229
Above Schloss Lichtenstein, immortalized in
a novel by Wilhelm Hauff3 Laichingen Tiefenhöhle
Baden-Württemberg; 89146
This cave network (open week
before Easter–early-Nov: daily) was
discovered in 1892 by local sand
digger Johann Georg Mack, who
wondered where all his piles of
sand were disappearing until he
found a crack in the ground into
which he lowered his son. The
local community developed
Laichingen Tiefenhöhle into an
attrac tion in the 1930s, building
walkways and fitting ladders. It is
now possible to descend 180 ft
EAT AND DRINKTÜBINGEN
Neckarmüller inexpensive
A convivial riverside beer garden,
attached to a microbrewery, with a
fine selection of beers. The restaurant
also serves good basic dishes, such
as Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli).
Gartenstrasse 4, 72074; 07071 278 48
Ratskeller moderate
Enjoy quality traditional fare served
behind the Rathaus. Great for meat
dishes, the restaurant is also known
for its giant pancakes.
Haagasse 4, 72070; 07071 25 79 85
Weinstube Forelle moderate
This traditional, old-world wine bar
serves good food such as trout in
almond butter and a range of game
dishes. An excellent selection of local
wines is also available.
Kronenstrasse 8, 72070; 07071 240 94BLAUBEUREN
Ochsen moderate
This restaurant has a reputation
for fine regional cuisine. The oxtail
ragout is a speciality as is asparagus
when in season.
Marktstrasse 4, 89143; 07344 96 98 90;
http://www.ochsen-blaubeuren.de4 Blaubeuren
Baden-Württemberg; 89143
Blaubeuren is worth a stop simply
to see the source of the Blau river,
which joins the Danube in Ulm.
The 65-ft (20-m) deep Blautopf,
or “Blue Pot,” is usually an incredible,
clear, turquoise-colored pool of
water, although rain transforms this
into green, then yellowy-brown.
Beside it lies the Hammerschmiede,
a mid-18th-cen tury mill and smithy,
which is at the trailhead of a number
of hikes. Over the road, but accessed
by entrances to the right, are the
town’s half-tim bered former monas-
tery work shops. Dating from 1510,
these only saw 25 years of use before
the Reformation disbanded the
monas tery, which had been founded
here in 1085.
ª Follow signs from center of
Blaubeuren to Ulm via B28. At Ulm
follow signs for "Stadmidt" over the
bridge on to Wengengasse and turn
right at Sedelhofgasse to the multi-
story parking lot, Parkhaus Sedelhof.DRIVE 22: Castles and Caves
Eat and Drink: inexpensive under €20; moderate €20–€40; expensive over €402 Schloss Lichtenstein
Baden-Württemberg; 72805
Perched at the top of a cliff on
the edge of the Swabian Jura, the
photogenic Schloss Lichtenstein
(Feb, Mar & Nov: open Sat & Sun; Apr–
Oct: open daily) overlooks the plains
around Tübingen conveying a sense
of being at the very periphery of a
mountain range. The gabled and
turreted castle dates back to the
1840s, when it was built according
to the exaggerated literary descrip-
tions of fairy-tale writer Wilhelm Hauff
about an earlier castle that occu pied
this site. Bristling with horrific-looking
weapons, the castle’s most impres-
sive feature, its armory, is as vivid
as any fairy tale.
ª Return downhill from parking lot
then turn left toward Riedlingen/
Reutlingen, then Münsingen. From
here, follow B465 through the town
and on toward Laichingen until
signs for Tiefenhöhle.
(55 m) into the caves without any
special equip ment. Visitors can
wander the caverns at their own
pace, which provides a sense of explo-
ra tion. Warm clothing is required as
the caves are at a constant tempera-
ture of 46° F (8° C).
ª From Tiefenhöhle, turn left
and follow signs for Blaubeuren via
B28. Turn left at Marktstrasse, right at
Bergstrasse, straight on to
Weilerstrasse, and then into Auf dem
Graben where there is a parking lot.Below Limpid, aqua-coloured waters of Blautopf, Blaubeuren
HIKING AROUND BLAUBEURENThe Blautopf is the trailhead of a
number of hikes, including a circuit of
Blaubeuren. Marked by an “A” on the
trailhead map, this 4-mile (6-km) long
trail circuits the valley to provide good
views and takes around 90 minutes to
complete. http://www.stadt-blaubeuren.de