Steinheim am Albuch: Meteorite Crater, Trails and Local History

Steinheim am Albuch brings the history of the Earth vividly to life: the Steinheim Basin was formed around 15 million years ago when an asteroid struck. It is considered one of Europe’s best-preserved and most distinctive meteorite craters and features a central peak. The surrounding area focuses both on how the crater formed and on traces of life around the former lake.

Discover the meteorite crater and fossils

The Meteorite Crater Museum in Sontheim explores the meteorite impact, its effects and life around Lake Steinheim during the Miocene. Fossil plants and animals from deposits in the crater lake are also on display. The museum is scientifically supervised by staff from the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart. Its exhibits cover everything from the impact and the changes to the landscape to the traces of life preserved in the lake.

Another geological point of interest is the Steinheimer Schneckensand outcrop on the edge of town. There, you can discover fossil snails and follow their development using an information panel. This offers different ways to explore the subject on a trip together: the displays in the museum and discoveries at the outcrop, where the panel draws attention to how the fossils developed.

The Geological Nature Trail also gives you a practical choice when planning: you can walk the full 9 km route or split it into two sections of 6 km and 3 km. The stated distances help you decide how long you want to walk without having to commit to a single stage.

Wental and trails through the landscape

Wental is a dry valley with unusual dolomite rocks shaped by a former river. The interactive Wental Nature Trail runs through the valley, starting in Steinheim and continuing to the Landhotel Wental in Essingen. This gives you different ways to explore when planning your route: a route focused on geology or the nature trail through the valley.

Another way to connect crater landscapes is the Crater to Crater Cycle Route. It links the Nördlinger Ries and the Steinheim Basin. The Crater to Crater Cycle Route starts at the Meteorite Crater Museum in Sontheim. After the section through Nördlingen, it leads over the crater rim and past the Kinderfestplatz back to Steinheim. You can also factor the cycling route into your trip plans based on its stops and course.

Local history and crafts

The Heimatstube at the Klosterhof adds local history and crafts to the geological themes. It preserves local customs, demonstrates traditional craft techniques and houses historical exhibits. On display are traditional costumes, tools and keepsakes belonging to expellees from Neudorf and Weindorf who settled in Steinheim.

Visitors can also see a preserved old forge and the monastery kitchen; visits are subject to the facility’s rules. The Heimatstube offers a different focus from the museum and trails when planning your trip: everyday objects, crafts and people’s memories take centre stage.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

Would you mainly like to explore the geological sites, plan routes such as the Wental Nature Trail, or spend more time on local history? Base your search on the mix of museums, hiking and cycling routes, and local history that interests you. This makes choosing accommodation part of a trip plan that fits the activities you have in mind.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Königsbronn, Nattheim, Gerstetten, Herbrechtingen, Heidenheim an der Brenz, Niederstotzingen, Dischingen, Giengen an der Brenz.

For the main travel overview: Heidenheim.