Mühlhausen im Täle: Hiking on the Alb Escarpment

Mühlhausen im Täle lies on the Double Albtrauf of the Swabian Alb and in the Filstal Valley. The trails around the town reveal the landscape from different perspectives: valley courses, juniper heaths and calcareous grasslands sit alongside open meadows, rock formations and views into the Filstal Valley. If you are planning a stay, the routes can help you choose between landscapes, caves and historic buildings.

Hiking trails with different focuses

The Schönbach Loop follows the Schönbach valley towards the slopes of the Rufstein. Along the route, grazing by goats and sheep helps preserve the juniper heaths and calcareous grasslands on the Albtrauf. The loop also leads to the Kreuzkapelle; from there, you can see Gosbach and Mühlhausen im Täle.

The Buchweg is a circular trail to the Buch plateau, offering views of Mühlhausen im Täle. Along the way, it passes through open meadows, by hedges and a juniper heath on the Albtrauf. It also offers views of the railway tunnels and both Filstal bridges; the Filstal Bridge is on the ICE railway line between Mühlhausen im Täle and Wiesensteig.

The Eselhöfe Tour takes a different approach: it links forest and field paths with Todtsburger Cave and Todtsburger Shaft, and offers open stretches of woodland, rock formations and views into the Upper Filstal Valley. The section of the Albtraufgänger trail that passes through Mühlhausen im Täle also includes juniper heaths and views of the Filstal Bridge.

The trails offer different subjects to explore: the Schönbach Loop focuses on the valley and chapel, while the Buchweg highlights the plateau, juniper heath and railway views.

Caves and access to Todtsburger Shaft

Todtsburger Cave has an entrance chamber of approximately 120 square metres and extensive sinter formations. Its age is estimated at around 8,300 years. At Todtsburger Shaft, the Sea Urchin Hall lies 44 metres below the entrance. Exploring the shaft requires mountaineering and climbing training; proof of qualification is required to obtain the entrance key. Check the requirements locally before visiting.

Local history and St. Margaretha

Mühlhausen im Täle was mentioned in 861 under the name “Mulenhuson.” One interpretation links the place name to one or more mills that operated on the Fils. A mill in Mühlhausen dating from the Hohenstaufen period was called Esso’s Mill and was later also known as the Exen or Hexen Mill.

St. Margaretha brings together different periods of architecture and furnishings: its tower dates from the 15th century, and the nave was rebuilt in 1715. Its furnishings include Baroque works, including an altarpiece and wooden sculptures. St. Margaretha is classified as a cultural monument of particular significance. The name recorded in the 9th century and the church’s later building history thus stand as distinct historical reference points.

Getting here and finding your way

The A8 runs alongside Mühlhausen im Täle; access is via the Mühlhausen exit. One of the Filstal Route’s rest and stopping points in Mühlhausen im Täle is the Filspromenade. The motorway and the stop on the Filstal Route therefore offer two different points of reference for planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Heiningen, Bad Überkingen, Bad Boll, Ebersbach an der Fils, Hattenhofen, Schlat, Adelberg, Süßen.

Return to the main travel overview: Göppingen.