Best wildlife trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
The Altmühltal Nature Park is a 2962 square kilometer 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. There are a number of protected areas in the nature park, 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
- 4.7 (61)·Moderate·8.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrThere are numerous hiking opportunities in the Weltenburger Enge nature reserve. This route is one of the most scenic. The paths are well marked. From Kehlheim it goes over the first Danube bridge. On the other side of the river, follow path no. 3: "Weltenburger Höhenweg". This leads through the forest and to a vantage point at the Weiser Kreuz, a nice place for a lunch break. Continue to the picturesque Weltenburg Monastery. Just past that there is a cable ferry that takes you across the...
- 4.8 (15)·Moderate·4.2 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrIdyllic hike along the Danube and through the forests of the Weltenburger Enge nature reserve around Kelheim in the Altmühltal nature park. Duration: approx. 2 hours Highlights of the hike: - historical hermitage of monasteries with rock church and refreshment stops in the beer garden - caves along the way - impressive rock formations - Views of the Danube breakthrough - Weltenburg Monastery -
- 4.5 (37)·Moderate·3.8 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrPanoramic loop in the Altmühltal Nature Park. A walking time of about 2 hours should be allowed for this beautiful loop. It starts in the small but famous Solnhofen, which is best known for its geological condition, the associated scientific importance and its beautiful landscape. From the Teufelskanzel there are great views of the rock group "12 Apostles". The route is not suitable for prams. It is recommended to also visit the Solnhofen hobby quarry, which is open from April to...
- 4.5 (24)·Moderate·27.4 mi·Est. 10.5–11.5 hrThis 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...
- 4.2 (15)·Moderate·3.9 miPanoramic circular hike near Dollnstein in the Alltmühltal nature park. The first part of the hike is quite densely overgrown with plants - long trousers and sturdy shoes are therefore highly recommended. Here you can also walk over sticks, stones, roots and sometimes along ropes. The way back, however, is a little wider, flat and easier to walk.
- 4.7 (7)·Hard·9 mi·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...
- 4.7 (14)·Moderate·5.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis 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...
- 4.7 (20)·Moderate·6.2 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrPanoramic and family-friendly loop tour near Kösching, Bavaria. This idyllic loop is located in the Altmühltal Nature Park and leads along forest paths that offer shelter and shade in summer. Perfect for a little seclusion in nature. The start is at the car park on Kasinger Straße. There is an inn in the village of Kasing to stop for refreshments. Highlights of the tour: - Pyramid field - Tree pictures - St James' rest stop - Shady forest paths - Beautiful views
- 4.5 (6)·Moderate·3.5 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrPanoramic circular hike in the Altmühltal nature park. This entertaining circular hiking trail leads from romantic Essing along the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal to the Panoramaweg with fantastic views of the Altmühltal. Highlights: - Randeck Castle - Essing-Blick viewpoint - several places to stop for a break in beautiful Essing ---- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.9 (185)·Moderate·7.9 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrPopular hiking trail in the Altmuehltal Nature Park, Bavaria. A great hike through the picturesque Altmuehltal. The route leads along the Altmuehl and through a forest. Some unique surprises await you along the way, such as the Kindinger Klause. As archaeological finds prove, the rock formation, also known as the Binnleiten Cave, was already used as a shelter by prehistoric people. Today, the imposing rock roof invites hikers to take a break. Highlights of the hike: - Altmuehltal -...
Visitor info
The Altmühltal Information Center 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 it is closed at lunchtime, which means that it is open Mon - Thu from 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm and Fridays from 9am - 12pm.
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Frequently asked questions
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Bike touring trails in Altmühltal Nature Park
- Birding 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
- Alcimoennis (ehem. kelt. Stadt)
- Hall of Liberation
- Klause
- Östliches Schneiderloch
- Michelsberg
- Ruine Tachenstein
- Ruine Rabenstein
- Teufelskanzel
- Burgruine Tachenstein
- Ruine Rabenstein
- Römischer Wachturm (Limes) 14/65
- Römischer Wachturm (Limes) 14/77
- Limes
- Limesturm Erkertshofen
- Limes (Teufelsmauer)