The Swabian Alb with its bizarre formations and gentle curves emerged from the Jurassic ocean millions of years ago; this low mountain range extends for a length of roughly 200 kilometres and a width of 50 kilometres right across Baden-Württemberg in the south-west of Germany, ranging from the western part of Lake Constance right up to the Bavarian border.

Where sheep peacefully graze today in a landscape full of juniper trees, incandescent rocks were ejected upwards millions of years ago, for there are few places in the world where more volcanoes were active than here.

Those who explore the Swabian Alb, this unique natural and geological park, will discover a multitude of geological facts and phenomena demonstrating its evolution. Even today one can still find rare protozoa fossils here, many of which can be inspected, skilfully preserved, in several museums of which there is not the like the world over.

Those wishing to improve their health will gratefully have recourse to the Swabian Alb's medicinal springs. Geologists have compared the subsoil of the Swabian Alb to an enormous subterranean barrel. The hot waters, rich in minerals, which well up from the depths of the earth provide a source of health which can be enjoyed in the pleasant resorts, spas and mineral baths of the region.

The geological varieties, the wealth of fossils and of singular geological features, are unique in Germany; this also applies to the many caves and their fantastic subterranean scenery. The appearance of the Swabian Alb's landscape with its juniper heaths, woods, wide plateaux, its hilltops and winding valleys bears the distinctive stamp of its geological formation. The rivers have dug deep beds into the white limestone. The oozing of water through the porous rock stratum has produced hundreds of fantastic stalactite caves; more than 25 of them are open to visitors and their subterranean wonders fascinate hosts of tourists every year. There are few places in Europe that can boast of having as many caves as the Swabian Alb.

Because of all these geological phenomena the Swabian Alb is predicated as “National Geo-Park” in Germany and since 2004 the Geo-Park has been incorporated in the networks of European- and worldwide UNESCO-Geo-Parks. One often finds that fortresses, castles and ruins surmount the rocks and hill-tops of the Swabian Alb, a rare sight in Germany, indeed in the whole of Europe. Names like "Hohenstaufen" and "Hohenzollern" remind us that great dynasties, which influenced German and European history for centuries, came from this part of Germany. The fortress of Hohenzollern, the impressive castles of Sigmaringen, Haigerloch, Tübingen and Heidenheim and the fortress of Lichtenstein are amongst the most rewarding cultural sights of this region.

When roaming through the romantic valleys of the Swabian Alb, the traveller often comes upon an attractive, historical town, founded in Roman times or during the Middle Ages and nestling below a fortress or castle. In all these old towns tradition is still alive; one is struck by their peculiar charm and the peaceful atmosphere from which the hectic rush of modern life is totally absent.

For those interested in cultural activities there is a great variety of unusual museums and a wealth of cultural events; but they will also find breath-taking sights, not to mention excellent shopping facilities and factory outlets. These interesting sights and museums, which can be visited during the entire year, provide permanent evidence not only of the rich history of the Swabian Alb as a cultural region, but also introduce one to interesting traditions and customs still alive today.

Ranges of hills rising up to 1000 meters, gentle mountain ridges and rounded hilltops characterize the landscape of the Swabian Alb. Hikers and nature enthusiasts will discover juniper-covered heaths, paddocks, meadows full of flowers, beech woods, limestone rocks, former volcanic lakes, stalactite caves, waterfalls, thermal springs and quaint old towns. Many travellers long for the silence and beauty of this wide stretching, peaceful and unspoilt landscape; although transport and motoring facilities are excellent, the Swabian Alb retains its unimpaired, intact landscape; as the German poet Eduard Mörike aptly remarked, it is a "wild paradise".

Tourists are enthusiastic about these mountain ranges between the rivers Neckar and Danube; during hiking or bicycling tours they will have a view of the distant Alps, the Black Forest and the Alb's lovely land, leaving them with wonderful memories of unforgettable holidays spent in the midst of a stimulating landscape.

Need it be mentioned that physical well-being is part and parcel of such holidays, to which the justly renowned Swabian cuisine with its specialities and regional products contributes not a little? The typical country inns and first-class hotels on the Alb keep this tradition alive.