| Swabian Alps | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | Germany |
|---|---|
| Region | Baden-Württemberg |
| Capital | Stuttgart |
Swabian Alps (Schwäbische Alb) are a region of the Baden-Württemberg.
To know
Geographical notes
Much of the Swabian Mountains consist of gentle, moderate hills, often forested or reclaimed for small-scale agriculture. It occupies the region bounded by the Danube in the southeast and the Upper Neckar in the northwest. In the southwest it climbs to the highest mountains of the Black Forest.
The Swabian Mountains (German: Schwäbische Alb) are also known as the Swabian or Albabian Jura.
Spoken languages
Locals in the areas speak the distinct German dialect known as Swabian German (German: Schwäbisch), which also varies throughout the area. The dialect at the top of the plateau is stronger than the broader Swabian of the lowland areas. Throughout the Swabian region, many phrases and grammar are very localized, even at the village level.
Territories and tourist destinations
Swabian Alps: full screen map.Urban centers
- Bad Urach - A health resort with a thermal bath in an impressive landscape.
- Blaubeuren - City famous for its historic center and source Blautopf.
- Bopfingen
- Hechingen - On the northwestern escarpment near the beautiful Hohenzollern Castle.
- Heidenheim - On the northeastern border.
- Münsingen - In the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Reutlingen - Called "The gateway to the Swabian mountains".
- Rottweil - It is the oldest city in Baden-Württemberg famous for its colorful carnival festival.
- Sigmaringen - Renowned for its castle above the green Danube valley.
- Tübingen - A beautiful university town with half-timbered houses in a charming old town.
- Tuttlingen
- Ulm - With the church with the highest spire in the world and the splendid old town on the Rhine.
Other destinations
- Bear quarry (Bärenhöhle) - It is one of the most visited caves in Germany, named after the numerous bear skeletons inside. It was discovered in 1834 by the teacher Fauth, while looking for herbs. A recreation park above the cave makes it a popular travel reference on weekends.
- Schönbuch Nature Park - Ideal for hiking, walking and cycling and attracts people seeking rest and relaxation from far and near. With its dense forests, marshy areas and natural sources, Schönbuch became the first nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg in 1972.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Swabian Alps - Founded in 2009 from a former military area with different geological features, different biogeographical regions and human activities.
How to get
The main access points to the area are Stuttgart is Ulm the former has an airport while the latter is served by long-distance trains and intercity buses in Germany.
How to get around
What see
- 1 Hohenzollern Castle (Burg Hohenzollern) (from Hechingen (by train) take bus 300 at 11:25 or 13:25 (summer only)). Like much of Germany, Baden-Württemberg is dotted with beautiful castles. From the former home of the Hohenzollerns (of which Kaiser Wilhelm II was a member) to the homes of the Dukes and Kings of Württemberg.
- 2 Lichtenstein Castle. A historicist castle built in the 19th century on the edge of the nearby Swabian Alps Reutlingen.
Ice caves
This group of prehistoric caves are part of the world heritage site site 
named Caves and ice art in the Swabian Alps.
- 3 Bocksteinhöhle, Hauptstr. 42, Öllingen (Lone Valley).
Free access. Neanderthal man cave.
Free access. Neanderthal man cave.
- 4 Hohlenstein-Stadel, Langenau (Lone Valley), ☎ 49 07345 9622144. Free access. Cave of Neanderthal man where the famous 40,000-year-old ivory figure of the lion was found.
- 5 Vogelherd Cave (Archäopark Vogelherd), Am Vogelherd 1, Niederstotzingen (Lone Valley), ☎ 49 07325 952 8000, @[email protected].
€ 7 full, € 5 reduced (Jul 2018). Tue-Sun 10 am-6pm. A park has been created on this cave in which the life of prehistoric man has been reconstructed with exhibition panels.
€ 7 full, € 5 reduced (Jul 2018). 
- 6 Geißenklösterle, Urgeschichtliches Museum Blaubeuren - Kirchplatz 10, Blaubeuren (Ach Valley). The cave cannot be visited, it can only be seen from the outside.
- 7 Hohler Fels, Schelklingen (Ach Valley). € 3 full, € 1 reduced (Jul 2018). Wed-Sat 14: 00-17: 00, Sun 11: 00-17: 00 (May to October). Cave with significant prehistoric finds still in progress.
- 8 Sirgenstein Höhle, Heroldstatt (Ach Valley). € 3.50 full price, € 2 reduced ticket (Jul 2018). Sat: 14: 00-17: 00, Sun and holidays 10: 00-17: 00. Ancient cave in which prehistoric and Celtic artifacts were found.
Hohler Fels
Sirgensteinhöhle
What to do
- 1 Sendener Baggerseen, Vöhringen. free. Take a bath in the nudist pond.
- Ulm-Lake Constance cycle path - a cycling route that starts in Ulm and descends to the south.
At the table
Safety
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Swabian Alps
Commons contains images or other files on Swabian Alps
