Traufgänge
In Albstadt on the Swabian Alb, the Traufgänge invite hikers to enjoy unforgettable tours on no fewer than 11 Premium Trails – nine summer trails and two winter hiking trails. The Traufgänge have a truly unique feature: a landscape that is almost two-tiered, with its different “levels” existing in perfect harmony.
Lower down, hikers can admire picturesque streams, forests, villages, meadows and fields. Looking for variety? At the Albtrauf, the steep escarpment of the Swabian Alb, the trails lead upwards – and the Traufgänge truly live up to their name. Up above in Albstadt, hikers are welcomed by dreamlike juniper heaths, flower meadows, beech forests and, last but not least, fantastic views.
The Albstadt hiking region in the Swabian Alb
Explore the Swabian Alb – hiking along the dramatic escarpment.
For many, the highlight of the Traufgänge is “hiking along the dramatic escarpment”: this is what people mean when the trails follow the steeply descending Albtrauf – with overwhelming views guaranteed. Views stretching far across Swabia make for perfect hiking enjoyment for all “Traufgänger”. And speaking of enjoyment: the Swabian Alb is also known for its culinary specialities. Around the Premium Hiking Region, the Traufgänge hosts bring together restaurants and inns that place great value on good Swabian cuisine made with regional products. They are also certified “Qualitätsgastgeber Wanderbares Deutschland” and “Schmeck den Süden” establishments, making them especially well prepared for hikers.
Among the most popular tours are the Traufgang Zollernburg-Panorama, with impressive views of the fairy-tale-like Hohenzollern Castle enthroned above the landscape, and the Traufgang Ochsenbergtour, with dreamlike views and sheep-grazed juniper heaths.
On the Traufgänge, one eye-catching highlight follows the next, from bizarre rock formations to wildly romantic valleys. Explore the Swabian Alb and enjoy hiking along the wonderful “dramatic escarpment”. The only question that remains is: when will you become a Traufgänger?
Key Facts
| Country / State | Baden-Württemberg |
|---|---|
| Region | Swabian Alb |
| Premium hiking trails | 7 |
| Premium winter hiking trails | 2 |
| Premium city hiking trails | 0 |
| Premium walking trails | 2 |
| Additional certificate "RegionalGenuss" (Regional Culinary Excellence) | 0 |
| Trail group | Traufgänge, Traufgängerle |
| Certification | 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025 |
| Certificate valid until | January 2028 |
„What do I like so much about the Traufgänge Albstadt? Everything. Full stop. They are superbly signposted, there really is a trail for everyone, and they are absolutely unique. Whether it’s a suspended mountain edge, deep views into the landscape, exciting seas of rock or gnarled juniper heath – the Traufgänge are pure nature, made for discovery and slowing down. In summer and winter alike. And cosy inns provide relaxing breaks or the perfect finale. My tip: just try them and be delighted!“
Sonja Faber-Schrecklein SWR presenter and Traufgänge ambassador
Contact
Tourist-Information Albstadt
Marktstraße 35
72458 Albstadt
Tel.: +49 (0) 7431 160 - 1204
Send email
Discover the region along the Traufgänge
1a Familientag in Albstadt
Kulinarische Wanderung in Albstadt auf der Schwäbischen Alb
In addition to the mandatory criteria, the Premium Hiking Region meets the following optional criteria:
Component 1: Hiking Opportunities
The region offers one or more:
Premium Winter Hiking Trails (Wintermärchen and Schneewalzer)
Premium Walking Trails (Traufgängerle Hexenküche + LOWA-Runde)
Certified long-distance trails (Premium Trails or Quality Trails) (HW1, Donau-Zollernalb-Weg)
Defect reporting tool as an app or on the website
Component 2: Well Informed
The Premium Hiking Region publishes a printed hiking map featuring all Premium Trails in the region.
The trail network is made clearer through categories such as easy and difficult.
Signposted access routes lead from bus stops and railway stations to all Premium Trails where public transport stops are located within a distance of up to 1.5 kilometres.
Component 3: Hiker-Friendly Hosts
Seasonal culinary events and promotions are offered by local restaurants and are jointly coordinated and marketed by the Hiking Region and participating businesses.
The region cooperates with organisations that promote sustainable and regional food, such as Slow Food organisations, Ebbes von Hei!, Schmeck den Süden and others.
Special package offers for hikers are available.
The Hiking Region cooperates with hiking tour operators. [Kleins Wanderreisen]
Nette Toilette public toilet scheme
Component 4: Trail Activities and Hiking Events
Additional hiking events and guided hikes on a variety of themes are offered regularly (at least once a year):
Culinary experiences and hiking (e.g. beer hikes, wine hikes and three-course-menu hikes)
Art and hiking (e.g. art installations or performance art along the trail)
Storytelling hikes (e.g. fairy-tale, crime or poetry hikes)
Hiking marathons
Health hikes / mindfulness hikes
Hikes accompanied by animals (donkeys, llamas, goats, etc.)
Nature-themed hikes
Trail-running courses with ultrarunners
Yoga and Bodega hikes with a SAV hiking guide
Premium trails in the region
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Good public transport connection