The best gravel rides around Metzingen
4.6
(8)
180
riders
52
rides
Gravel biking around Metzingen offers diverse terrain at the foothills of the Swabian Alb. The region features a mix of rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, and forests, providing varied unpaved paths and gravel roads. The landscape includes the scenic Ermstal Valley and contributes to routes with significant elevation changes. This area is characterized by its varied natural features, making it suitable for different gravel biking experiences.
Best gravel bike trails around Metzingen
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Mine Wendel…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.7
(3)
34
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
20
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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5.0
(1)
17
riders
76.1km
04:28
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
84.9km
05:31
690m
690m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
10
riders
56.3km
03:27
450m
450m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The sign reads - Part 3: An old wayside cross still commemorates the wondrous story on Brudermannsfeld. The culturally and historically significant cross was donated in 1695 by the then prior of the Gräfinthal monastery, Wilhelm Klocker. The "Madonna with the Arrows", which was venerated in Gräfinthal until the dissolution of the Wilhelmiten monastery in 1785, is now located in the Kreuzkapelle in Blieskastel.
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On the sign it reads - Part 3: Like many others, Countess Elisabeth von Blieskastel also visited the hermit to see the miracle. As she suffered from a painful eye disease, she smeared her eyes with the blood of the Madonna. The Countess was cured on the spot. Out of gratitude, she decided to build a worthy chapel for the Madonna. She had wood and lime bricks brought to the site. But when the builders wanted to start their work, the building material was suddenly gone. They found it in the nearby valley of the Letschen stream. Thinking it was a prank, they brought the wood and stones back to Brudermannsfeld. But the next morning, the building material was again in the valley. Countess Elisabeth saw this as a sign from God and had a chapel and a monastery built on the Letschen stream. Since then, this spot has been called Gräfinthal.
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On the sign it reads - Part 2: Like many others, Countess Elisabeth von Blieskastel also visited the hermit to see the miracle. As she suffered from a painful eye disease, she smeared her eyes with the blood of the Madonna. The Countess was instantly healed. Out of gratitude, she decided to build a worthy chapel for the Madonna. She had wood and limestone brought to the site. But when the builders wanted to start their work, the building material was suddenly gone. They found it in the nearby valley of the Letschen stream. Thinking of a prank, they brought the wood and stones back to Brudermannsfeld. But the next morning, the building material was again in the valley. Countess Elisabeth saw in this a sign from God and had the chapel and a monastery built on the Letschenbach. Since then, this spot has been called Gräfinthal.
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On the sign it reads - Part 1: The Brudermannsfeld near Bebelsheim According to tradition, a pious man lived on the Brudermannsfeld in the 13th century. He had carved an image of the Madonna which he greatly revered. The image of the "Sorrowful Mother of God" stood in the niche of a hollow, old beech trunk at the edge of the forest. One day, robbers came by, who beat the pious man and shot arrows at the Sorrowful Madonna in the tree niche. Five times they hit the image of suffering. And then the miracle happened: Warm, red blood flowed from the five wounds of the wooden figure. The highwaymen fled in fear and terror. The hermit, however, spread the miraculous story throughout the region.
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On the bronze plaque it reads: The Miracle of Brudermannsfeld In the first half of the 19th century, some hermits of the Order of St. William settled at this spot. In the hollow of an oak tree, they had placed a wooden carved image of the Mother of Sorrows with the dead Son on her lap. Ruffians shot arrows at the image. Blood flowed from the impacts. Countess ELISABETH v. Blieskastel was healed of an eye ailment by the blood. Out of gratitude, she founded the Gräfinthal Monastery. • Gräfinthal Support Association
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This reddish-brown wooden bridge safely crosses the Blies River and connects the hiking trails on both sides of the border. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers an idyllic view of the river and invites you to pause for a moment. 💡 Tip: Pause for a moment in the middle of the bridge – from here, you can often spot ducks, fish, or even the shy kingfisher.
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The Blies is the dominant river here and the bridge leads from D to Frk and back and connects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Metzingen?
Gravel biking around Metzingen offers a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find routes winding through the rolling hills and steeper climbs of the Swabian Alps, picturesque vineyards, productive orchards, and peaceful forests. The Ermstal Valley also contributes to varied landscapes, with many unpaved paths and gravel roads perfect for this activity.
How many gravel bike routes are available in the Metzingen area?
There are over 80 gravel bike routes available around Metzingen. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy paths to more challenging rides featuring significant elevation gain and unpaved segments.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options in Metzingen?
While many routes in Metzingen involve significant elevation, there are some easier options. For a less strenuous ride, look for routes categorized as 'easy' or 'moderate' on komoot. These often feature more gentle gradients and well-maintained paths suitable for families. Always check the route details for elevation and surface type before heading out.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike trails?
The region boasts several natural highlights. You might encounter the dramatic Mühlenwald Pond or the serene Lower Hoste Pond. The area is also known for its scenic volcanic vents and the impressive Urach Waterfall, a significant natural monument in the Swabian Alb, which can be a destination for a gravel biking excursion.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the Metzingen area?
The gravel biking routes around Metzingen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from vineyards to forests, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs in the Swabian Alps. The variety of routes catering to different abilities is also a frequently mentioned positive aspect.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in Metzingen?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Metzingen are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Mine Wendel – La Mine, Carreau Wendel loop from Hanweiler - Bad Rilchingen is a popular difficult circular route, and the Border Bridge over the River Blies – View of Mandelbachtal loop from Hanweiler - Bad Rilchingen offers a moderate circular experience.
Can I find routes that pass by historical sites or cultural attractions?
Absolutely. While Metzingen is known for its natural beauty, you can also incorporate cultural stops into your rides. The region features historical attractions like the 'Sieben Keltern' (Seven Wine Press Houses) and a Viticulture Museum. Additionally, some routes might lead you along parts of the Saar Cycle Route, offering glimpses of local heritage.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Metzingen?
The diverse landscapes of Metzingen make it suitable for gravel biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with vineyards and forests at their best. Summer is also great, though some climbs can be more challenging in warmer weather. Even winter can be an option, but be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions, especially on unpaved sections and higher elevations.
Are there any routes that offer significant elevation gain for a challenging ride?
Yes, Metzingen, being at the foothills of the Swabian Alps, offers numerous routes with significant elevation gain. Nearly half of the routes (45 out of 87) are classified as 'difficult' and feature substantial climbs. An example is the Heidenkopf Observation Tower – Pont du Passeur loop from Hanweiler - Bad Rilchingen, which includes over 560 meters of ascent.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints along the gravel trails?
Many routes in the Metzingen area offer stunning viewpoints, particularly those that ascend into the Swabian Alps. You can expect panoramic vistas over the Ermstal Valley, vineyards, and forests. Routes passing over the Rossfeld glider airfield, for instance, provide extensive views extending to the Fildern. Look for routes with higher elevation profiles for the best scenic overlooks.
Are there any long-distance gravel routes available?
Yes, there are several longer gravel routes for those seeking an extended adventure. The Dragonerweg – Southern Bliesgau loop from Hundling is a challenging option covering over 75 kilometers, while the Mine Wendel – La Mine, Carreau Wendel loop from Hanweiler - Bad Rilchingen spans nearly 66 kilometers, offering extensive riding through varied landscapes.
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