Altmühltal-Panoramaweg

Nature and culture every step of the way

Walkers on the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg can expect 2,000 years of cultural heritage, medieval Franconian houses and baroque splendour, ancient castle ruins, basilicas from the Carolingian era, magnificent abbeys, mighty fortresses and pretty towns and villages with labyrinthine old quarters. Nature-lovers will not be disappointed either, as they pass rocky cliff formations rising up from juniper scrub, lush river meadows, woods, fields and limestone quarries where they're bound to find a fossil or two - there's never a dull moment!

Medieval meets baroque
The university town of Eichstätt is the cultural heart of the region and a highlight of the walk with its fine architecture. A little further downriver in Beilngries, baroque splendour is mixed with medieval architecture, while in Riedenburg, guarded by its three castles, the winding lanes and quiet little squares that date back to the Middle Ages lend the town its quaint character. At times the route consists of narrow paths that meander along the banks of the river only to suddenly disappear off into a gorge and then emerge triumphant on top of a high cliff to reward the walker with breathtaking views. After a detour to Weltenburg Abbey in the dramatic Danube Gorge, the route ends in Kelheim.

You don't have to walk the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg all in one go. There are 20 loops spread out along the route, which runs from Gunzhausen to Kelheim, allowing you to explore the region in a series of circular tours. The individual stages can also be planned as day walks or weekend tours, depending on how the mood takes you. Getting back is easy thanks to the excellent bus and train services, boats on the Main-Danube Canal and to the Weltenburg gorge and the coach between the Altmühl and Danube valleys. Pack a small rock hammer for the sites where rocks are arranged for amateur geologists. It's a near certainty you'll find something.