The 854 m high "Dreifürstenstein", a prominent foothill of the Albtrauf, towers over Mössingen and inspires with its fairytale view into the Steinlachtal valley. The name indicates that three dominions once met at this spot: the principalities of Fürstenberg and Hohenzollern as well as the Duchy of Württemberg.
From the vantage point west of the "Olgahöhe" parking lot, the striking "Dreifürstenstein" is already clearly visible. First, however, the path leads through a nature reserve and beautiful orchards down into the Buchbach Valley. The following ascent through mostly sparse mixed beech forest to the 854 m high Dreifürstenstein is a bit sweaty, but the view from the top is worth all the effort.
The tour then follows the Albsteig, one of the "Top Trails of Germany", along the steep slope and directly over the top geotope "Bergrutsch Hirschkopf". After a short descent, the trail leads out of the forest and with beautiful views of the Albtrauf to the south side of the Farrenberg - a paradise for gliders.
A "panorama lounger" and a "sky swing" at the edge of the path invite you to linger at two particularly beautiful spots. Below the ruins of Andeck Castle, the trail offers a magnificent view of Talheim and the Albtrauf. The path then leads through sparse beech forest to the "Linden" nature monument, where meadow paths lead down to the orchard meadows.
The route now runs amidst varied orchard meadows on the Panorama Trail of the Network of Orchards, with magnificent views of the Steinlach and Neckar valleys. Around 40,000 fruit trees grow around Mössingen and are part of the Swabian Orchard Paradise, which is unique in Europe in its extent and quality. Orchard meadows are a cultural landscape, but also a valuable habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The trail leads through the nature reserve "Bei der Olgahöhe" back to the starting point of this hike, which is particularly beautiful in spring and fall.
Autorentipp
The inn "Zum Talwirt" is located only a few hundred meters from the hiking trail. Just follow the signs on the southern slope of the Farrenberg.
If you would like to do some grilling, you will find the beautiful barbecue area "Unter Andeck" a little above on the trail. There are other barbecue sites on the Dreifürstenstein and at the Olgahöhe.
On very nice days, the parking lot "Olgahöhe" can become full. Alternatively, you can use the nearby parking lots "Kohler's Gärtle" (drive towards Bergrutsch; path 150m downhill to the route), "Buch" (in the valley, directly at the route), "Bergrutsch" (100m from the route) or "Unter Andeck" (at the route).
The main route of the Dreifürstensteig has several access routes marked with the green apple symbol. For example between the hiking parking lots "Olgahöhe" and "Bergrutsch" or between the cemetery parking lot "Aible" (bus stop) and the Dreifürstensteig.
Ausrüstung
Wear sturdy footwear and bring enough to drink. In wet weather conditions, hiking sticks can be helpful.
Sicherheitshinweise
Especially between Dreifürstenstein and Hirschkopf, the terrain drops steeply. In the area of the landslide, the edge of the slope is also undercut in places. Therefore, please keep a sufficient distance from the edge.
The area of the landslide may not be entered outside the path. There is a constant danger from falling rocks.
The often natural paths can be muddy and slippery in places after heavy rainfall.
