Hochgehschätzt – Hayingen-Glastal premium hiking trail

This hike delves deep into nature's treasure trove. Picturesque valleys, imposing cliffs, and a cave await you, which you can explore by water. This region is rightly protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After the hike, you can explore the unique Wimsen Cave by boat.

From the Wimsen Cave parking lot, hike north through the idyllic valley. Soon you'll pass Ehrenfels Castle, which you can admire from the outside. This is followed by a stunning section through the Glastal valley. The crystal-clear stream is framed by mighty cliffs and sparse forest. At a fork, follow the Schweiftal valley to the right and hike in a loop past Hayingen. Here you have the opportunity to take a detour into the historic old town. The trail then takes you to Digelfeld, a sprawling juniper heath.

Where the forest begins again, you'll find a large barbecue area, ideal for a break. Then you continue your walk through the Glastal Valley, which you now enter from the north side. On this section, the cliffs are a bit higher and more impressive. The valley path takes you back to the starting point of the hike. Just a few meters further on is the entrance to the Wimsen Cave – where there is also an organic restaurant – and the Wimsen Mill Biosphere Information Center.

Tip for visiting the Wimsen Cave: On busy days, you can save yourself the wait by making an online reservation at https://www.tressbrueder.de/wimsener-hoehle/.