Stretching 50 kilometers across the demanding yet rewarding landscape of the Swabian Alb, the Alb Marathon in Reutlingen is not your average trail run or hike. This route strikes a balance between robust challenge and spectacular immersion, offering nearly 1,300 meters of elevation gain over rugged terrain where thick forests dare you to push forward and open summits reward your ascent with precise clarity.

The course starts in Reutlingen, a city at the Alb’s edge, with the town slowly giving way to narrow forest paths that wind through a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. The woods here aren’t passive backdrops; they interact with the hiker—branches brush close as if testing resolve and patches of sunlight play hide-and-seek beneath the canopy. As the trail climbs, expect rocky outcrops that demand careful footing but offer some of the best vantage points for a panoramic view of the valley below.

Distance and Terrain: The marathon covers roughly 50 kilometers with 1,250–1,300 meters of cumulative ascent. Terrain varies between well-trodden dirt paths, rocky sections, and occasional forest floor smoothed by years of foot traffic. Some stretches run alongside the Echaz River, which pushes constantly beneath bridges, adding a dynamic soundtrack to your pace.

Timing your hike is key. Starting early in spring or fall is ideal when temperatures are cooler and days longer, mitigating dehydration risks and giving you daylight to savor the route’s layered landscapes. Summer brings warmer weather but also bites from mosquitoes in shaded spots and the challenge of midday heat; winter demands snow-ready gear but offers solitude and crisp air.

Footwear should be sturdy with good ankle support and traction due to loose stones and root networks. Hydration stations are sparse outside of Reutlingen; a reliable hydration pack or bottles are necessary, with water refills planned around the main checkpoints. Nutrition-wise, pack energy bars and salt tablets—they’ll serve you well in maintaining stamina through steep ascents and uneven surfaces.

Expect a day between 8 and 11 hours, depending on pace and breaks. The Alb is fiercely itself—a consistent companion that doesn’t relent but rewards every hard-earned crest with vistas that force a moment’s pause. For adventurous hikers and runners alike, Alb Marathon offers practical challenge layered with unvarnished natural beauty that prompts respect above conquest.

This trail suits those prepared to engage with the land and aware of their own limits, rather than simply racing through it. Plan well, stay alert, and let the Alb lead you into its rugged embrace.