The sun is shining, the trees are in bloom, and I find myself looking for family-friendly hikes in the region. I’m craving the mountains, but can’t commit to a long holiday. I am in luck because the area surrounding Esslingen is full of beautiful hikes with stunning views. From ridge walks and vineyard hills, or just a bit further to the Swabian Alb, there is a lot to explore! Today I want to take you to the Swabian Alb along the Zipfelbach Valley, through a volcanic crater, and finally to to a farm stand, before enjoying a country house for a relaxing dinner.
What is the Swabian Alb?
The Swabian Alb (Schwäbisch Alb) is a low mountain range very close to the Stuttgart / Esslingen region — we can actually see the Swabian Alb from our home in Esslingen. Although it doesn’t have the same high-drama of the Alps you find in Switzerland, Austria, and France, it does offer excellent family-friendly hiking and biking opportunities on our doorstep, including peaks, valleys, and plateaus through stunning nature preserves and local huts to enjoy. Even better is you can have amazing adventures in the Swabian Alb, and sleep in your own bed by nightfall! I’ll be exploring more of the Alb, as it offers hikes to castles, waterfalls, caves, and more all on our doorstep. For our first hike in the Swabian Alb, we decided to follow a beautiful stream valley to a farm stand.
Hike the Zipfelbachtal: Shade and a Beautiful Stream
In less than 40 minute drive from Esslingen you can park at the hiking park place Stelle, Wanderparkplatz Stelle. This gorgeous area is full of rolling hills and fruit trees. Follow signs to the Zipfelbachschlucht (Zipfel stream gorge). You’ll enter the forest and find the Zipfelbachtal trail 68 (Zipfel stream valley trail).
The Zipfelbachtal is part of a protected nature preserve and follows the Zipfel stream amongst shade trees and wild garlic (Bärlauch) everywhere – you can smell it! There are lots of wooden bridges crossing the rocky stream.
This hike is so enchanting and perfect for a hot, sunny day as the trees provide ample shade. Our kids (5, 3, and 3) were entertained the whole time had a blast following the narrow hiking path because there was so much to look at. You’ll walk on a narrow forest path over tree roots, rocks, wooden steps, and bridges (not stroller friendly).
Randecker Maar and Zigelhütte Farm Stand
Continue on towards signs posted for the Randecker Maar, which is a volcanic crater formed 17 million years ago (how insane!) and a nature preserve. It used to be filled with water, but nowadays it is drained by the Zipfelbach. You’ll likely spot rolling fields filled with yellow buttercups, cows grazing, and footpaths & bikepaths amongst the hills. It is a beautiful area I can’t wait to explore more of.
Walk up the hill towards the Ziegelhütte, a farm with a small farm stand and shady spot to enjoy lunch. There are swings for kids. At the cash-only farm stand you can buy local cheeses, snacks, refreshing drinks and coffee, and ice cream. A perfect spot to relax before heading back down through the Zipfelbach back to your car.
If you don’t want to buy food at the farm stand, there are a few scenic viewpoints just around the farm and a perfect picnic spot. Eat your lunch on some nearby benches or on the rocky outcrop and look over the Randecker Maar.
Relax at the Deutches Haus Gruibingen for Dinner and Outdoor Play
After our walk back through the Zipfelbach valley to our car, we drove a quick 12 minutes to the Deutsches Haus Gruibingen. This is a country hotel and restaurant off of the A8, complete with a multi-level playground and grazing animals. The restaurant was large and excellent, with that typical German charm. After dinner, the kids played outside on the playground and fed some goats. It was the perfect spot to relax after our hike and extended our outing to a full-day adventure, until we were ready to make the quick drive back home.
The next morning, my son said “yesterday was the super duper best day ever”. I have to agree!
