Schwarzwald Extreme

From the medieval alleyways of Oettingen to the gentle Alpine foothills near Buchenberg, this spiritual journey follows the historic Bavarian-Swabian Way of St. James. The route begins at the bronze pilgrim statue in Oettingen and crosses the unique landscape of the Nördlinger Ries, one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in the world. Hikers experience a diverse change in landscape from the limestone plateaus of the Swabian Alb to the lush, higher mountain meadows of the Allgäu. Significant cultural sights such as the baroque pilgrimage basilica Maria Brünnlein in Wemding and the impressively preserved Harburg Castle are located directly along the way. As you approach the Buchenberg region, panoramic views of the Alpine chain reward the effort. The trail is primarily for inner contemplation and requires stamina over long distances, with the iconic yellow scallop shell on a blue background providing easy orientation.