Schafberg

The Schafberg is a mountain on the western edge of the Swabian Jura near Balingen in Baden-Württemberg. It stands 1,001 metres above sea level and is part of the Balinger Bergen range. The towns of Roßwangen, Weilstetten, Tieringen and Hausen am Tann lie around its slopes. Its nearest peaks are the Plettenberg and the Lochenstein, both within a few metres of its height. The mountain offers two fine viewing points, Hoher Fels and Gespaltener Fels, from which wide views stretch across the surrounding countryside. A network of walks connects the Balinger Bergen with the North Swabian Jura Way, which crosses the summit. The Schafberg also lies within the Upper Danube Nature Park, a protected landscape of meadows and wooded hills. Visitors find open summits and rocky outcrops where the views open out over the Swabian Jura. Well-marked paths lead walkers along the ridge and down towards the villages below. The air is clear and the light strong, making distant villages and fields easy to pick out. In spring and summer wild flowers colour the slopes, while autumn brings quiet woods and crisp views. The mountain’s modest height means it can be climbed in a few hours from any of the nearby towns.