Short vacation Altmühltal: 5 days hiking on the Panorama Trail

Arrival Treuchtlingen

Individual journey to Treuchtlingen in the Altmühltal Nature Park. Your hotel is located just a few minutes from the train station. We therefore recommend arriving by train.

Do you have a little time after the ride? Visit the Altmühltherme or enjoy the first evening in a Bavarian beer garden.

Hike Treuchtlingen – Pappenheim, approx. 14 km, 200 m ↑↓, ~ 4 h

With a view of the Altmühl, which winds its way through the valley in many twists and turns, you hike over the Teufelskanzel (Devil’s Pulpit Rock) in the direction of medieval Pappenheim. Through the cemetery forest you climb to the vineyard with a lookout pavilion and a dream view of the castle and surrounding mountain ranges.

Back in the valley, you now hike directly past Germany’s only willow church, an imposing structure made of plant material! In the afternoon you reach your destination, where the imposing Pappenheim Castle, seat of the former imperial marshals, welcomes you.

Hike Pappenheim – Mörnsheim, ~ 15km, 330 m ↑↓, ~ 5 h

You will hike along a scenic high trail to Solnhofen, the quarrying site of the famous Solnhofer Plattenkalk and the discovery site of fossils that are over 140 million years old.

Soon after, a dreamlike and very popular photo motif awaits you: the natural monument
Twelve Apostles
. The rugged limestone cliff appears embedded in wide juniper heaths.

Your hike will take you past the site where Archaeopteryx was found to Mörnsheim in the Urdonautal valley: the Danube used to flow here before it opened up the valley again for the Altmühl. You can shorten the stage by train.

Hike Mörnsheim – Eichstätt, approx. 23 km, 500 m ↑↓, ~ 7 h

You will pass the geological monument “Burgsteinfelsen” and hike through forest and juniper heaths and later on a scenic high trail to Eichstätt. Overlooked by the Willibaldsburg Castle, the bishop’s town is a baroque synthesis of the arts with representative buildings as well as dreamy alleys.

Eichstätt is a lively small town with many cafes and restaurants. After the small villages of the last days, the city air brings a completely different atmosphere.

Hike Eichstätt – Kipfenberg, approx. 24 km, 400 m ↑↓, ~ 7 h

Past the striking Osterberg and the Roman. Fort Vetoniana you hike to the Buchenhüll mammoth cave.

Via beautiful high trails above the Altmühl, with fantastic views of the valley and rock faces, you will enjoy the most beautiful sides of the panoramic trail.

You will hike through the Gungoldinger Wacholderheide, a unique nature reserve, before heading to Kipfenberg via the Arnsberger Leite and the Limes watchtower.

Hike Kipfenberg – Beilngries, approx. 20 km, 400 m ↑↓, ~ 7 h

This hiking stage starts with great views and insights into the beautiful Anlauter valley.

Your journey on the Altmühl seems to have been much longer than just 6 days. We have, I hope, not promised too much – the tranquility of the river captivates everyone.

Kinding welcomes you with a mighty fortified church and cozy inns. Shortly thereafter, the Panorama Trail again delivers what its name promises: magnificent views of the Altmühl Valley and bizarre rock formations.

Later, another vantage point awaits you: Main-Danube Canal, Arzberg, Beilngries, Altmühl and Sulz. Steeply downhill it goes to Beilngries.

Hike Beilngries – Riedenburg, approx. 27 km, 570 m ↑↓, ~ 9 h

Across the high plateau of the Arzberg you walk to the “Siebentälerstadt” Dietfurt.

With a view of Eggersberg Castle, past rock formations and along the Altmühltal riverside path to the pretty village of Gundlfing. From the Teufelsfelsen (Devil’s Rock) you hike along a beautiful high trail to the tranquil castle town of Riedenburg.

Note: The day today can be shortened to about 3.5 – hour hike by bus. Details will be provided with the tour information at the starting hotel.

Hike Riedenburg – Kelheim, ~ 17 km, ~ 400 m ↑↓, ~ 6 h

Gnarled trees and rock towers line your sometimes steep path up to Prunn Castle. Past the blue glittering karst spring “Blautopf” we continue along the Main-Danube Canal.

Back in the valley you hike along the Jura rocks to the “Keltenwall” which leads you directly to the Danube – the view down to the mighty Danube breakthrough is overwhelming.

This is followed by the impressive conclusion of your hike: the boat trip through the Danube breakthrough to Kelheim. Tickets are included in the price of the trip.

Kelheim – return journey or extension

You did it! Congratulations!

You will probably never forget the Danube and Altmühl for the rest of your life. Stay another day in the beautiful town of Kelheim am Strom or make your individual return journey by bus and train to Treuchtlingen, see above.