Legendary Rosenstein

Meeting point is the Stellung hiking car park in Heubach. We first walk along a paved road towards the ascent to Rosenstein.

After a short distance, we pass the Herrgottsbrunnen. It was erected for the honorary citizen of the city, Unfried.

Soon after, the ascent to Rosenstein begins via the Franz-Keller path. The trail winds up Rosenstein and we then reach the Kleine Scheuer cave directly at the foot of the Sophienfels.

Here, the installed signage describes the early settlement of Rosenstein.

We continue along the base of the climbing rock and reach a staircase that leads up to the Rosenstein ruins.

After a short distance, we reach a hole in the rock. It is said that whoever manages to throw a stone into this hole will have a wish come true.

After this short break and a footpath, we reach the Rosenstein castle ruins. First, on the left side, we see a remaining wall of the old castle ruins. Here were the former kennel and behind it the castle's cistern.

After more steps, we stand in the palace of the former castle. A remaining wall with windows is still well preserved. From the castle ruins, we have a magnificent panoramic view over the town and surrounding countryside. The exposed location at the edge of the Swabian Alb, on a promontory of the Alb plateau, has always had great strategic importance.

After this short stop, we cross the Rosenstein bridge towards the Lärmfelsen.

Shortly after the bridge, we still see the traces of old horse-drawn carts. They have cut deep grooves into the rocks.

Immediately after, we reach the Lärmfelsen on the left. A watchtower used to stand here. A scout could warn the castle inhabitants in case of danger. Today, a metal orientation plate is located here. From here, we have a beautiful view of Heubach and the open-air excavation site "Sand".

After a few more meters, we reach the Rosenstein forest tavern.

After this short break, we continue towards the "Three-Entrance Cave." The Three-Entrance Cave is one of 40 caves known at Rosenstein near Heubach.

After a detour to this cave, we continue along the Alb plateau to the viewpoint "Schöne Aussicht" (Beautiful View). Even on the way, there are many opportunities to look over the wide landscape. The view extends over Mögglingen and Ellwangen up to Hohenstadt Castle.

We continue on the path and reach some steps on the left that lead to the caves "Große Scheuer" and "The House."

Back on the hiking trail, we walk along the Alb plateau towards the Sedelfelsen. The Sedelfelsen, affectionately called the East Rock by locals, lies on the southeastern edge of Rosenstein. From here, there is a great view over the Lapper valley with Ölmühle, Lautern, the gardeners' village, and the Pfaffensturz to Aalen.

From here, the path along the Alb edge is closed. Peregrine falcons nest in the rocks. We take the hiking trail towards the "Finsteres Loch" (Dark Hole).

Then we continue hiking until we reach the hut of the German Alpine Club, Rosenstein hut. This is a good place for a break. You can eat your packed lunch here or, if the hut is open, stop for refreshments. There is the opportunity to refill your drinks and use the toilet.

Right in front of the hut, you can admire a giant sequoia tree.

We continue towards the Rosenstein car park. At the fork in the road, we keep half-left. The farm road leads almost flat towards Mittelberg. We reach the Devil's Wall near Heubach/Lautern. Both the striking Rosenstein near Heubach and its neighboring heights Hochberg and Mittelberg bear the mighty ruins of prehistoric fortifications and ring walls. The 400 m-long, straight fortification, whose age was previously completely unclear, turned out to be an originally four-meter-wide, wood-clad wall erected by Celtic settlers around 400 BC. It was intended to protect the settlement.

We continue towards the Lauterburg car park and reach it at the edge of the forest.

At the fork, we keep right and arrive at the Heubach children's festival site. The children's festival site is a green area in the middle of the forest. Every 3 years, the children's festival takes place in Heubach. The children then hike up to the site from Heubach.

We continue hiking and keep right at the fork, pass a barbecue area, and then turn left onto a small path. This leads directly to the hut of the Swabian Alb Association local group Heubach. At coffee time, you can try the homemade cake here.

After a small refreshment, we enjoy a nice panoramic view from the TV tower on the Glasenberg before starting the return hike via the Lehmweg. On the way back, there is also a view of the former Heubach ski jump as well as a small pond.

After an entertaining return hike, we reach the starting point again.