Altmühlsee Circular Route
100% of reviewers say this trail is easy
13kmLength
212mElevation gain
3–3.5hrEstimated time
Circular
Varied circular route around the Altmühlsee lake near Gunzenhausen, Bavaria.
This circular route is a small section of the popular Altmühl Valley Cycle Path, which follows the leisurely flowing Altmühl from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim through the Altmühl Valley Nature Park for 166 kilometres. The beautiful route runs along the banks of the Altmühlsee lake and invites you to take a cycle tour or hike around the lake.
The lake also offers plenty of opportunities for water sports such as swimming, surfing and sailing. In the northern part of the lake there is a sanctuary for migratory birds and an accompanying informative nature trail where, with a little luck, the animals can be observed.
Highlights:
- Local flora and fauna
- Varied natural landscapes
- Opportunities for swimming, sailing and surfing
- Bird sanctuary + nature trail
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Top sights
Campingplatz "Zum Fischer-Michl"
Campsite
Altmühlsee
Reservoir
Kitesurfspot Ostufer
Beach
Dücker Nesselbach Steckelesgraben
River
Kinder- und Jugendzeltplatz Altmühlsee Pavillon
Campsite
Steckschachtsperre
Building
Familienzeltplatz Seezentrum Muhr am See
Campsite
Walder Altmühl
River
FKK-Strand Altmühlsee
Beach
Steckelesgraben
River
Nesselbachzuleiter
River
Top sights
Campingplatz "Zum Fischer-Michl"
Campsite
Altmühlsee
Reservoir
Kitesurfspot Ostufer
Beach
Dücker Nesselbach Steckelesgraben
River
Kinder- und Jugendzeltplatz Altmühlsee Pavillon
Campsite
Steckschachtsperre
Building
Familienzeltplatz Seezentrum Muhr am See
Campsite
Walder Altmühl
River
FKK-Strand Altmühlsee
Beach
Steckelesgraben
River
Nesselbachzuleiter
River
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 13.0-km circular trail near Gunzenhausen, Bavaria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Expected weather for Altmühlsee Circular Route for the next 5 days is:
- Tue 22 September - 17.7 degrees/clear
- Wed 23 September - 17.2 degrees/drizzle
- Thu 24 September - 16.7 degrees/drizzle
- Fri 25 September - 20.9 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 22.9 degrees/clear
Where is Altmühlsee Circular Route located?
Altmühlsee Circular Route is a trail located in Naturschutzgebiet Vogelinsel im Altmühlsee.
How hard is Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Altmühlsee Circular Route is considered a moderate hike that covers 13 km, with an elevation gain of 212 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Altmühlsee Circular Route is considered a moderate hike that covers 13 km, with an elevation gain of 212 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Altmühlsee Circular Route a circular?
Altmühlsee Circular Route is a circular trail that covers 13 km, with an elevation gain of 212 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Altmühlsee Circular Route is a circular trail that covers 13 km, with an elevation gain of 212 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Dogs may be allowed on Altmühlsee Circular Route. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Altmühlsee Circular Route is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Altmühlsee Circular Route?
According to trailgoers, Altmühlsee Circular Route is usually very busy. Altmühlsee Circular Route is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there beaches at Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Yes, Altmühlsee Circular Route is near Kitesurfspot Ostufer and FKK-Strand Altmühlsee.
Are there rivers at Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Yes, Altmühlsee Circular Route is near Dücker Nesselbach Steckelesgraben, Walder Altmühl, Steckelesgraben and Nesselbachzuleiter.
Is camping allowed at Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Camping is allowed on Altmühlsee Circular Route in Naturschutzgebiet Vogelinsel im Altmühlsee. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is Altmühlsee Circular Route pram-friendly?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Altmühlsee Circular Route is pram-friendly. Pram-friendly trails are usually wider and not too steep, with minimal small obstacles like rocks or roots. Pram-friendly trails may or may not be paved.
Is Altmühlsee Circular Route paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Altmühlsee Circular Route is paved.
Are there wildflowers at Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Altmühlsee Circular Route, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Altmühlsee Circular Route?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Altmühlsee Circular Route in Naturschutzgebiet Vogelinsel im Altmühlsee. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 21 September 2026 at 14:05 GMT+0