Herbrechtingen: Hiking in the Eselsburg Valley and Monastic Culture

If you are considering Herbrechtingen as a destination for a stay, two themes take centre stage: hikes in the Eselsburg Valley and natural and cultural history in Herbrechtingen. Signposted circular trails, the Stone Maidens natural monument, the local history museum and the Kloster cultural centre provide concrete ways to explore these themes.

Hiking and getting around

Signposted circular trails let you explore the Eselsburg Valley on foot. They range from three to ten kilometres. This range provides a guide when choosing a route length; check current trail information before setting out. For comparison, the certified long-distance hiking trail Albschäferweg in the wider Heidenheim destination runs for 158 kilometres through the Heidenheim Brenz region, a cultural landscape in the Swabian Jura shaped by shepherding.

The Burgen- und Sagenweg (Castles and Legends Trail) links a hike through the Eselsburg Valley with seven information boards between Anhausen and Herbrechtingen. Check the locations of the boards locally before setting out.

A four-kilometre circular route through the Eselsburg Valley is considered particularly suitable for wheelchair-accessible hikes. Surface conditions and accessible facilities may change; check the current conditions in advance.

Herbrechtingen offers free guided tours through the Eselsburg Valley. There are also guided tours covering the history of Herbrechtingen Monastery from 774 to the present day. Dates and availability for both offers may change; check them before planning your visit.

Climbing is permitted on nine rock formations in the Eselsburg Valley; some are subject to seasonal restrictions. Check the current rules and any temporary closures before climbing. A road in the Eselsburg Valley is closed to motor vehicles on Sundays and public holidays, but bicycles are exempt. Follow the current local signs.

Natural monument, museum and monastic history

The Stone Maidens are a natural monument and the landmark of Herbrechtingen. A route passes by them and the local history museum.

The local history museum is housed in a former sawmill built in 1799. It depicts life around 150 years ago in Herbrechtingen and similar villages in the eastern Swabian Jura. The exhibition therefore combines local history with a look at comparable places in the region.

The Kloster cultural centre is housed in historic Herbrechtingen Monastery, whose history spans more than 1,220 years. The centre opened in 2002 after restoration work. Monastery tours cover the history of the monastery from 774 to the present day.

The Hirschbachkeller restaurant is located in the vaulted rooms of the provost’s residence within the cultural centre. As dining options may change, check that it is currently open before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Niederstotzingen, Steinheim Am Albuch, Giengen An Der Brenz, Heidenheim An Der Brenz, Königsbronn, Gerstetten, Dischingen, Nattheim.

For the wider travel overview: Heidenheim.