Walking is MagicEhinger Alb Meditation Trail

Life is a long, calm river? Far too rare these days. More and more people feel a distinct unease in their daily lives, often caused by pressure to perform and meet deadlines. In this situation, travel becomes a way out. In fact, travel has its origins in this desire. It is about fulfillment. The example of pilgrimage makes this clear. If you ignore the religious goal and concentrate on the journey itself, what remains is precisely this: the deep desire for a unique experience that takes you much further than just a geographical destination. The Swabian Alb offers this experience. This may sound far-fetched, but it's not at all.

The usual pace that many hikers take when they set off with their super breathable outdoor equipment is actually too fast. Some pilgrims also have a certain speed that sometimes gets in the way of contemplation. That's why the Meditation Trail goes all the way around. It has no destination. The path is the goal. A walking pace is completely sufficient. It's about taking your time - and doing so very consciously. On the way across the beautiful Alb, you are accompanied by numerous suggestions that may be worth reflecting on.

Unintentionally, the idea of the Meditation Trail is close to the origin of travel. By changing their position, travelers create an opportunity to change themselves in the same breath. Sometimes just a little, sometimes a little more. On the journey, the pace of everyday life can be slowed down without leaving anyone behind. Take a break for a few days. Breathe deeply - literally and figuratively. The new German term for this is "Reset". Getting to know landscapes and cultures opens up new sources of inspiration. Travelers open up new horizons, new perspectives and new ideas for themselves. Those who set out for a change of scenery in this spirit do not need spectacular destinations. Instead, unspoiled landscapes of quiet beauty are the perfect choice. The Swabian Alb has always been predestined for this. Here, life becomes a long, quiet journey. Slowing down is an art.

The term art can be taken literally. In a pleasantly unspectacular way, it is a total work of art. Various focal points have been placed along the Meditation Trail. They are intended to sharpen perception. Perhaps not only to guide your footsteps, but also your thoughts. The individual passages of the path have special highlights. For example, the Life Horizon Trail leads to a remarkable statue that the artist has christened 'Narrow and Wide Horizon'. The installation symbolizes people's journey through life: First restricted by everyday life and then open to the sky and liberated. The horizons are formed from 92 aluminum tubes. They are 16 meters long, 6 meters high and resemble the wings of an eagle. The statue is typical of the path. Art, but never artificial. Always in harmony with nature.

To really enjoy nature, you are advised to slow down. The paths are designed so that everyone can choose their own starting or finishing point. Nothing is prescribed. If you like, you follow different theme trails. They are called 'Through woods and meadows', 'Our daily bread' or 'Views and nature'. You can buy a map at the Biosphere Information Center in Dächingen and in many restaurants. It helps you to find the right way. The idea of navigating with a good map is easy to understand: A paper map saves the cell phone. Nothing should disturb your peace of mind. Especially not the buzzing sound of your cell phone.

For those who enjoy slow motion, the south side of the Swabian Alb offers a very special route. Not so long ago, this area would have been called the "middle of nowhere". But perceptions have changed. Today, the Ehinger Alb is considered unspoiled in the best sense of the word. A landscape with many views: to the Alps on one side, into the heart of life on the other. An ideal region to offer a suggestion to slow down: a contemplation trail. This is a circular trail of about 50 kilometers. It is the result of an initiative by the municipalities in the region. It was conceived and realized by a specially created association. The German Hiking Association has long since certified it as a quality trail. But perhaps the official hiking badge is misleading. It's not about classic hiking. It's about slowing down - and that's an art.