Breitenstein

Breitenstein is a high plateau in the Swabian Jura, rising 811.6 metres above sea level. It lies near the village of Ochsenwang, close to county road 1220, about five kilometres from Bissingen an der Teck. The rocky outcrop is made of Jurassic rock and sits on the northern edge of the Swabian Jura escarpment. From its roughly 200-metre-wide summit, visitors look down about 400 metres to the landscape below. The view stretches northwest as far as Stuttgart. The plateau is a popular destination because of the wide panorama it offers. A bronze plaque on the site shows the location and distance of places that can be seen from Breitenstein. The escarpment drops steeply to the north, giving a clear sense of height and distance. On clear days the view reaches far across the surrounding countryside. The rocky surface of the plateau contrasts with the softer slopes below. Paths lead up to the summit from Ochsenwang and nearby roads. The plateau itself is mostly open rock with patches of grass and low vegetation. There are no buildings, only the plaque and a few information boards. The wind often blows strongly across the exposed summit. Visitors come to walk, to photograph the distant skyline, or simply to stand at the edge and look out over the landscape.