There are four signposted hiking routes around Breitingen, with varying distances and elevation changes. Two circular hikes begin and end at the Pegelhaus/hiking car park; another route starts at the town hall. The routes differ in how they follow the Lone, in their sections through woodland and fields, and in their views across Breitingen. Singing stations add a distinctive musical touch to the Breitinger Höhenweg.

Circular hikes along the Lone

A 2.3 km circular hike with an elevation change of 3 m begins and ends at the Pegelhaus/hiking car park. It first follows a paved hiking trail along the Lone towards Westerstetten. After 1 km, it crosses a well-maintained footpath and the Lone bridge. The rest of the route follows a well-gravelled farm track downstream, partly along the edge of the forest, back to the starting point.

The second circular hike also begins and ends at the Pegelhaus/hiking car park. It is 3.2 km long and has an elevation change of 60 m. The trail crosses the Lone bridge, runs through the forest to Scheckeler and continues to a farm outside the village. The return route follows a paved path with lovely views across Breitingen. The two circular routes can be compared by length and elevation change: 2.3 km with 3 m versus 3.2 km with 60 m. They also differ in character: one route includes stretches along the Lone and a variety of surfaces, while the other features a forest section and views across Breitingen.

Another hiking route starts at the town hall and leads to the Schönrain nature reserve and past the Schönrainmühle. It follows a forest path downhill along the Lone; a shorter route is also possible. Starting at the town hall sets this route apart from the two circular hikes that begin at the Pegelhaus. If you choose this route, you can also take a shorter option.

Singing stations and the Schönrainmühle

The Breitinger Höhenweg has seven singing stations. For each station, the Breitingen choral society and the children’s choir have each recorded two songs and invite visitors to sing along. Music is expressly part of the trail. For hikers who enjoy singing along, the Höhenweg offers a distinctive feature alongside the routes described above.

The route from the town hall passes the Schönrainmühle. At the Schönrainmühle in Breitingen, a milling station with millstones can still be seen today. This means the route combines the stretch past the Schönrain nature reserve and along the Lone with a tangible look at milling technology.

Refreshments and breaks

There are two inns in Breitingen where you can stop for a meal or refreshments. Several pleasantly situated benches and a point of interest on the Lone offer further places to take a break. When planning your day, you can therefore choose not only your route but also between stopping for refreshments and these other places to pause.

In the wider destination of the Alb-Donau district

The hiking options in the wider destination of the Alb-Donau district include 20 circular routes on the “Eiszeitpfade” (Ice Age Trails). They are 6 to 14 km long and are suitable for day hikes. There are also the family-friendly “Eiszeitspuren” (Ice Age Tracks), ranging from 1 to 6 km, as well as the Besinnungsweg (Contemplation Trail) for multi-day hikes. These options differ from the routes described in Breitingen in their regional focus and in their range, from shorter routes to multi-day hikes.

Cultural sites in the Alb-Donau district also offer more to explore. The Hohle Fels cave near Schelklingen is a UNESCO World Heritage cave and the site where the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Geierknochenflöte” (Vulture-bone flute) were found; both are about 42,500 years old. Obermarchtal Abbey stands directly above the Danube and took on its present form between 1686 and 1795.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Illerrieden, Ballendorf, Weidenstetten, Munderkingen, Staig, Ulm, Börslingen, Laichingen

Go to the wider travel overview: Alb-Donau district.