SD1 – Herrliches Sternenfels und Diefenbach, Sternenfels / Diefenbach

This round in the Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park connects Sternenfels with its Schlossbergturm (castle hill tower) and Diefenbach, a half-timbered village in the valley, via a ridge. Through forests and over vineyards, you will reach a viewpoint where an orientation panel shows you the distant destinations on the horizon.

From the "Sternenfels Rathaus" (town hall) bus stop, the path leads up to the Schlossberg. At the top, an exhibition explains the history and geology of the place. From the Schlossbergturm, your view extends far into the surrounding area. Next to the tower are a hill sofa, a playground, and the Sternle, a small refreshment stand with a beer garden for a first break. The path then leads you over the Bannhalde hill pass, where there is a drinking fountain from the Lake Constance Water Supply, and continues through the forest to the Füllmenbacher Hof, where the Swabian Alb Association operates a hikers' lodge.

Behind the vineyards and the Diefenbacher König viewpoint lies Diefenbach in the valley, a half-timbered village with the Holy Cross Church and a excellently preserved village center. If you want to puzzle along the way: In the vineyards near Diefenbach lies the Kraichgau Escape puzzle trail. You then walk back to Sternenfels along the ridge above the vineyards.

You can stop for refreshments in Diefenbach at the Speisekammer, a café with a living room atmosphere, or at the Weingut und Weinstube Häußermann winery and wine tavern. In Sternenfels, the bakery and the Sternle at the Schlossbergturm are worth a visit (check opening hours in advance). You can reach the "Sternenfels Rathaus" bus stop with bus lines 702 and 902. Alternatively, start at the "Diefenbach Mitte" bus stop, which is also directly on the route and served by buses 700, 702, 706, and 902. Keep an eye on the timetable, as buses run less frequently on weekends.