Klosterroute Nordschwarzwald Stage 1: Maulbronn-Mühlacker

The first stage of the Klosterroute Nordschwarzwald begins at Maulbronn Monastery, which we can tour first.

Then we leave the monastery courtyard half to the right past the monastery church, ascend the ramp, and follow the hiking sign of the Eppinger Linien trail (brown watchtower on a white background). Turn left through the park to the street and cross the pedestrian crossing at the roundabout. On the opposite side of the street, turn left, go to the stairs, and follow them into the Schafhof area. This is crossed on the street of the same name to Stuttgarter Straße, cross the K4513, and follow the Wannenbachweg south, where you first walk on a forest road, then on paths into the forest.

After crossing the B35, there is a reconstructed section of the trench with palisades to be seen. The path now runs directly along the rampart of the Eppinger Linie. The beautiful forest with its ancient solitary trees and the impressive Eppinger Linie are captivating. Even after the end of the path, you continuously follow the Eppinger Linie. Shortly before the edge of the slope, it is worth following a green star mark to the left. A boardwalk leads onto the Sauberg, where the exposed outlines of a star fort can still be clearly seen.

Back on the main path, you will soon come across a reconstructed watchtower with palisades. From the tower, there is a charming view over Mühlacker and the Erlenbach valley. Along the forest edge, as part of a sculpture project, eight large-format pictures in baroque-style frames are hung between trees, giving an overview of the project. After a turn to the southeast, you can once again walk along the Eppinger Linie directly underfoot: the path follows the impressive rampart through the forest. This section ends abruptly at the forest edge. You turn right, soon left onto a field path. You reach the first houses but still walk once again through a hollow way through dense forest, only emerging at its end into the urban area.

You turn right onto Maulbronner Weg before immediately turning left again over an iron bridge crossing the railway line. Follow Friedrichstraße to the end, then turn left into Erlenbachstraße and immediately right into Bahnhofstraße, leading to Konrad-Adenauer-Platz. Here is the Hotel Scharfes Eck.

In the starting town of Maulbronn, a visit to the museum at the Schafhof is worthwhile, which impressively informs about the historical history of the place.