Altmühltal Panorama Trail Tour

The idyllic little Altmühl-town Treuchtlingen is situated in the centre of the nature park ‚Altmühltal’, the second biggest Nature Park in Germany. We recommend you seize the first day and relax in the well-known Altmühl-Thermal Spa.

With views onto the river Altmühl meandering through the valley you continue via the ‚Devil’s Pulpit’ towards Medieval Pappenheim. You descend again to the river Altmühl via the viewpoint Hollerstein and continue leisurely along the course of the river to your Day Finish, where you are greeted by the impressive castle, seat of the former ‘Reichserbmarschälle’ marshals.

Today, follow a scenic high-altitude trail towards Solnhofen, famous for its limestone quarries and remarkable fossils dating back over 140 million years. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding Altmühl Valley before reaching one of the region’s most impressive natural landmarks, the Twelve Apostles. These striking limestone cliffs rise dramatically above picturesque juniper heaths, creating a spectacular setting for photographs. Continue through the beautiful countryside towards Dollnstein, a charming village nestled in the ancient Danube Valley, where your hiking day comes to an end.

You pass the Geo-monument ‘Burgsteinfelsen’ and continue through forests and juniper heaths and later on a mountain path with great views all the way to Eichstätt. With Willibalds castle towering over this diocesan town, it is a complete Baroque work of art with prestigious buildings as well as dreamy little alleyways.

Today, follow scenic hiking trails past the impressive Osterberg and the ancient Roman fort of Vetoniana towards the fascinating Buchenhüller Mammoth Cave. Continue along beautiful high-altitude paths above the Altmühl River, enjoying breathtaking views of the valley and its striking limestone cliffs. Your route leads through the Gungoldinger Wacholderheide, a unique nature reserve known for its picturesque juniper-covered hillsides. From here, hike along the scenic Arnsberger Leite and past a historic Roman Limes watchtower before reaching the charming town of Kipfenberg. If you prefer a shorter walk, parts of the route can be completed by bus.

Today’s tour starts with stunning views and insights into the beautiful Anlauter valley. Reach Kinding with its impressive, fortified church and cosy inns. Shortly afterwards the panorama path again keeps its promise: magnificent views into the Altmühl valley and onto bizarre rock formations. After that another scenic outpost awaits: the Main-Danube canal, Arzberg, Beilngries, Altmühl and Sulz. A steep descent to Beilngries follows.

Via the Arzberg mountain plateau into the ‘Seven Valley Town’ of Dietfurt, where water in the form of the Main-Danube canal, rivers and springs plays a major role. Enjoy the view onto Eggersberg palace, past rock formations and along the Altmühltal-boardwalk into the pretty village of Gundlfing. From the ‘Devil’s Rock’ -Teufelsfelsen into the 3-castle town of Riedenburg.

Gnarly trees and rock towers line your – in parts – steep path up to Prunn castle. Pass the blue glittering karst spring "Blautopf" and continue along the Main-Danube Canal. As a reward enjoy a grandiose view into the distance. Back again in the valley, you walk along the Jura rock to the ‚Celt’s Wall’, which leads you immediately back to the Danube – the view down to the mighty Danube crevasse is awe-inspiring. After that the impressive finale of your tour: the boat ride through the Danube crevasse to Kelheim.

This morning following breakfast, depart from Kelheim.