Hikes in Röckingen

From the Schieferbruch hiking car park near Wittelshofen on the Geological educational and hiking path over the Hesselberg to the Osterwiese. From there, descent past the Protestant Educational Center Hesselberg to Gerolfingen. Then along the Wörnitz following the Alemanni's footsteps to the Wunibald spring and finally to Fürnheim.

While hiking through orchards, slope forests, and dry grasslands, we learn about the geology of the highest mountain in Middle Franconia (689m above sea level) through outcrops and information signs. The roof surface of the witness mountain allows us to take a walk around the Easter Meadow. We enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the landscape spreading out below. Those interested in biology can admire rare species of the dry grasslands, such as the red-winged desert grasshopper or the spring gentian. The descent leads us through the juniper heath, past a hillside spring and a landscape of orchards and fields back to the parking lot.

This is hiking route 1 - Hesselberg (without Wassertrüdingen) Sports field near Opfenried - Röckingen – Hesselberg - Schlössleinsbuck and back to Opfenried.

Some call it the "Franconian Kilimanjaro." The Hesselberg near Wassertrüdingen is not quite that massive. However, with its 689 meters in height amidst an otherwise quite flat landscape, it already appears quite impressive. After all, it carries the honorable title "Highest Mountain in Middle Franconia," gives its name to an entire recreational region, and is counted among Bavaria's most beautiful geotopes. Apart from the impressive view offered from the summit and the plateau, you will find a particularly diverse vegetation at this legendary place. Poor grassland slopes and orchard meadows alternate with dense forest patches, providing the perfect basis for an entertaining hike.

The Hesselberg Path is designed as a summit circular route. It leads to the most beautiful points of the Hesselberg and offers interesting information about the nature, history, and geology of the mountain during a hiking time of about 2-3 hours.

Beautiful loop route around the Hesselberg to Wassertrüdingen

On the Highest Elevation of Middle FranconiaCompletely isolated, the Hesselberg rises from the plain as the highest elevation in Middle Franconia. Along the circular route, which partly follows Circular Hiking Trail 1, information boards provide details about the nature, history, and geology of the mountain, which is protected as a landscape due to its diverse plant life and extensive dry grasslands. A major attraction each year is the Hesselberg Fair, traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday in July on the Easter Meadow.

> ​We begin our hike up Middle Franconia’s highest mountain at the Röckinger Naturbad 01 hiking parking lot. We walk gently uphill along the paved farm road, keeping to the left at the first fork, until we reach the edge of the forest and a small parking lot. There, we turn slightly to the right onto the magnificent linden tree-lined avenue 02 and follow it further up the mountain to the end, where sheep pastures increasingly come into view. At the next fork, we keep to the right, re-enter the forest, and follow “Circular Hiking Trail No. 1” for a while. At the next crossroads, we also come upon the “Blaupunktweg”; here, we turn left and then right again after about 70 meters. We now leave the “Blaupunkt” trail again and continue to follow Trail No. 1 along a narrow path. Initially still in the forest, we gradually reach the edge and now skirt the sheep pastures on the northern flank of the Hesselberg. From here, there are repeated views of the “Heide” to the north. Passing the ski slope, we enter the forest, then head slightly right down the slope and turn left at a curve. We follow the wide gravel path to an intersection, where we follow Trail No. 1 slightly to the left. We continue through the forest to a clearing, where we turn left. At the next intersection, we leave Trail No. 1, turn left, and follow the “Blaustrich-Weg” up to the Hesselberg summit. Along the way and at the summit ( 03) near the transmission antenna, we’re treated to outstanding views toward the Donau-Ries region and the Ostalb with the Kaiserberge mountains. When the air is particularly clear, the view extends all the way to the Alpine peaks, and the Zugspitze massif is also clearly visible. We continue along the “Blaustrich,” walking slightly downhill past the Hesselberg House and a parking lot, then climb a few meters back up to the completely treeless Osterwiese. Following the ridge, we come upon the Celtic rampart 04 at the start of the Osterwiese. The Nazis, too, harnessed the mountain’s mystique to host large, politically motivated rallies during the so-called “Frankentage.” At the end of the Osterwiese, we leave the “Blaustrich,” hike slightly to the right through the upper Lindenallee, and turn sharply left at the next intersection. Shortly afterward, keep slightly to the right and, just as on the way there, head back through the Lindenallee and return to the hiking parking lot at the Röckinger Naturbad 01.

Start at the adult education center Promising round over the summit plateau

Hiking trail to the Hesselberg and back:Wassertrüdingen – Hesselberg – Röckingen – Opfenried – Wassertrüdingen Route length: large circuit 18 km, small circuit 10 km Walking time: approx. 5 hours (small circuit approx. 2.5 hours), hilly terrain Marking: Blue dash, Hesselberg trail, White 10 on green Possible alternative routes:Wassertrüdingen – Wittelshofen 13 km, Wassertrüdingen – Ehingen 13 km,Wassertrüdingen – Gerolfingen 11 km