Schwäbische Alb-Nordrandweg

Along the edge of the Swabian Alb

The Schwäbische Alb Nordrandweg (HW1) offers walking of richly varied appeal along a stunning cuesta landscape: the north-westerly edge of the Swabian Alb, where fabulous views and ancient rock formations follow one after another, not to mention all the castles, ruins and caves. 365 kilometres and never a dull moment.

Swabian Alb from start to finish
On its western edge, the cave-pocked Swabian Alb plateau falls more than 300 metres to the foreland below and the Neckar river. A near vertical drop that gives rise to a spectacular landscape of sheer rock walls and steep forested slopes. Walkers have so much to look forward to, from mighty castles perched on narrow spurs to views that reach all the way to the Black Forest across the Neckar river. A rich variety of flora thrives in the chalky soil, while the dramatic scenery continues on the edge of the plateau. The trail follows the Swabian Alb throughout from Tuttlingen to Donauwörth.

Cultural attractions, historical sites, glorious natural features and panoramic views. This is what you can expect from the Swabian Alb. Your route runs along the north, north-western and western rim of the escarpment over wooded hilltops and the gently rolling, forest-clad terrain of the Härtsfeld plateau, before descending into the Kocher valley. Continuing past Aalen, you climb the densely wooded Albuch peak on all-natural paths along the edge of the plateau, where the stunning views follow in quick succession. Myth-enshrouded Rosenstein hill, Randecker maar and the Urach waterfall show nature at its best, while castles Teck, Weissenstein and Lichtenstein add a historical element to the mix.