TrÜP Tour: Gruorn—the abandoned village in the middle of lonely nature

Gruorn – the abandoned village in the Jura Mountains, nestled in secluded nature Full-day tour, 9 km Gruorn is an abandoned village in the Jura Mountains with an eventful history. The old village layout is still clearly visible, featuring its belt of orchards, the streets, a few cellar ruins, and the granary. The once-prosperous farming village owed its wealth not least to its natural water supply, a rare commodity on the Alb at the time. With the expansion of the military base, the residents had to leave with heavy hearts. The names on the gravestones in the cemetery, which features the remarkable 13th-century St. Stephen’s Church, bear witness to this era. We continue along private paths out into the pastureland, which tells of the centuries-old tradition of transhumance. Typical local calcareous grasslands, sparse tree and shrub cover, and a great diversity of species characterize these historically developed cultural landscapes. Here, rare, delicate plants and huge ancient trees grow. We enjoy the silence and seclusion of the place, accompanied only by the wind and birdsong. In many places, military relics bear witness to the area’s long history of military use. Unmistakably, nature is slowly but steadily reclaiming its habitat. Amid this wild nature, we come across the remains of the Reisach demolition range, another piece of the site’s recent past. Our return route leads back to Gruorn. There, you can stop for refreshments in the old schoolhouse or have a picnic on the square in front of it. Upon request, a guided tour of St. Stephen’s Church can be arranged by a professional church guide. A visit to the small museum offers further interesting insights into the history and fate of its inhabitants. **Requirements**: sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, a drink, possibly rain/sun protection; bring your own food or stop for a meal in Gruorn. **Additional info:** Total length of the tour: 9 km, flat terrain. **Registration** **required** at least 24 hours before the tour starts, directly with the guide. Tel.: *07473 9219469 * (voicemail) Mobile: 0157 56681424