European Geoparks Weeks 2026 in the Swabian Alb
From May 24 to June 7, 2026, the European Geoparks Weeks once again invite visitors to discover the fascinating geological history of the Swabian Alb. As part of this annual series of events, twelve Geopark information centers are offering a varied program featuring guided tours, hikes, lectures, exhibitions, and special hands-on activities for all ages.
European Geoparks Weeks are held every year in many European UNESCO Global Geoparks. The goal is to bring geological features to life and highlight the connection between landscape, nature, culture, and people. The Swabian Alb offers the perfect setting for this: caves, karst springs, fossils, meteorite craters, and impressive rock formations tell the story of Earth’s history, which stretches back millions of years.
Discover. Experience. Understand.
In 2026, many of our information centers in the Geopark region will once again be participating in the Geopark Weeks. For example, the Schopflocher Alb Nature Conservation Center is offering geological tours of the Gutenberg Caves focusing on karst and cave formation. In the town of Sonnenbühl, special themed tours for adults and children are on the program at the Nebelhöhle.
Water is also a key theme of the Geopark Weeks. At the Egau Waterworks near Dischingen, visitors gain fascinating insights into drinking water extraction from the karst. The Panorama Therme Beuren offers technical tours demonstrating how thermal water is extracted from great depths and the role geology plays in this process.
Experiencing nature and the landscape is a key focus of a circular hike around Beuron, organized by the Haus der Natur. At the Listhof Environmental Education Center, families can explore the world of rocks and fossils while learning fascinating facts about the Jurassic strata of the Swabian Alb.
Geology Meets Culture and History
Cultural and historical activities are also part of the European Geoparks Weeks. At the Heidengraben, a “real” druid invites visitors on a journey back in time to the world of the Celts. Those who want to experience the landscape from a unique perspective can even discover the region on a paragliding flight over the Heidengraben.
In addition, events such as the medieval market at Katzenstein Castle or the interactive Albrelief tour at the explorhino Science Center in Aalen demonstrate how closely Earth’s history, the landscape, and human development are intertwined.
You can find an overview of the events during this period at the following link (in German only)
