From Bretten to -

 to Knittlingen

It was that time again: Hiking shoes on, sunscreen and - just in case - also rain gear packed in the backpack.

Our “hiking guide” Thomas had moved the annual Ascension Day hike forward. It worked for us eager hikers too. Although the sky didn’t promise a guaranteed dry day, 14 people showed up. During the ride to the starting point, the windshield wiper was still quite busy. Then, it was over with the moisture in the air.

The meeting point was the parking lot at the Sports Center Bretten. From there we walked through the Great Forest towards Ölbronn. Whatever was produced at the old mill is no longer visible. Strawberry plants were placed in an old large shovel and look beautiful there. A bit further up the hill, a pavilion offers a view of Bretten. And across from it, a sign marks the former GAUGRAFENBURG at this location. The map showing the former local and gable names is worth seeing by itself. By the way, we were on the BRETTEN-SOUTH hiking trail.

Our path also led past a memorial commemorating war. Because it was often defaced, a fence was put up around it. It is supposed to be renovated soon. Here we then switched to the RUIT HIKING TRAIL.

Continuing along blooming, still unmowed meadows and old fruit trees towards Ölbronn. On a pasture funny longhaired goats, whose front half was black and the back half was white. We were on our way to the LANDGASTHOF BAHNHÖFLE. The train station had long been closed and moved to the village. That’s okay, the inn enticed us with delicious food and drinks.

After the refreshment, we continued to Kleinvillars. There, a family celebration took place in the OLD TOWN HALL, now a wine tavern. We didn't check whether the sale of fresh bread from the bakery was still possible. We were allowed a glance into the bakery – the door stood wide open. In some inner courtyards, tractors could be admired.

Then we continued through the Schillingswald with a view of Maulbronn. We couldn't see the famous monastery from this path. Along the way, we had our next animal surprise: a garden lot where plenty of chickens were enjoying the run. They were very interested in our hiking group.

We just walked back and forth through the city.

Many of the old houses have already been lovingly restored. Others, however, are still waiting for a miracle or for people to take care of them. We registered at the RESTAURANT FAUST. Thomas had already placed our dinner orders while we were on the way. This made it a bit easier for the kitchen and we didn't have to wait long for a refreshment.

Happy and satisfied, we hiked the last kilometers back towards Bretten. We passed the STÖRRMÜHLE on this straight pathway. Here, KRAICHGAU KORN has been processed for decades. On signs at the edge of some fields, farmers and bakeries are mentioned that grow the grain and process the flour; including a QR code.

In total, we hiked nearly 20 kilometers, spent about five hours in pure walking time according to the hiking app, ascending 420 meters and descending 320 meters. It was – as always for me – a very beautiful tour. The heavy legs the next day won’t just be my experience. THANK YOU to Thomas and Michaela, who went this route to prepare for us twice.

See you soon!