biosphere reserve is characterized by the orchards in the foothills of the Alb and the varied traditional cultural landscape of the Swabian Alb, including its juniper heaths, nutrient-poor grassland, meadows, pastures, arable land and forests.
Not only the landscape characterizes our region, it is also its people who contribute to the success of our goals through their actions. You can experience the biosphere area first hand at our two biosphere hosts, Biosphere Hotel Graf Eberhard and Flair Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, they both focus on using regional products and having a certified environmental management. Our thermal bath "AlbThermen" also places the highest demands on sustainable energy management, a commitment that has also received awards.
"Biosphärengastgeber"
UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb
Coral reefs, ancient volcanoes, meteor craters, ice age caves, turquoise springs and the world's oldest works of art? All this and more can be found in the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb.
The karst landscape of the Swabian Alb is unique. Its geological heritage is unique. This prompted UNESCO to designate the area and include it in the list of the most important natural landscapes in the world.
A network of 26 information points and Geopoints covering more than 6,000 square kilometres runs through the Geopark and takes you on an adventure into the past.
Explore the largest cave deposits in Europe and trace the life of a mammoth hunter. Immerse yourself in breathtaking nature and explore mysterious geotopes with our discovery map. Above all: Experience how geology shapes our present and future.