From the Albgau outdoor pool, the path leads through the Horbachtal past playgrounds, biotopes and benches to the Horbachsee. In the city center, the castle, the marketplace and numerous historic buildings as well as small shops and restaurants invite you to explore extensively. Along the Alb river, the route continues to Watthaldenpark before the ascent along the Winzerallee to the wayside cross at the "Kaisereiche". After a short break with a wonderful view, the further ascent continues to the Bismarck Tower, where you can enjoy the panoramic view over Ettlingen and the Rhine valley (attention, the tower is not always open; the key can be borrowed from the Ettlingen museum). Narrow paths lead back down to the Albgau outdoor pool.
Author's recommendation
The key for the Bismarck Tower can be picked up by appointment at the Ettlingen museum administration. From the tower, you have an even better view.
Directions
The starting point of the tour is the Albgaubad stop or the parking lot there. From here, follow the hiking trail southwest into the Horbachtal. Then the path leads along the Horbach and around the Horbachsee. To the northeast, the hiking trail continues into the city center. The impressive castle, the marketplace and the many half-timbered houses invite you to explore. You pass through the city center and at the Rathaus bridge follow the signs along the Alb river to Watthaldenpark. This is crossed and the Winzerallee is taken up to the wayside cross "Kaisereiche". Here you can enjoy the wonderful view very well before the hiking trail continues to the Bismarck Tower. At the upper Mittelberg, the descent to Ettlingen begins again via a serpentine path. The Alb is crossed and you turn right before the railroad tracks back to the Albgaubad outdoor pool.
Equipment
Sturdy footwear
More information
Along the tour, follow the green signposts with the "Albtal.Touren" logo at intersections and the diamond of the Black Forest Club on the paths themselves.
