THE ALTMÜHL VALLEY
The Altmühl Valley
Bavaria’s Timeless River & Rock Adventure
Explore the Altmühl Valley Nature Park in Bavaria, Germany, a serene 130-kilometer drive through limestone cliffs, medieval villages, and the gentle Altmühl River. This UNESCO-loved route blends history, fossils, and lush landscapes.
Begin in Gunzenhausen, a medieval town on the Altmühl River. Visit the Castle of Gunzenhausen or stroll the lakeside Altmühlsee before heading east.
Key Stops & Highlights
- Treuchtlingen. Relax at the Altmühltherme Spa or hike the Felsenlabyrinth (rock labyrinth). Don’t miss the ruins of Obere Veste, a hilltop fortress.
- Solnhofen. Discover the limestone quarries where the first Archaeopteryx dinosaur-bird fossil was found. Visit the Bürgermeister-Müller Museum for prehistoric wonders.
- Dollnstein. Wander this fairy-tale village framed by white limestone cliffs. Hike the Urdonautal Trail to see ancient Danube River valleys.
- Eichstätt. A Baroque gem with the Eichstätt Cathedral and Willibaldsburg Castle, home to the Jura Museum (showcasing Archaeopteryx fossils).
- Riedenburg. Explore three castles: Rosenburg (falconry shows), Prunn Castle (perched on cliffs), and Schloss Eggersberg. Tour the Kristallglasmanufaktur (crystal glass workshop).
- Kelheim. End at the Danube River confluence. Take a boat tour through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey (oldest monastery brewery in the world).
Cap your drive with a visit to the Befreiungshalle (Liberation Hall), a neoclassical monument with panoramic Danube views.
Tips for the Drive
- Bike Paths: The Altmühl Valley is famous for cycling—rent bikes to explore riverside trails.
- Boat Tours: Cruise the Altmühl-Danube Canal or row a Plätte (traditional wooden boat).
- Food: Try Fränkische Bratwurst (Franconian sausage) or monastery beer at Weltenburg.
- Season: Spring (May–June) for wildflowers; fall for golden foliage.
Official Website for Maps & Activities: en.naturpark-altmuehltal.de