Discover Traces from 40,000 Years of Culture and History
Since the Palaeolithic, man has left monuments here from all epochs: Neolithic pile dwellings, gigantic Celtic cities, Roman border ramparts, Alamannic jewels, fortresses of the Hohenzollerns and Staufers, and finally ingenious inventions of the "Tüftler" (tinkerers) of the Industrial Age. Equally unique are the beautiful scars of the Swabian Alb's millions of years of geological history: volcanic pipe, meteor craters, cave labyrinths, deep blue spring pots and dinosaur fossils. Everywhere in the region, legends and myths entwine around ancient stone walls. Enough material for culture-loving guests of the Swabian Alb.
Geological Traces
The Swabian Alb is more diverse in terms of geological history than almost any other landscape in Central Europe. It is not only a history book turned to stone, but also the region with the most caves in Germany. Where is it still possible to experience different epochs and phenomena of the earth's history today, which have lasted for over 200 million years, directly and in all their diversity? Admittedly, you won't meet any living dinosaurs here either, but with unique fossil excavations, the caves of the oldest Ice Age art and even a meteorite crater, Earth's history can be experienced live.
Majestic Traces
The Swabian Alb is one of the most castle- and palace-rich landscapes in Germany, as two imperial dynasties - the Staufers and the Hohenzollerns - originated here. The imposing buildings are visible from afar, perched on peaks and hilltops, on the edges of valleys and cliffs. And sovereigns such as the Romans, Celts or Alamanni have also left numerous visible traces.
Sacred Traces
Churches and monasteries are considered spiritual centres, many are architectural treasures and outstanding sights in the Swabian Alb. Artfully embedded in the landscape or a village centre, the numerous churches, chapels and monasteries with magnificent altars, choirs or frescoes bear witness to an artistic past. They offer visitors a place of contemplation and wonder.
