Best lake trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
The Altmühltal Nature Park is a 2962 square kilometre nature park in Bavaria, which is almost identical in area to the Southern Franconian Alb. It was founded in 1969 and is the fourth largest nature park in Germany. The nature park is home to a number of protected areas, such as the Jura dry slope, Thalach meadows, Weltenburger Enge and the Kuhbachtal valley, and the popular Altmühltal Panorama Trail runs through the nature park and leads past scenic and cultural experiences.
Top sights
Top trails
- 3.9 (18)·Easy·38.1 km·Est. 8.5–9.5 hrStage 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...
- 4.7 (8)·Hard·14.5 km·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis 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...
- 4.3 (10)·Hard·26.4 km·Est. 8.5–9 hrPanoramic circular hike around Kipfenberg in the Altmühltal Nature Park. A somewhat longer but very varied hike, characterised by river valleys, impressive rock formations, caves and, of course, numerous magnificent views of the Altmühltal valley. There are refreshment stops in Schambach and Kipfenberg. Highlights: - Freitagmühle - View from the Rauchenbergersteig - St Helen's Chapel - Arndthöhle cave - Kipfenberg Castle with Roman and Bajuwaren Museum - Geographical centre of...
- 4.6 (8)·Moderate·45.5 km·Est. 11–12 hrThis 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...
- 4.5 (7)·Moderate·57 km·Est. 12.5–13.5 hrThis 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...
- 4.8 (26)·Easy·3.9 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrCharming and peaceful circular hiking tour near Monheim, Bavaria. Mainly on idyllic forest paths, you will definitely get your money's worth here. Especially on sunny days, you can find some relaxation and shelter here. Highlights of the hike: - Enchanting little forest lake - Beautiful field and forest paths
- 3.6 (10)·Moderate·5.8 km·Est. 1.5–2 hrIdyllic hike on the Altmühl to the Kratzmühlsee in the Altmühltal Nature Park The popular Kratzmühlsee is located in the middle of the Altmühltal Nature Park and thus in the heart of Bavaria. On the more than two kilometer long shoreline, it invites you to swim, which makes it a popular destination for young and old. On this hike, however, you first go north along the idyllic Altmühlbach to Kirchanhausen. The way back then leads past the lake, which invites you to take a longer...
- 3.7 (5)·Moderate·46 km·Est. 10–11 hrThis route is stage 5 of the Altmühltal Cycle Path, a long-distance trail between Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Kelheim. Starting in Beilngries, this gently downhill 46.2 km segment follows the scenic Altmühl river through dramatic rock landscapes, passing historic medieval town fortifications, the Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal, and Dietfurt. Overnight stays rely on regional guesthouses, inns, and hotels along the path, with advance reservations recommended during peak season. Water can be easily...
- 5.0 (4)·Moderate·34.3 km·Est. 8–8.5 hrVaried cycle tour in the Altmühltal Nature Park, Bavaria. A beautiful cycle tour through the Altmühltal valley, mostly along the popular Altmühltal cycle path. You pass many historical highlights and pretty little towns along the banks of the Altmühl. Highlights of the tour: - Dietfurt on the Altmühl - Valley of the Altmühl - Wolfsberg nature reserve near Dietfurt - Main-Danube Canal
Visitor info
The Altmühltal Information Centre is open in the summer season, i.e. from Palm Sunday to 31 October, Mon - Fri from 9 am - 5 pm and at weekends from 10 am - 5 pm. In the winter season, the centre is closed at midday, which means that it is open Mon - Thu from 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm and Fridays from 9am - 12pm.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best lake trail to hike in Altmühltal Nature Park?
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Bike touring trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Bird watching trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Camping trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Mountain biking trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Road biking trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Running trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Walking trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Cave trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Easy trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Forest trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Hard trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Lake trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Long trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Moderate trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- River trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Short trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Trails with historic sites in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Trails with views in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Waterfall trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Wildflower trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Wildlife trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
Suitability
Points of interest
- Bienenkorb
- Wieserkreuz
- Zwölf Apostel
- Kloster Trauntal bei Kelheim
- St. Georg
- Hall of Liberation
- Alcimoennis (ehem. kelt. Stadt)
- Klause
- Östliches Schneiderloch
- Michelsberg
- Ruine Tachenstein
- Ruine Rabenstein
- Teufelskanzel
- Burgruine Tachenstein
- Ruine Rabenstein
- Römischer Wachturm 14/64
- Limes
- Limesturm Erkertshofen
- Römischer Wachturm (Limes) 14/65
- Fundament Römischer Wachturm (Limes) 14/78