Welcome to Donauberglandweg stage 3
The 3rd stage of the Donaubergland Trail leads from Mühlheim an der Donau to Fridingen through the Upper Danube Valley. Two historic half-timbered towns, caves and cliffs, and the Young Danube line the route.
Mühlheim Castle and the worth-seeing Upper Town lie high above the Danube Valley. On this stage, you should also allow enough time for short detours, such as to the "Yellow Rock." There is also plenty for nature lovers to see inside the rugged cliffs. To get a glimpse into the mountain’s interior, the approximately 1,000-meter-long cliff cave near Mühlheim, made accessible in 1912 with the help of the Swabian Alb Association (however, it can only be visited with a guided tour and prior registration), and Kolbingen Cave (also only with a guided tour) offer the best opportunity.
The onward route then leads to the "Gansnest" observation tower. The tower of the Swabian Alb Association can be visited at any time. After so much scenery, the trail descends in steep switchbacks down to Fridingen an der Donau (caution when wet!). At the end, you are almost on the railway tracks. Here there is truly a "call barrier"—you ring the bell, and someone at the station about 300 m away then opens the barrier. Anyone who now thinks they have already reached the stage destination is mistaken, even if you can also stay in Fridingen right away and stop for a meal—but then you would miss one of the most beautiful stretches high above the Danube Valley!
There is still an ascent to the "Knopfmacherfelsen" with a unique view toward Beuron and Bronnen Castle—a wonderful preview of the 4th stage. From here, a varied route continues across the plateau, past a small chapel, repeatedly to viewpoint rocks such as the "Stiegelesfelsen" or the "Laibfelsen," high above the Danube Valley. And as a special treat, the historic town center of Fridingen with its numerous historic buildings awaits you at the end.
Source: DZT Knowledge Graph
