Through the Danube Valley

0.0 km Beuron, Monastery Parking Lot

From the parking lot, this hiking route follows Abteistraße along the monastery church and the buildings of the Archabbey. After the railway bridge, turn off the road into the forest, follow the HW2 (red triangle) and the Beuron circular trail (yellow circle) to a serpentine path climbing zigzag uphill. Passing rocky outcrops, climb up to the viewpoint Alpenblick.

1.2 km Alpenblick

Even if you don't have a view of the Alps, the view from the rocky ledge over the Danube valley is worth all the effort. After the viewpoint, there are only a few meters of ascent left until the forest clearing of the former Staighof. Keeping right at the information board, hike on a forest road (marking red fork) to Leibertinger Straße, follow it on a path for a bit, finally cross it at the "Blindloch," shortly after cross Buchheimer Straße and hike towards Bronnen farm and on to Bronnen Castle (private/no visits). Below the castle perched like an eagle's nest above the Danube valley, descend on a path past the Bronnen caves to the Hunter's House cave. In the 1970s, significant bone tools and hunting weapons from the Mesolithic period (approx. 8000-5000 BC) were found there. One last short descent and the Hunter's House is reached.

5.4 km Hunter’s House

After refreshments at the Hunter's House, balance is required. Using a series of stepping stones, cross the Danube. If the water level is too high, instead hike back along the bike and hiking path beside the river to Beuron Monastery. If the river crossing succeeds, a steep climb leads up to Sperbersloch.

5.8 km Sperbersloch

Good for those who have packed a flashlight in their backpack. A mobile phone flashlight will do in a pinch. Through the narrowing entrance, enter the large hall where magnificent stalactites and flowstone curtains can be seen. Back in daylight, continue climbing, passing the rocky head of Sperbersfelsen with a beautiful view of the Hunter’s House and Bronnen Castle, and soon reach flatter terrain. The hiking trail becomes a forest road ascending along the ridge to the forest edge. Here one could immediately turn right, but that would miss the view from the nearby Stiegelesfels.

7.5 km Stiegelesfels

The detour is on the Donauberglandweg. This route certified as a quality path by Wanderbares Deutschland is also one of the Leading Quality Trails, Best of Europe. The long-distance trail runs through the entire Donaubergland and connects Lemberg (the highest mountain of the Swabian Alb) with the Danube valley and Beuron Monastery. At Stiegelesfels there are two viewpoints: a deep view from the rock ledge jutting far into the valley and a few meters further a magnificent overview from the edge of the plateau. Back at the junction, follow the Donauberglandweg trail markings over the initially open, then forested high plateau to Berghaus Knopfmacher.

9.3 km Berghaus Knopfmacher/Knopfmacherfelsen

From the large parking lot at Berghaus, a side path leads to the viewpoint rock secured with a railing. The onward route (marking red fork) branches off to the left and initially follows "the Trauf," the edge of the slope, but soon gently descends the slope into the Danube valley. Along the way, a short but steep detour to the pavilion of the soldier's cemetery is worthwhile. Finally, "stroll" with a wonderful view of Beuron Monastery along the Danube, past the Brother Klaus Grotto, to the historic covered wooden bridge. Unlike 200 years ago, today crossing the bridge is free of toll.

13.1 km Beuron, Monastery Parking Lot