Welcome to Donauberglandweg stage 3
Picturesque half-timbered towns, caves, and rocks—and (mostly) views of the Danube
Highlights: Gallus Church, Danube Gorge, Mühlheim Rock Cave, Hintelestal Valley, Kolbinger Cave, Gansnest (AT), Knopfmacherfelsen Rock, Stiegelesfelsen Rock (nature reserve), Matheiser Chapel, historic old town of Fridingen with the Upper Danube Valley Museum and the "Scharfeck" artists' house
The castle and the picturesque upper town of Mühlheim are located high above the Danube Valley. You should allow enough time on this stage for short detours, such as to the "Yellow Rock." There is also plenty to see for nature lovers inside the rugged rocks. The 1,000-meter-long rock cave near Mühlheim, which was made accessible in 1912 with the help of the Swabian Alb Association (but can only be visited with a guide and advance booking), and the Kolbinger Cave (also only with a guide) offer the best opportunity to take a look inside the mountain.
The trail then continues to the "Gansnest" observation tower. The tower, which belongs to the Swabian Alb Association, can be visited at any time. After taking in so many views, the trail descends steeply in serpentines to Fridingen an der Donau (caution in wet weather!). At the end, you are almost standing on the railroad tracks. There is actually a "call barrier" here – you ring the bell and someone at the train station about 300 m away opens the barrier. If you think you have already reached the end of the stage, you are mistaken, even if you can stay in Fridingen and stop for a bite to eat – but you would miss one of the most beautiful parts of the route high above the Danube Valley!
The route continues up to the "Knopfmacherfelsen" rock with a unique view towards Beuron and Bronnen Castle – a wonderful preview of the fourth stage. From here, a varied route continues across the plateau, past a small chapel, and on to viewing rocks such as the "Stiegelesfelsen" or the "Laibfelsen," high above the Danube Valley. And as a special treat, the historic town center of Fridingen with its numerous historic buildings awaits you at the end.
Source: DZT Knowledge Graph
