Höchsten Route

The starting point is Mennwangen. We follow the Deggenhauser Aach and the state road L 204 via Untersiggingen to Wittenhofen. There we turn right towards Roggenbeuren, but before the town we turn left onto the long-distance cycle path Oberschwaben-Allgäu. After about 2 km, turn left again. In Wattenberg, the actual ascent to the Höchsten begins, whose approximately 350 meters of elevation gain are evenly distributed over 8 km. For those seeking a sporting challenge: this section can also be completed as a anytime hill race with a Stoppomat (start at 47.76976, 9.42927).

At the top, a magnificent panorama awaits in any case, and the summit, at 838 m, is actually the number one in Oberschwaben. A unique patch of alpine vegetation serves as a protected remnant from the last Ice Age. Right after the summit break follows the descent to Illwangen. Passing the beautiful Illmensee, you reach Echbeck. From there, go a short way through the upper Deggenhausertal to the south and on quiet paths to Wintersulgen; here you have to master the second real climb of the route, but it is only about 100 meters of elevation gain. The next station, the Renaissance castle Heiligenberg, can already be seen from a distance. The magnificent, representative noble residence – owned by the Fürstenberg family – replaced an earlier castle complex in the 16th century. Its splendid knights' hall is worth a visit as is the view from the castle hill.

The last section leads through the forest to the east, then south over Beuren to Weildorf, Stefansfeld, and Salem. The medieval, baroque-expanded monastery complex of the Cistercians was an Imperial Abbey and is also known as the margravial residence “Schloss Salem”: the perfect finishing touch. From Salem-Stefansfeld, you go through the forest and along the Aach to the home stretch back to the starting point.

(Text: Dr. Ulrich Steller  www.textstrategie.de )