Altmühltal

HIKING HOLIDAYS WITHOUT LUGGAGE IN THE ALPINE FOOTHILLS

Hiking in the cultural and natural paradise in Bavaria. In the beautiful Altmühltal valley in the alpine foothills, the hiking heart can expect true splendour of unique and vast natural landscapes. The spectacular sights including the fossils found in limestone revive the historical culture from the Celtic and Roman times. A hiking holiday in the Altmühltal is also a culinary delight when it comes to cuisine: regional specialities made from sausages and hops round of the prefect active and enjoyable experience in southern Germany.

Making a break with excellent view at the river Altmühl

Basic information about the Altmühltal

The Altmühltal spring at the Frankenhöhe in the north of Leutershausen is the beginning and the district town of Kelheim an der Donau near Regensburg is the end point of the beautiful Altmühltal in Bavaria. The region offers the most beautiful views for nature lovers and active holidaymakers, because the Altmühltal with the popular nature park offers a romantic natural paradise and the perfect conditions for a successful hiking holiday away from the crowds. The Altmühlsee is located in the Franconian Lake District and not only enables active holiday makers to cool off but is also of great importance as a bird sanctuary. In addition, there are the historical and cultural treasures including the mighty ramparts, castles and palaces from the past Celtic and Roman times. The second largest nature park in Germany with almost 3,000 square kilometres offers a lot of experiences and opportunities to discover history, culture and nature.

Hiking tours on the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path

The Altmühltal region is particularly well prepared for the needs of hikers and active holidaymakers and enables a carefree and enjoyable hiking holiday. There is a reason why numerous hosts in the region have been awarded the title of ‘Quality host for hikeable Germany’, because they offer hiking guests the most important services, very simply and flexibly. A particularly worth seeing and worthwhile hiking trail leads through the Altmühltal valley: The Altmühltal-Panorama-Path. Step by step, the semi-natural route guides hikers over 200 kilometres along the Altmühltal and across the Altmühl Valley Nature Park.

The twelve Apostels at the Altmühltal valley

More hiking experiences in the Altmühltal with Eurohike

Pleasure hiking in the countryside: according to this motto, we have put together the most beautiful stages and natural routes of the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path for you in our Eurohike hiking tours and packed them into an unforgettable hiking holiday. On the hiking holiday on the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path, 9 days you march from the quiet town of Treuchtlingen to Pappenheim and Dollnstein. 

  • Our tip: take the time for a short photo-stop on the third day of your hiking holiday. A special scenic highlight awaits you here – the famous limestone rock formation ‘Twelve Apostles’ embedded in juniper heaths in the Altmühltal.
Panorama Trail at the Altmühltal valley

The next stages take you along panoramic high-altitude trails to Eichstätt, Kipfenberg, more highlights await you: the hike along the Jura rocks to the ‘Keltenwall’, impressive panoramic views of the Danube breakthrough and, as the end to the hiking holiday, a Danube boat trip to Kelheim. The two shorter versions also ensure a wonderful hiking experience in the nature of the Altmühltal. So why not march along the hiking tour Altmühltal-Panorama-Path, 7 days from Treuchtlingen to Riedenburg. The hiking holiday Altmühltal-Panorama-Path, 5 days also starts in Treuchlingen and ends in the city of monasteries and churches, the Bishop city of Eichstätt.

Route guidance on the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path

Great hiking paths in the Altmühltal valley

Nature, culture and dreamy scenery in the Altmühltal

The hiking trails always offer a natural, active experience away from the crowds and with a unique scenery. Diversity is part of the programme on this panorama trail, because the varied highlights of nature and culture make the hiking trip an impressive active experience. The routes are characterised by low-traffic routes, close to nature but still with an optimal connection to traffic. Well-signposted hiking trails and signposts including information on the kilometres, complete the optimal route. The uniquely beautiful views along the route invite you to relax at any time.

