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.
Hotel (example): Hotel Via Vita
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.
Hotel (example): Hotel-Gasthof zur Sonne
Via a high-altitude path with great views you walk over to Solnhofen, the mining place of the well-known Solnhofer limestone slabs and site of over 140 million-year-old fossils. Soon after an amazing and very popular photo opportunity awaits: the nature monument ‚Twelve Apostles’, steep limestone rocks embedded in juniper heaths. The route leads you to Dollnstein into the primeval Danube valley.
Hotel (example): Gasthof zum Kirchenschmied
You pass the Geo-monument ‚Burgsteinfelsen’ and continue through forests and juniper heaths and later on 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.
Hotel (example): Hotel Garni Fuchs
Passing the striking ‘Osterberg’ and the Roman fort Vetoniana, you’ll hike to the ‘Buchenhüller’ Mammoth Cave. Following beautiful high-altitude trails above the Altmühl, with fantastic views of the valley and rock faces, you’ll enjoy the best parts of the Panorama Trail. You’ll hike through the ‘Gungoldinger Wacholderheide’, a unique nature reserve, before heading via the ‘Arnsberger Leite’ and the Limes watchtower to Kipfenberg. Shortcuts by bus are possible.
Hotel (example): Der Postwirt Gasthof-Hotel
This stage of the hike begins with stunning views of the beautiful Anlaut Valley. Kinding welcomes you with an imposing fortified church and cozy inns. Shortly afterwards, the Panorama Trail once again lives up to its name: magnificent views of the Altmühl Valley and bizarre rock formations. Later, another viewpoint awaits you: the Main–Danube Canal, Arzberg, Beilngries, the Altmühl and Sulz. The trail then descends steeply to Beilngries. Shortcuts by bus are possible.
Hotel (example): Hotel-Gasthof zur Krone
Across the Arzberg high plateau to Dietfurt, the ‘Town of Seven Valleys’, where water plays a major role in the form of the Main-Danube Canal, rivers, and springs. With views of Eggersberg Castle, past rock formations and along the Altmühltal riverside trail to the charming village of Gundlfing. From the ‘Teufelsfelsen’ (Devil's Rock), you’ll hike along a beautiful high-altitude trail to the tranquil castle town of Riedenburg. Shortcuts by bus are possible.
Hotel (example): Gasthof zur Post Riedenburg
Gnarled trees and rocky spires line your path – which is steep in places – up to Prunn Castle. Passing the sparkling blue karst spring known as the ‘Blautopf’, the route continues along the Main-Danube Canal. Back in the valley, you’ll hike along the Jura cliffs to the ‘Keltenwall’, which leads you directly to the Danube – the view down into the mighty Danube Gorge is breathtaking. Then comes the impressive finale to your hike: a boat ride through the Danube Gorge to Kelheim.
Hotel (example): Dormero Hotel Kelheim
You can now individually extend your stay in Bavaria and explore the rest independently.