Ice Age Trail – Burgfelsen Trail near Erbstetten
Ice Age Trail – Burgfelsen Trail near Erbstetten
4.7
(300)
927
hikers
Ice Age Trail – Burgfelsen Trail near Erbstetten
01:54
6.63km
110m
Hiking
Juniper heaths, castle ruins, caves, dense forests and rock formations typical of the Alps: The Lautertal, through which the Große Lauter flows, was voted Germany's natural wonder 2019 for a reason. On the almost seven kilometer long castle rock path you hike through this beautiful piece of earth and can enjoy the picturesque landscape to the full.
The starting point of the circular hike is at the hiking car park in Unterwilzingen. You walk along the banks of the Große Lauter through the Swabian Alb biosphere area. Keep your eyes open for beavers and herons and enjoy the idyllic landscape and the babbling of the river.
After a good three kilometers you leave the bank of the Lauter and hike steeply uphill to the Gemsfels and on to the Wartstein. From the ruins of the former castle you have a wonderful view down into the Lautertal. Time for a short break.
You walk along the upper edge of the valley and pass other places where castles once stood enthroned. The Lautertal is the valley with the most castles in the country. Shortly before the end, you climb back down to the river bank and walk back to the starting point of the tour.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Alb (Kernzone)
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
38 m
Grill and picnic area on the Lauter in Unterwilzingen
Highlight • Rest Area
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Tip by
1.94 km
Great Lauter
Highlight • River
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Tip by
3.75 km
View of the Lauter Valley from Gemsfels
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
3.93 km
View over the Lautertal from the Wartstein castle ruins
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
6.63 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.25 km
1.72 km
566 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.78 km
2.14 km
852 m
780 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (630 m)
Lowest point (550 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 18 July
22°C
13°C
62 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
The tour initially leads along the Lauter. Then steeply up the mountain to the Gemsfels and the Wartstein. From the castle tower you have a wonderful view of the Great …
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The Burgfelsen Trail in the Great Lautertal Valley is the shortest Ice Age Trail, but also one of the most beautiful 🥰
I already knew all of the trails, but I enjoyed every minute. The trails around the Wartstein require surefootedness, and the loop basically consists of many great single trails. Everything is currently blooming …
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With a great view of the Alps
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July 19, 2021
Juniper heaths, castle ruins, caves, dense forests and rock formations typical of the Alps: The Lautertal, through which the Große Lauter flows, was voted Germany's natural wonder 2019 for a reason. On the almost seven kilometer long castle rock path you hike through this beautiful piece of earth and
Translated by Google •
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