Circular Hiking Trail to the Pagan caves of Stockach
Easy
The hike leads to Stockach Heidenhöhlen above the district of Zizenhausen. On the 9.8 km long circular trail there are numerous springs of the Spring Experience Trail (“Quellerlebnisweg”) and it passes the sandstone caves.
Occupancy
no info available
Parking
no info available
Public transport
Show stops
Tour details
Best time of year
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Specifics of the tour
Scenic
Path condition
Description
The hike leads around Stockach and to mysterious caves in the sandstone high above the Stockach district of Zizenhausen. When walking along, we come across some of the no less than 1000 springs around the city. Good shoes plus a torch are advisable for the cave trail.
On the left at the open-air swimming pool, we start via the stairs to the forest path and then go to the left. After 400 metres, “Heidenhöhlen” are signposted. Go downhill to the left, across the road to Jettweiler. We keep to the right in the village, past the equestrian farm and follow the blue "Q" signs of “Quellerlebnisweg” uphill.
Along the forest path there are many play and learning stations. Here we come across information boards about springs and water. After a bend in the path, the sign "Hans-Kuony-Quelle"
appears, which we follow along the way. A stream brings us over natural steps to the spring. Via a staircase we come up to the car parking area and the road. We cross it, go straight on into the Berlinger settlement and at its end turn right up the steep little road.
At the top of Heidenbühl we enjoy the view over Stockach and, if the weather is lucky, the Alps. The Heidenhöhlen circular trail begins straight ahead. Following the signs, we reach the water storage tank with a rest area. Continue downhill to a trail.
Watch out now! Take children by the hand and keep attention to the way! It's especially treacherous here in the wet, with a steep descent on the left. Partly secured by handrails, we reach Heidenhöhlen in the sandstone rocks.
For the protection of bats, the caves are closed during the winter months, but the way past them is open.
Shortly afterwards, the path becomes a broader track and we turn right, back to Heidenbühl. The little road brings us down again and before the settlement we choose the tarred path on the right, which leads us to Hindelwangen.
Follow “Heideweg” to the left until you see a mobile phone mast. Now we pay attention to a dirt road on the right, which brings us to “Malefikantenweg”. Via the street Galgenäcker, where a gallows once stood, Sebastian-Straub and Sebastian-Kneipp-Straße we reach Zoznegger Straße, which we walk downhill.
Passing the Protestant Church, we reach Stockach's picturesque upper town, stay on the main street and find the Hans Kuony Brunnen. After this, the St. Oswald church is on the right and Kirchhalde steeply downhill.
Turn left across Stabelstraße to the zebra crossing at the ice cream bar, then continue left to Dillplatz. Osterholz is signposted there. Cross the stream and then turn left to the forest, which takes us to the recreation area. Past the sports facilities we reach Eisweiher.
Turn left to return to the outdoor pool.
Author's recommendation
You can go into the cave from mid-April to mid-October. In winter, bats hibernate, so the cave is closed.
Equipment
torch
Safety information
Good shoes and a torch are recommended. The path is not suitable for prams.