“Can it be more beautiful in heaven?” - Essingen Park School explores the Geopark

At Rosenstein, high above Heubach, on May 24, 2025, there was not only hiking, but also amazement, laughter and discovery: around 50 participants from Parkschule Essingen - including 22 pupils from years 1 to 8, teachers, parents and two Siberian huskies - went on their first joint excursion as a school community under the motto „Hike the Rock”. The school is a Geopark partner school of the UNESCO Swabian Alb Geopark.

In perfect spring weather, the route led along the Lappertalbach stream to the Lauterner Ölmühle oil mill, then over the Bärenhalde hill and up to the striking Rosenstein limestone rock. On the so-called zig-zag path, the mixed group of hikers meandered through the beech forest to the viewpoint at the ruins - with spectacular views over the fresh green of the Swabian Alb to the Stuttgart television tower and the Swabian-Franconian Forest. In total, around 300 meters of altitude were covered - a great achievement for all age groups!

After a well-earned snack break at the Waldschenke, the group split up for two exciting guided tours through the natural and cultural history of the Geopark: Speleologist Gabriele Bitzer from the Rosenstein speleological working group led one group to the „Finsteren Loch”, the longest cave in the Rosenstein massif. Armed with helmets and flashlights, the young explorers even ventured inside through narrow passages (see photo) - a real underground adventure!

The second group followed Heubach tour guide Volker Rösner on the Rosenstein archaeological trail, which takes visitors on a short journey through thousands of years of human history: From the Palaeolithic Age to Iron Age ramparts and medieval castle ruins. Rösner brought the eventful past of the Rosenstein to life with impressive expertise and a keen sense for his young listeners.

The crowning glory was the ascent of the telecommunications tower on the Glasenberg: 139 steps led to the visitor platform at a height of 142 meters. Once at the top, everyone was amazed by the breathtaking 360° panorama. One pupil put it in a nutshell: „Can it be more beautiful in heaven?”

At the campfire at the Albverein hut, the Park School hikers brought this special day to an atmospheric close with grilled sausages and cold drinks.

Source: Jochen A. Haag is the liaison teacher for the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb. Essingen Park School is currently one of 12 Geopark schools.

Photos: Alexia Schmid