Walking on the Swabian Alb
The Swabian Alb is a paradise for anyone who loves being outdoors – whether on foot, by bike or simply to take a deep breath of fresh air once again. Those who love hiking on the Swabian Alb are in just the right place with us at the Restaurant & Landhotel Winter. Our hotel is located in Gomadingen-Offenhausen, right where the River Lauter rises and the beautiful Lauter Valley begins – a perfect starting point for tours through one of southern Germany's most varied landscapes.
Numerous hiking trails lead directly from our house. We have clearly summarised them here.
Hiking in the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve
Walking on the Alb – Nature, culture and panoramic views
The Swabian Alb offers countless opportunities for hiking: rolling hills, deep valleys, impressive crags and historical sites. Along the paths, viewpoints with expansive views across the Alpine foothills, castles, caves and quaint villages await. The trails through the Lautertal valley are particularly lovely – constantly accompanied by the babbling of the Lauter, passing juniper heaths, old mills and lush meadows.
Right here in Offenhausen, one of the most delightful routes begins: starting from the source of the Lauter, you can hike down the valley or follow the Lauter by bicycle all the way to where it flows into the Danube. Many of our guests use the day to wear themselves out outdoors and then enjoy the peace and quiet here at our hotel.
Fizzed up high
The premium hiking trail on our doorstep
A remarkable natural phenomenon at one of the highest points in the district of Gomadingen is the „Brünnele“. The fact that a bubbling spring can be found up here is considered a special feature and inspired the naming of the „hochgehsprudelt“ trails. The moderate ascent leads through aromatically scented sections of woodland and across characteristic juniper heathlands, which are home to a rare flora and fauna.
The scenic experience culminates on the Sternberg, one of the most striking elevations of the Central Swabian Alb. From the 32-metre-high observation tower, a panorama opens up that, on a clear day, achieves an expanse that is unparalleled in the region and allows the gaze to wander far across the countryside.
Landhotel Winter
We mapped out this tour ourselves
This walk starts and finishes right at the Country Hotel Winter. From the hotel, the route initially leads gently towards the edge of the forest, where the entrance to the Lonsinger Valley opens – a characteristic and quiet valley that reflects the typical beauty of the Swabian Alb.
The path runs along the valley floor for almost its entire length, before the route gently branches off into the wooded sections. Inside the forest, the scenery constantly changes: dense rows of trees repeatedly open up to reveal wide clearings. These natural windows in the landscape afford truly impressive views across the Swabian Alb plateau and invite you to let the tranquillity of nature work its magic for a moment. A tour that harmoniously combines the interplay of open valley and shady forest.
The Sternberg Tower
Juniper heathlands and uplands
The hike to the Sternberg starts at Gomadingen station and leads steadily up into the prominent ridges of the Swabian Alb. The path runs through shady forest passages and across the wide plateaus so typical of the region, until the Sternbergturm is finally reached. From there, a panoramic view opens up over the landscape, reaching as far as the Alps on a clear day. In a varied loop, the route finally leads back down into the valley.
From the stud farm inn
In Offenhausen
This walk leads right into the water-rich nature around Offenhausen. The starting point of the route is located directly at the historic source of the Lauter, which rises by the former monastery and current stud museum.
In the Lautertal
The picturesque Lautertal
This route leads through one of the most unspoiled valleys of the Swabian Alb – the picturesque Grosses Lautertal. The trail begins in the tranquil village of Hundersingen and runs from there to Weiler. Particularly on the outward journey, the route mostly runs directly along the banks of the Lauter, whose gentle splashing accompanies the hike through the natural river landscape.
Bordered high
That packs a punch
A narrow, almost alpine path meanders along a protected juniper heath up to the Schachenblick in Bichishausen. This section of the path demands a sure foot and offers the opportunity to put one's sureness of foot to the test in an impressive natural setting. It gets historical at a striking boundary stone from the 17th century that once separated the territories of Württemberg and Fürstenberg from one another – a place steeped in history where merchants used to cleverly exploit the legal differences of the adjoining realms for their trade.
