Urbach: Short Woodland Animal Walk at Hagsteige

Woodland and animals at Hagsteige

The circular walk starts at the Hagsteige walkers’ car park and leads through the woodland above the Bärenbachtal. It focuses on the play and animal stations along the upper woodland discovery trail. The lower section beside the stream and the stream ford are not part of this walk. Although the route covers only part of the discovery trail, it still includes uphill and downhill stretches.

The woodland provides both the setting and the theme. The municipality of Urbach encourages direct encounters with nature: children are invited to get to know the habitat and its animals through movement and their own discoveries. Large animal figures made by Ostheimer bring this approach to life along the discovery trail.

Ball runs, woodland animals and climbing

The first named station is the Waldtier-Kugelbahn woodland animal ball run. This 70 m-long installation combines play with crafted wooden animals. A rolling ball adds movement to the exploration of the woodland and its inhabitants.

Next, wild boar, fox and roe deer take centre stage at a station of their own. These 3 animals provide the theme for this part of the discovery trail. The squirrel play station follows, where climbing connects the animal world with hands-on exploration. The combination of animal themes and physical activity gives this section its character.

A play break at Hauwiese

The route then reaches the Hauwiese woodland playground and barbecue area. A zip wire, giant pick-up sticks made from logs and play towers stand among the trees, complemented by a woodland lounger and other seating. There is also a barbecue spot.

Hauwiese lies between the Wald-Erlebnis-Pfad and the Bergrutsch-Rundweg and is the last named stop on this walk. After the playground, the circular route leads back to the Hagsteige walkers’ car park. The walk thus combines a woodland outing with several places to play, without taking in the lower part of the discovery trail.