As the Ice Age Alpine glaciers gradually began to retreat, Late Ice Age reindeer hunters advanced into the region around the Federsee lake. In the peaty soil the well-preserved traces of their ancient hunting camps, several moorland settlements and pile dwellings have survived. These priceless archeological finds form the basis of the exhibition at the Federsee Museum. A vivid impression of what life in those times must have been like can be gained in the openair section of the museum, where a dozen houses and huts are on display.
On 27th June 2011 the UNESCO declared the pile dwellings at the Federsee and other European findspots a cross-border cultural heritage site. Following this excursion into the past, we continue along the level cycle track around the conservation area, letting our eyes rove over the open litter meadows.
From Dentingen onwards the terrain becomes a lot steeper as we head in the direction of the 767-metre-high peak of the Bussen. Shortly before we reach the summit of Upper Swabia’s ”sacred mountain“ the route turns eastwards. The road bends, the panorama widens and the wheels begin to turn of their own accord.
After several idyllic downhill kilometres we reach Oberstadion, where the Nativity Crib Museum is well worth a visit. Visitors embark on a journey through time, tracing the life of Jesus as it is represented here in the filigree figures, buildings and impressive scenery, all produced with loving attention to detail.
On the final kilometres of today’s lap we join the crowd of cyclists on the Danube trail and coast down into Ehingen.
