Börslingen: Eschental, the Stone Age and the village church

Börslingen combines a striking rocky landscape, traces of the Stone Age, and a small village church. Limestone formations shape the landscape in the Eschental; at the same time, the town’s history raises questions about early settlement. Börslingen is considered a gateway to the natural landscapes of the Lonetal and the Swabian Alb. If you are planning a stay here, you can explore the landscape, village history, and archaeology as distinct areas of interest.

Rock formations and trails

In the Eschental, bizarre limestone formations catch the eye. The striking rock formations appeal to hikers and make a popular photo subject. The bizarre limestone formations offer views across the Lonetal and the surrounding fields, and invite you to linger. They bear witness to geological processes stretching back millions of years.

The “Spanischer Steig” is open to pedestrians only and leads through idyllic landscapes with appealing views. It offers a distinctive way to experience the scenery.

Village church and Stone Age history

The small village church in Börslingen is a distinctive landmark; it acquired its present form in the 18th century. It provides a different historical perspective from the Stone Age sites and adds a defining building in the village to the landscape.

Börslingen is considered a Paleolithic site on the Swabian Alb and offers important insights into the region’s settlement history. Excavations at the open-air site of Börslingen-Eisenberg uncovered pit features and a hearth. Archaeological findings from Börslingen show that Stone Age people settled in open terrain as well as in caves. Traces from the time of the Neanderthals have been confirmed; traces of Homo sapiens have probably been found as well. The site thus also draws attention to Stone Age life beyond caves.

The wider travel region of Alb-Donau-Kreis provides a broader context: the Lonetal is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura.” Its caves offer insights into the Stone Age and are associated with significant prehistoric finds such as the Lion Man and the Venus of Hohle Fels. Access to the individual caves varies. The open-air Börslingen site and the cave context of the Lonetal therefore offer two different ways to explore prehistory.

Getting here and choosing accommodation

Bus route 583 connects Börslingen with Altheim, Ballendorf, and other nearby communities. At Langenau station, you can connect to train services to Ulm, Heidenheim, and Aalen. Bus route 585 connects Börslingen with Ulm, Altheim, Gerstetten, and other nearby communities. Timetables may change; check connections before your trip.

For a varied trip, you can explore these topics as different areas of interest. You can also factor the bus connections into your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Schelklingen, Dietenheim, Bernstadt, Ehingen, Lonsee, Amstetten, Illerrieden, Öpfingen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Alb-Donau-Kreis.