Let's go

Through our solar system in just one hour

There is plenty to learn and marvel at at the various stations and models of celestial bodies.(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

This seemingly impossible feat can be achieved on our leisurely hike along the planetary nature trail in Vomperbach. The mountain buggy is an ideal means of transportation for kids.

We are on what is probably the most unusual educational trail in the whole country. In addition to information about the planets in our solar system, which are presented in model form, it also offers a great nature experience. The circular walk leads largely through the Terfener Forchat dry biotope. This is the only valley forest between Silz and Kufstein. It is dominated by pine trees and you also hike through countless lilies of the valley, which are currently in bloom.

Neptune plays a role on the circular hike.(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

The planetary nature trail is soon signposted after the Vomp junction of the A12, with signs directing us to the starting point. At the start of the loop, the sun is spectacularly visible with a diameter of 14 meters. From here, we walk south along the village road and come across the model of Mercury. The planets are not only shown in the correct size - in relation to each other - but the distances also correspond to the scale.

The Forchat offers a magnificent natural backdrop.(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

The hike leads to the right before the highway into the Forchat valley forest, where the ascent is hardly noticeable at first. The information provided by the models probably amazes many people. The Earth would fit into Jupiter, the largest planet, 1330 times.

Fakten

• Valley town: Vomperbach
• Starting point: free parking lot opposite the Christuskirche church at the elementary school in Vomperbach (564 m); maximum parking time 180 minutes (attach parking meter)
• Route: asphalted municipal road with little traffic, footpath
• Equipment: sturdy shoes
• Requirements: no special requirements
• Children: from baby age
• Mountain buggy: yes
• Refreshments: none along the route
• Planetary nature trail: the planet models were made by a master blacksmith from Terfen
• Public transport: S-Bahn to Pill-Vomperbach (around 15 minutes to the starting point)
• Difference in altitude: around 50 meters (entire loop)
• Length: around 3 kilometers (entire loop)
• Walking time: around 1 hour (entire loop, without studying the information boards)

The route virtually circles the Forchat and ends on a municipal road again. This leads back to Vomperbach (don't miss the turn-off to the right in the settlement) and back to the starting point in the village.