Best backpacking trails in Altmühltal Nature Park

Stage 11 of the German Danube Cycle Route. The eleventh stage on the ancient Roman road begins in Kehlheim. Before setting off towards the day's destination of Regensburg, it is worth exploring the historic town centre. There is also plenty of history to discover along the way, such as the Mariaort pilgrimage church. The route continues along the Danube through picturesque countryside to Regensburg. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city centre is absolutely worth seeing and is one...

This route is stage 3 of the Altmühltal Cycle Path, a long-distance trail between Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Kelheim. Starting in Treuchtlingen, this 44.3 km section follows the Altmühl river past the impressive rock formations of the Frankenalb to the baroque city of Eichstätt. The route passes historical landmarks such as Pappenheim Castle, the Sola Basilica in Solnhofen, and the dramatic rock formation of the Hülzernen Klinge. Overnight stays are usually in local guesthouses, inns, and...

This route is stage 7 of the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg, a long-distance trail in Bavaria. This stage leads from Dollnstein to the baroque city of Eichstätt. Hikers experience the region's diversity: from sunny juniper heaths to the Burgsteinfelsen, one of Bavaria's most beautiful geotopes. The path passes the Museum Bergér and offers expansive views of Willibaldsburg Castle and the historic old town along the Urvogelweg. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Dollnstein or...

This route is stage 3 of the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg, a long-distance trail through the Altmühltal Nature Park. This specific section starts in Treuchtlingen and ends in the medieval town of Pappenheim. The path leads up to scenic limestone plateaus and offers expansive views over the winding Altmühl River. Hikers traverse lush beech forests and typical juniper heaths, pass the Hollerstein viewpoint, and finally descend into the valley toward the striking castle town of Pappenheim. Overnight...

This route is stage 4 of the Altmühltal Cycle Path, a long-distance trail between Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Kelheim. Starting in Eichstätt, this 45.9 km section follows the Altmühl river past limestone cliffs to Beilngries. Highlights include Eichstätt's historic center, the castle ruins in Kipfenberg, and the dammed river near Pfraundorf. Overnight options consist of local guesthouses, inns, and hotels, with advance bookings recommended during peak season. Water can be refilled in towns...

This impressive and historically rich circular hike leads through the heart of the Altmühltal Nature Park surrounding the Baroque town of Eichstätt. The trail explores the prominent Jurassic slopes above the Altmühl river, following a mixture of narrow rocky paths, shaded beech forests, and open limestone grasslands. A central highlight is the spectacular view of Willibaldsburg Castle, towering majestically over the town, along with the bizarre limestone formations along the path. Due to...

This route is stage 5 of the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg, a long-distance trail through the Altmühltal Nature Park. This specific stage starts in Solnhofen and ends in Mörnsheim. Right at the beginning, a true highlight awaits: the bizarre 12 Apostles, one of the most spectacular limestone rock formations in the region. The path leads across sunny juniper heaths down to the Altmühl River and then up to the Maxberg, where hikers can gain insight into the processing of the famous lithographic...

This route is the 14th stage of the Altmühltal Panorama Trail, a long-distance hiking trail in Bavaria. This section leads from Riedenburg, the so called town of three castles, to Essing. A special highlight is the steep section through the gorge with its bizarre rock formations. From a viewing platform, hikers can enjoy a spectacular view of Prunn Castle, one of Bavaria’s best-preserved medieval castles, which they can also explore up close. The trail continues through dense forests and past...

This route is stage 2 of the Altmühltal Cycle Path, a long-distance trail between Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Kelheim. Starting from Herrieden, this flat, gentle section follows the Altmühl river through the scenic Franconian Lake District to Treuchtlingen. Cyclists pass through historic towns like Ornbau and Gunzenhausen, skirt the shores of the Altmühlsee with its bird island nature reserve, and pass the historic Fosse Charta canal before reaching Treuchtlingen's Stadtschloss. Overnight...

This route follows stage 13, the final leg of the certified "Jurasteig" premium trail, connecting Riedenburg back to the starting point in Kelheim. This wildly romantic section runs parallel to the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg. The hike leads along the Altmühl slopes into the ravine forest of the Klamm nature reserve and continues up to the spectacular Prunn Castle. Passing the azure-blue "Blautopf" karst spring, you cross the river into Essing via the "Tatzlwurm", one of Europe's longest wooden...