HOCHGEHBERGE Tour ‘hochgehsprudelt’ – in Gomadingen

Start: “Braikestal” hiking car park (737 m), K 6734, 72532 Gomadingen.

(E/C) We set off from the ‘Braikestal’ hiking car park and walk up to the large welcome sign.

(1) We soon reach the large juniper heath, which has a great barbecue area. After the barbecue area, we keep to the left and walk in a wide arc up across the juniper heath and along the edge of the forest until we reach a cosy bench. Here we can enjoy the magnificent view.

We continue across the ‘Hinter dem Sternberg’ juniper heath, past several stops on the nature trail, until we reach the road leading to the former sheepfold.

(2) We walk about 100 metres up the road and reach an idyllic barbecue area.

(3) We then walk back a short distance and follow the gravel path to the right along the hillside to the Hennental valley.

(4) The path then descends gently to the Lerchental valley.

(5) Here, we follow the forest path for about 300 m until we take a sharp left onto a steeply ascending footpath. We then walk along the edge of the forest, up through the juniper heath, until we reach the next stop on the nature trail. We follow the path through the forest and, after a short while, reach the highest point of our walk.

(6) From the Sternberg Tower, we enjoy the magnificent view, which, in good weather, stretches as far as the Alps.

(7) After a break at the Sternberg hiking lodge, we walk past the ‘Brünnele’ along a narrow footpath downhill until we reach the tarmac road, which we follow to the right.

(8) We leave the path after 600 metres and walk a short way downhill to the left, then turn left again. On the Panoramic Trail, we enjoy the magnificent views once more.

(9) Almost at the end of our walk, we stop off atthe ‘Landwirtschaftliches Schaufeld’and read the information boards about old and new varieties of grain that were once grown in the Swabian Alb.

(S/E) We walk back along the tarmac path and follow it for about 300 metres until we reach the ‘Braikestal’ car park again.

Getting here
Public transport
Take the Schwäbische Alb Bahn railway or the bus (route 7606) to Offenhausen or Gomadingen station. From there, there is a signposted path leading to the ‘hochgehsprudelt’ walking trail.

Parking
“Braikestal” hiking car park
“Sternberg” hiking car park
Hiking car park at the Sternberg leisure area, next to the Sternberg indoor swimming pool

Equipment
Sturdy footwear is recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: Ground-nesting birds at >>hochgehsprudelt<<
Note · Swabian Alb (low mountain range)

The juniper heaths at Sternberg are one of the few meadow areas where the woodlark still breeds – a bird species that used to be widespread in our meadows and pastures.

Today, these birds have become rare. They build their nests on the ground, hidden beneath shrubs and tufts of grass. When walkers, dogs or cyclists venture off the paths into the meadows and approach the nests, the birds leave them and only return once the disturbance has passed. By then, it may already be too late for the chicks.

To ensure that the heath lark and other highly endangered ground-nesting birds can once again successfully raise their young, it is crucial that, from April to August, you

- stay on the paved paths
- keep your dogs on a lead
- only camp at designated fire pits and rest areas

Safety instructions
Your safety is important to us, which is why you’ll find emergency signs at regular intervals along the route, each bearing a unique identification code and the emergency number 112. Thanks to the precise location details, the emergency services can reach you more quickly in an emergency.

Be considerate when out and about on the HOCHGEHBERGEN:
Help us to preserve the trails – please report any damage or vandalism along the ‘hochgehberge’ hiking trails to the hochgehberge office.

Be mindful of nature – We place great importance on ensuring that the landscape and natural environment are not disturbed by visitors to our ‘hochgehberge’ walking trails. Therefore, please stay on the paths, do not pick plants and do not leave any litter behind. Observe the regulations in force in nature reserves and core zones.

Respect the wildlife – On our ‘hochgehberge’ walking trails, you’ll have the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat. Please do not disturb the animals, keep noise to a minimum and keep your dog on a lead.

Get to know nature – you can only protect what you know! We have plenty of opportunities for you to learn about our natural treasures. Visit a biosphere reserve information centre or book a guided tour with a biosphere ambassador.

Travel in an environmentally friendly way – In our information materials, you’ll find all the details on how and where to reach the ‘hochgehberge’ hiking trails by bus and train.

Support local, small-scale farming – The Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve is home to a wealth of delicious local produce. In our information materials, you’ll find details of direct-sales producers and restaurants where you can enjoy locally sourced delicacies. By buying products under the ALBGEMACHT brand, you’re making an active contribution to preserving the cultural landscape of the Biosphere Reserve.

Editor’s tip
Sternberg Tower with a fantastic panoramic view.

Special features of the route:
- Juniper heaths with unique flora and fauna
- ‘Brünnele’ – a spring emerging from the mountain at this altitude
- Sternberg Alpine view above the juniper heath

Places to stop for refreshments
Sternberg Hikers’ Hostel
Lagerhaus an der Lauter
Restaurant & Landhotel Winter