Best waterfall 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
- 3.7 (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...
- 4.6 (4)·Easy·19.5 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrA great cycle tour along the water through the Ottmühltal and Altmühltal valleys, Bavaria This circular route takes its name from the "traces" left behind by interventions in nature. For several years now, attempts have been made to compensate for the impact on the Ottmaringer Moor habitat in this popular holiday region. On the cycle tour, you can see for yourself where the impact on nature and the landscape has been sufficiently compensated for. The whole route is accompanied by interesting...
- 3.4 (4)·Hard·18.3 km·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis route is stage 12 of the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg, a long-distance trail in Bavaria. This sectiont leads from Beilngries to Dietfurt. The path climbs the striking Arzberg, which sits like an island between the surrounding valleys. The route runs through dense forests, past an idyllic abandoned quarry, and through Töging to the pilgrimage site of Griesstetten. Finally, you reach the "7-Valleys-City" of Dietfurt. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Beilngries or...
- 5.0 (2)·Hard·26.4 km·Est. 8–8.5 hrThis route follows stage 12 of the certified "Jurasteig" premium trail, connecting Dietfurt an der Altmühl with Riedenburg on a challenging yet visually spectacular section. As the longest stage of the entire Jurasteig, the path runs parallel to the famous Altmühltal-Panoramaweg starting from the Roßkopf Plateau. Beginning in Dietfurt, the route leads past Mühlbach and Meihern—offering views of the imposing Flügelsberg cliffs, a well-known nesting site for peregrine falcons—before ascending...
- 4.6 (5)·Easy·44.3 km·Est. 11–12 hrPopular cycle path in the Altmühltal Nature Park, Bavaria. This family-friendly cycle path between Ingolstadt and Riedenburg runs along the route of the Schambachtal railway, which was opened in 1904 and closed in 1972. The cycle route can be cycled in one go or in several daily stages. Due to the small differences in altitude and well-maintained paths, the tour is considered child-friendly. Highlights of the route: - Idyllic Schambach Valley - New castle and historic old town centre in...
- 4.2 (2)·Hard·19.6 km·Est. 6–6.5 hrThis route follows stage 10 of the certified "Jurasteig" premium trail, connecting Deining with Holnstein on a pristine, spring-rich section. Right at the start in Deining, a tiny 50-meter detour leads to the historic rock cellars carved into the sandy Dogger stone. Shortly after, an abandoned quarry fascinates hikers with the vibrant colors of the exposed rock. The trail then follows the protected White Laber Valley, which boasts a marshy, wild, and romantic landscape. After a peaceful break...
- 4.1 (3)·Hard·17.7 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrPanoramic circular hike from Riedenburg in the Altmühltal Nature Park. The official circular hike of the "Bayerns Herzstück" tourism association leads mainly along paths and hiking trails from Riedenburg through Emmerthal to Teufelsfelsen, from where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the Altmühltal. In wet conditions, some sections can be difficult to walk on and slippery. ------ Accessible by bus and train
- 3.6 (3)·Moderate·10.1 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular circular hike in the Altmühltal Nature Park, Bavaria. The hike from Berching to Hoher Brunnen (circular hiking trail no. 4) is probably one of the most varied routes in the region. You walk mainly through a beautiful mixed forest, enjoying fantastic views and the limestone sinter terraces (Hoher Brunnen). The cultural and historical attractions include a pretty chapel and the remains of a castle stable. Caution: The Hoher Brunnen is an extremely valuable geotope that can quickly be...
- 4.3 (2)·Hard·53.8 km·Est. 16.5–18 hrA mountain bike tour on which you can get to know and enjoy all the viewpoints in Riedenburg. The start and end point is the Schwammerl inn in Mühlstraße. You can enjoy the view over the Schambach valley and the Kreuzfelsen rocks, at Prunn Castle the view to Riedenburg and Rosenburg Castle, at Falkenhorst the view over the large Altmühltal loop and the Rosskopf view to Eggersberg Castle.
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 waterfall trail to hike in Altmühltal Nature Park?
What is the longest waterfall trail in Altmühltal Nature Park?
How many waterfall trails are in Altmühltal Nature Park?
Which waterfall trail has the most elevation gain in Altmühltal Nature Park?
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