Steinheim am Albuch: Meteorite Crater and Local History

The Steinheim Basin in Steinheim am Albuch was formed about 15 million years ago when an asteroid struck. It is considered one of Europe’s best-preserved and most distinctive meteorite craters; at its centre lies a central hill. You can explore its geological history at the Meteorite Crater Museum, along the Geological Trail and at the Steinheim Snail Sand site. The Wental valley and local history museum offer further insights into the landscape and local traditions.

The impact at the museum

The Meteorite Crater Museum in Sontheim tells the story of the meteorite impact, its effects and life around Lake Steinheim during the Miocene. On display are also fossilised plants and animals from deposits in the crater lake. The museum is supported by staff from the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart.

Trails and geological traces

The Geological Trail can be walked as a complete 9 km route or divided into two sections of 6 km and 3 km. Wental is a dry valley; its bizarre dolomite rocks were shaped by a former river. The interactive Wental Trail starts in Steinheim and runs through the valley to the Landhotel Wental in Essingen. The difference between the routes is clear: on the Geological Trail, you can choose between the full route and individual sections; the Wental Trail runs through the valley to Essingen.

At the Steinheim Snail Sand site near the edge of town, you can discover fossil snails and trace their development using an information board. The site adds another place to explore alongside the trails and museum, where Steinheim’s geological history can be seen.

Cycling route between two crater areas

The Crater to Crater cycling route connects the Nördlinger Ries and the Steinheim Basin. It starts at the Meteorite Crater Museum in Sontheim, heads to Nördlingen and returns to Steinheim via the crater rim and the children’s festival site. The starting point, Nördlingen and the named return route give the journey between the two crater areas a clear sequence.

Local history at the Heimatstube

At Klosterhof, the Heimatstube preserves local customs, showcases traditional crafts and safeguards historical exhibits. On display are costumes, tools and keepsakes belonging to displaced people from Neudorf and Weindorf who settled in Steinheim. The collection thus brings together everyday and craft objects with the history of these groups in the area. You can also visit a preserved old smithy and the monastery kitchen; visits are subject to the institution’s arrangements.

Regional context: Heidenheim

In the wider travel destination of Heidenheim, karst features, lively rivers, forests and heathland shape the landscape of the Heidenheim Brenz region. The 52 km-long Brenz River flows through the region. The certified Albschäferweg runs for 158 km through the Heidenheim Brenz region, a cultural landscape shaped by migratory sheep farming in the Swabian Jura. In the district of Heidenheim, the Eselsburger Valley is considered by far the most valuable habitat for amphibians and reptiles.

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

Back to the wider travel guide: Heidenheim.