The name "Alb" is derived from the indogermanic or celtic term "alpis" which means "pasture, feeding mountain", namely from the words "Alpweide", "Hochweide", "Alm". lt was not until the 16th or 17th century that the name "Swabian Alb" came into use, in order to distinguish these mountains from the (Bavarian) Frankonian Alb and the Swiss and French Jurassic mountains.
For centuries sheep farming and pasturing resulted to a large extent in the growth of juniperus heaths. These are in many respects of special importance for the region of the Swabian Alb. The sites of this chapter offer you the possibility of information on the subjects of juniperus heaths and sheep farming.

During the last centuries pasture management with sheep was reponsible for the development of juniperus heaths. These juniperus heaths are in many forms important for the Swabian Alb region.

By their work the shepherds contribute to the continuation of a today`s rare profession and the maintaining of a remarkable landscape. The information of this part of our site shows you the different aspects of the Swabian limestone pastures and also the endangered situation of shepherding in Southern Germany !