Graf Eberhard Route

We start our route in Zavelstein, formerly the smallest town in Württemberg, now part of Bad Teinach. Zavelstein is also known for its crocus meadows, which attract many fascinated visitors during the blooming season.

The Graf Eberhard Route commemorates Count Eberhard II., the Greiner, who was ambushed in 1367 by Count Wolf of Eberstein and his allies. However, he managed to escape capture and fled with a shepherd along secret paths to Zavelstein Castle. This is described in Ludwig Uhland's poem "The Ambush in Wildbad". 

First, we stroll through the "little town" to our starting point at the Zavelstein castle ruins. In good weather, it is worth climbing the tower and enjoying the view over the beautiful Teinach valley. We then return, passing the signpost Zavelstein/Marketplace and begin our route, always following the signposts "Graf Eberhard Route", marked with the blue lozenge. The next signpost is called Jägeracker.

At the edge of the village, we cross the memorial forest; the next signpost is Jägeracker. We keep left and then right in the direction of the village Rötenbach. We reach the signpost Stollenacker, here we turn left and reach Rötenbach. We cross the main road and follow the ascending path, passing the signpost Rötenbach/Church across the fields to the forest, where we encounter the signpost Point 688. We cross the forest towards the signpost Oberwürzbach. According to tradition, the sunken village Oberwürzbach once lay here in the forest and the legend of the Schorchanges is said to have taken place here.

Following the signage, we cross the K 4325. After about 1 kilometer, we come to the signpost Heselwasen and reach a gravel path, following it until we reach the Kleine Enz valley and the signpost Teufelsberg. We cross the B 294 and reach our first stage destination, the Holzwiesen hut at the signpost Kleinenztal/Heselbach.

This spot invites you to rest; alternatively, you can stop at the Kleinenzhof, which lies about 1 km off the route and is signposted from here. Refreshed, we begin the ascent, following the signpost Eisenstube uphill to the left, passing the signpost Prossenweg, and reach a viewpoint with a wild boar sculpture and a bench, which invites a short rest.

We continue along this path, coming to the signpost Sulzhäusle and shortly thereafter reach the highest point at the Riesenstein. Here we find a sandstone slab lying on the ground and the nearby Riesenstein shelter hut. The descent to Bald Wildbad takes us past the signpost Kappelberg, along a picturesque path lined with blueberry and lingonberry bushes with views over Sommerberg including the treetop path, Wildline suspension bridge, and cable car. 

After the path, we reach the signpost District Heating Plant. We follow the Old Climb downhill, then turn left onto Uhlandstraße, right onto Goethestraße, and then enter Kochstraße. Here, turn right into Wilhelmstraße and then keep left to reach the train station.

If you need a refreshment or break after the route, you will find it in Bad Wildbad; it is best to follow Uhlandstraße after the Old Climb into the town center.