Sontheim Cave Tour – Ice Age Trail, Alb-Donau District

Hiking tour from the climatic health resort of Westerheim to the Schertelshöhle and through the biosphere reserve. High up and deep down. At 815 metres, the climatic health resort of Westerheim is the highest settlement in the Alb-Donau District. But the route also takes us deep underground, namely into Schertelshöhle, one of the most impressive show caves in the Swabian Alb. Its huge stalactites and stalagmites are of fairy-tale beauty. On our walk starting from Westerheim, we reach the cave halfway along the route and can also visit the ‘Steinerne Haus’, which lies not far away. But the walk through the biosphere reserve has plenty more scenic beauty to offer. The circular route passes through both open farmland and attractive woodland areas, repeatedly reaching altitudes of over 800 metres.

I’d like to suggest a short walk through the forest along the nature trail, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the natural world around you and within yourself, helping you to switch off from everyday life.This walk opens your eyes to the wonders of nature and helps you escape the hustle and bustle of the city.You’ll be able to appreciate nature in all its beauty and with all your senses.A great activity for the whole family if you’re on holiday near Bad Boll in Germany.

This varied tour starts directly at the Restaurant & Landhotel Winter in Offenhausen and first takes you past the historic monastery courtyard and the traditional Marbach State Stud. Following the "Hochgesprudelt" route, you hike through the characteristic juniper heaths of the Alb up to the Sternberg Tower, where a spectacular 360-degree view of the Alps awaits you.

Anyone who has experienced this scenic premium hiking trail on a day with good visibility will be brimming with stories to share with friends later on. The famous ‘Brünnele’ alone – from which, quite unusually, water still bubbles at almost the highest point of the Gomadingen district (the source of the name ‘hochgehsprudelt’) – more than makes up for and rewards every hiker for the slight effort of the ascent. Breathtaking views, unspoilt juniper heaths with unique flora and fauna, and these forest sections with their wonderfully fresh scent make this trail a special sensory experience. Anyone climbing up will look down from here – and see far into the distance. The panoramic view from the 32-metre-high Sternberg Tower, situated on one of the highest peaks in the central Swabian Alb, is second to none when visibility over the Swabian Alb is good.