Lambs at the Naturpark Altmühltal

Our Eurohike moments in the Altmühltal

  • Stroll through cities with diversity: Discover the many beautiful cities along the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path and immerse yourself in the lively city life. From Kelheim, Eichstätt, Pappenheim to Treuchtlingen – the cities offer a colourful variety of history and culture.
  • Time for history: We have just the right highlight for hiking and history fans. One of the most powerful archaeological monuments and former imperial border of the Roman Empire is located in the Altmühltal Nature Park. The famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Limes.
  • Experience tradition: An important tradition is still practiced in the Altmühltal valley Nature Park – the Altmühltal shepherd culture. Without this, the region would lose the juniper heaths that shape the landscape. Whether as a guest in the Schäferhaus, on a guided tour or on one of the markets – discover the tradition in the Altmühltal on your hiking trip.

Facts and details

Altmühltal-Panorama-Path

The special features of nature and culture along the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path in Germany is not the only thing that inspires numerous hikers. The well-signposted hiking trails, the low-traffic routes and natural trails round off the experience. Thus, the popular hiking trail was honoured by the German Hiking Association with the ‘Quality Trail Hikeable Germany’ award. But that’s not all, the Panorama-Trail has been included in the list as the ‘Top Trail of Germany’ and is one of the best hiking trails in the country. We have summarised all the facts and details about the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path for you at a glance:

  • Location: In the alpine foothills in Bavaria
  • Length: 200 kilometres
  • Route: From Gunzenhausen to Helheim
  • Season: Best time to hike from April to October
  • Ascent: 4,243 metres
  • Descent: 4,311 metres
  • Highest point: 640 metres (near Degersheim)
  • Lowest point: 344 metres (near Kelheim)
  • Signposting: Yellow-red signs (supplemented by signposts and information on distances)
  • Special features: Hikes with a dog are particularly suitable on the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path due to the good hiking trails and easy tours. Furthermore, the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path is a certified quality hiking trail in Germany. Read more about the quality & premium hiking trails in Germany on our Eurohike HikingBlog.
  • Even more hiking experiences in Bavaria: In addition to the 200 kilometres main route, there are 27 loop paths, which are among the most beautiful circular routes in the Altmühltal Nature Park and are signposted with a yellow and blue sign.

Height profile

Altmühltal-Panorama-Path

Questions and answers about hiking on the Altmühltal-Panorama Path

The Altmühltal-Panorama Path is located in the alpine foothills in Bavaria.

The Altmühltal-Panorama Path is 200 kilometres long.

The Altmühltal-Panorama Path falls under our hiking category. The route is technically simple and takes you over good hiking paths through the beautiful nature of Bavaria. With a good basic level of fitness, this hiking tour on the Altmühltal-Panorama Path will be an enjoyable experience.

Would you like to start your hiking holiday completely relaxed? No problem! On the day of arrival you can relax your body and mind in the Altmühltherme in Treuchtlingen before you start your hike. A special highlight and at the same time a popular photo spot awaits you on the fifth day of your hiking tour on the Altmühltal-Panorama Path: the natural monument "Twelve Apostles". The rugged rock group is located directly in the Altmühltal Nature Park.

On the daily stages of our hiking tours on the Altmühltal-Panorama Path, you cover between 14 and 35 kilometres per day. Note: The longer daily stages can usually be shortened or bridged by public transport.

The route on our hiking holidays on the Altmühltal-Panorama Path varies depending on the duration of the tour – here is a brief overview:

The best travel time for a hiking tour on the Altmühltal-Panorama Path is from April to October.

On our hiking tours on the Altmühltal-Panorama Path you will stay in mid-range hotels and inviting inns.

View on the Danube loop in the Altmühl Valley

Hiking in the Altmühltal organised from A to Z

At Eurohike, we ensure an unforgettable and carefree hiking experience on the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path. With the Eurohike Wanderplus, the highest travel comfort is guaranteed during your hiking holiday. From the best-prepared travel documents and route information, to personal support on-site, the precisely selected hotels and accommodation to luggage transfer in the holiday destination in the alpine foothills.

  • All information about Eurohike Wanderplus and why Eurohike is guaranteed to make your holiday experience a carefree one can be found here at a glance.

Travel stories about hiking on the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path

Julia Winklhofer
I look forward to organising your hiking holiday in the beautiful Altmühltal!
Julia Winklhofer, Team leader Eurohike
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