Schwäbischer Albverein
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The Schwäbischer Albverein e. V (Swabian Alps Association) (SAV) is one of the oldest hiking clubs in Germany. Based in Stuttgart the society was founded on August 13, 1888 in Plochingen, Baden-Württemberg. Its territory extends far beyond the Swabian Jura north to the Tauber river and south to the Lake Constance, including the former territory of Württemberg except for the part of the Black Forest previously part of Württemberg (Calw and Freudenstadt). It is enrolled in the register of associations of the district court of Stuttgart (VR 2430).
The number of members grew rapidly, from 519 in 1889 to about 20,000 in 1897, 44,000 in 1926, 60,000 in 1955, and 100,000 in 1971. Today it is the largest German and European hiking club.
The association is a member of the German Hiking Association (Deutscher Wanderverband) and of the the European Ramblers' Association. Since 1994, the group is a recognized conservation association.