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The circular hike between Drackenstein, Hohenstadt, and Merklingen leads across the impressive Alb plateau.
Idyllically located on the edge of the Swabian Alb, the two rural districts of Drackenstein present themselves as a true natural paradise. The landscape is wildly romantic and offers immediate access to the rugged and refreshing beauty of the Alb. Despite the natural surroundings, Drackenstein has a remarkable infrastructure, including a modern town hall and community house that not only houses a multipurpose room but also space for the local fire department.
The hustle and bustle of the big wide world seems to lie just outside the doorstep of Unterdrackenstein. The famous Drackensteiner Hang, a section of the A8 that is split at this point, leads down from the Alb plateau towards Stuttgart.
Municipality of Drackenstein
Hauptstrasse 28 | 73345 Drackenstein
07335 6452 | info@drackenstein.de | www.drackenstein.de
Author’s recommendation
Drackenstein Waterfall & Grotto:
A highlight you should see is the impressive Drackenstein Waterfall. Embedded in a massive tuff rock, water that has seeped through the karst rock of the Swabian Alb rushes into the valley depending on the season. Especially in winter, great ice formations occur. This tuff rock also houses the Mariengrotto.
Marien Chapel:
The chapel, built in the Neo-Gothic style, is managed by the Catholic Church but still belongs to the "citizens of Drackenstein." They did not always want to take the walk down to Unterdrackenstein and therefore built their own chapel.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Gasthof Zur SonneTips and suggestions
Respectful coexistence in Göppingen district.
Code of conduct:
- Respect path closures and the quiet zones developed in the leisure path concept.
- Leave no traces such as litter or animal droppings; treat your path carefully.
- Act cautiously and considerately. Adapt your behavior to the situation. Safety comes first.
- Respect other users of forest and fields.
- Be considerate of animals and plants.
- Plan in advance and use daylight. Try to avoid dawn and dusk.
- Observe the prohibition of entering agriculturally used areas during the growing season.
- Stay on designated paths and avoid forest edges so wild animals can better get used to humans.
More information at ruecksicht-macht-wege-breiter.de
Roadbook
The hike begins between Drackenstein and Hohenstadt. The path first leads through Drackenstein, the smallest municipality in the Stuttgart region. Here you experience an oasis of peace and seclusion. During the passage, picturesque views of the Drachenloch Bridge and the Drackensteiner Hang open up, where the A8 leads down from the Alb plateau towards Stuttgart. The brown tourist signs along the A8 describe the Alb ascent and Drackensteiner Hang as the most beautiful highway stretch in Germany.
The route continues towards Merklingen and from there leads through the water valley to Hohenstadt. At 838 meters above sea level, Hohenstadt is the highest municipality in the Göppingen district and impressively embedded in a charming landscape. The path passes characteristic heath landscapes, orchid meadows, and numerous horse farms. After reaching Hohenstadt, the path shortly thereafter leads back to the starting point of the hike.
St. Michael (Unterdrackenstein)
Catholic Marienkapelle
Drackenstein field cross
Frey dairy farm
Memorial stone at the crash site of the Lancaster bomber NN 758
Gasthof Zur Sonne
Drackenstein slope
Hohenstadt Forest Park
Waldparkstüble
Parking lot on K7407
Drackenstein Quarry
Hohenstadt Radio Tower
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
From Geislingen station, take bus line 966 to Gosbach stop "Hirsch." From there, take bus line 961 to Hohenstadt to the stop "Hohenstadt Kirche." From the stop, it is about a 10-minute walk to the start of the route.
The circular timetable can be found at: www.vvs.de/fahrplan
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Follow the A8 to K1431 in Hohenstadt, take the exit from A8 toward temporary exit.
Parking
Hiking car park between Hohenstadt and Drackenstein
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
- Hiking shoes: Stable and comfortable shoes with good tread for secure footing.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Layers of clothing depending on weather conditions, including a rain jacket or sun protection.
- Backpack: Small and light, to carry the essentials.
- Water bottle: To stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits for small breaks.
- Map or hiking app: For orientation on the route.
- First aid kit: With plasters, bandages, and basic medications.
- Mobile phone: For emergencies and as navigation aid.
- Others: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat or gloves depending on the weather.
This list is designed for a short circular hike. For longer or more demanding routes, you should expand your equipment accordingly.
Human-created
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions