Alter Berg, Mountain summit in Böttingen, Germany.
Alter Berg is a mountain summit in the Böttingen area on the Swabian Alb plateau, rising to about 980 meters above sea level. The landscape features juniper heaths and limestone grasslands that are maintained through regular sheep grazing.
Archaeological excavations in 1948 discovered burial mounds from the Hallstatt period containing human remains, iron swords, and pottery on the northeastern side. These findings show the area was inhabited and used for ritual purposes in prehistoric times.
The St. Joseph Chapel, built in 1919, stands at the summit and serves as a regional cultural monument with distinctive architectural features. It reflects the religious importance this location holds for people in the surrounding area.
Access to the summit is available through two parking areas, with the first requiring about a 400-meter walk and the second about 650 meters on foot. The site is managed as a protected natural area, so visitors should stick to marked paths and respect the vegetation.
The area is maintained through sheep grazing, which is essential for preserving the rare juniper heaths and limestone grasslands. Without this regular grazing, the open landscape would be overtaken by shrubs and the special plant communities would disappear.
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