Attractions and Places To See in Naturpark Altmühltal - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Naturpark Altmühltal include a diverse array of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and striking natural features. Located in Bavaria, this region is known for its idyllic riverside scenery, unique rock formations, and juniper heathlands. The park features well-preserved historic towns, ancient castles, and significant geological sites. Visitors can explore Roman relics, impressive caves, and extensive outdoor activity routes.
Best attractions and places to see in Naturpark Altmühltal
- The most popular attractions is Weltenburg Monastery, a religious building that dates back to a foundation around the year 600. This Benedictine monastery is famous for its Baroque architecture and its monastery brewery, considered the oldest in the world.
- Another must-see spot is View of Prunn Castle, a viewpoint offering a spectacular perspective of Prunn Castle perched on a rock. The castle itself houses a permanent exhibition on "Prunn Castle and the Nibelungenlied."
- Visitors also love Riedenburg Old Town, a settlement located in the Altmühltal between Kehlheim and Beilngries. This historic town, first mentioned in 1111, is surrounded by three castles and a rocky backdrop.
- Naturpark Altmühltal is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and charming settlements. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to impressive rock formations and historic town centers.
- The attractions in Naturpark Altmühltal are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 5600 upvotes and over 3100 photos, these spots are popular among visitors.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Weltenburg Monastery
Highlight • Religious Site
If you want to dive deeper into the monastery, then you should take part in one of the very informative guided tours. But you have to sign up ten days in advance.
The conclusion of your visit to the monastery then forms a stop in the monastery tavern. Special specialty is the self-brewed beer Welternburger Baroque Dark.
All information about the monastery and the tavern can be found at kloster-weltenburg.de and klosterschenke-weltenburg.de.
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View of Prunn Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
At the castle you can see the permanent exhibition "Prunn Castle and the Nibelungenlied" as well as the interior of the castle.
Information about opening times and admission prices can be found here: schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/prunn.htm.
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Beilngries Old Town and St. Walburga Church
Highlight • Settlement
Another interesting attraction in Beilngries is the Brewery Museum, located in an underground rock labyrinth.
Admission is five euros. The museum is open every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. from April to October 31st. In August, it is also open on Thursdays.
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View of Kelheim's city gates
Highlight • Viewpoint
In front of the Altmühltor there was a spacious gatehouse, which was demolished in May 1875. This created a spacious space between the gate and the former bridge over the Altmühl. The Mittertor is the western entrance gate to Kelheim's old town and part of the former city fortifications. On its north side, the Donautor bears the first city coat of arms with the city gate and the Bavarian Wecken and, like the Altmühl- and Donautor, allows entry into the old town.
From the 15th century, the Donautor was the seat of the paving duties. If you drive along the Danube Cycle Path, Kelheim is well worth a visit.
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Riedenburg Old Town
Highlight • Settlement
riedenburg.de
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Tips from the Community
Kehlheim has some city gates worth seeing. From there you have a beautiful view of the city. Kehlheim has a beautiful old town with Renaissance facades. And it has lots of pubs and beer gardens.
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A truly magnificent church well worth a visit!
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All city gates are very well preserved.
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The historical place is a very beautiful place. We were all very flashed together. I was in the mega beautiful church of St. Walburga Beilngries and also lit a candle for us here. 🥰
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We were looking forward to a long break in Beilngries and we were not disappointed.
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Kelheim was a very special highlight on our Five Rivers Tour
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Very beautiful city directly on the Altmühl surrounded by three castles and a wonderful rocky backdrop. In addition to the Rosenburg with Falkenhof and the two ruins Rabenstein and Tachenstein, there is still a lot to see in the small town. Whether hikers or cyclists, everyone gets their money's worth here, plus there are historical buildings and very nice places to stop for refreshments in the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in Naturpark Altmühltal?
Naturpark Altmühltal is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Weltenburg Monastery, known for its Baroque architecture and the world's oldest monastery brewery. Other significant sites include the majestic Hall of Liberation in Kelheim, the historic town of Eichstätt with its impressive Cathedral and Willibaldsburg Castle, and the medieval town of Berching with its well-preserved defensive wall. Don't miss the Roman Limes UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insights into the Roman Empire's frontier.
Where can I find impressive natural landscapes and geological formations?
The park boasts spectacular natural features. The Danube Gorge (Weltenburger Enge) near Kelheim is a National Natural Monument where the Danube cuts through towering limestone cliffs. Near Solnhofen, you can see the unique "Twelve Apostles" Rock Formation. The Burgsteinfelsen near Dollnstein is an imposing rock formation popular with climbers, and the Schulerloch Karst Cave near Kelheim offers fascinating stalactite formations and historical significance.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Naturpark Altmühltal?
Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. The Weltenburg Monastery is family-friendly, offering boat trips through the Danube Gorge. The Beilngries Old Town and Riedenburg Old Town are charming settlements with historical appeal. The Altmühlsee is perfect for water sports and cycling, and the Fossil Museum in Solnhofen allows visitors to explore ancient discoveries, including Archaeopteryx.
What outdoor activities are available near the attractions?
Naturpark Altmühltal offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy canoeing or boat hiking on the Altmühl River. The Altmühl Valley Cycle Route is a family-friendly 166-kilometer path, and the Altmühl Valley Panorama Trail offers 200 km of varied hiking. For more specific routes, explore the running trails, MTB trails, and road cycling routes available in the region.
Where can I find the best viewpoints in Naturpark Altmühltal?
For stunning vistas, visit the View of Prunn Castle, which offers a spectacular perspective of the castle perched on a rock. The Hall of Liberation in Kelheim also provides majestic views over the city and the Danube River. The Burgsteinfelsen near Dollnstein is another picturesque spot for scenic views.
Can I go fossil hunting in Naturpark Altmühltal?
Yes, the Altmühltal is renowned for its geological history and fossil discoveries. Solnhofen is particularly famous for this, housing the Fossil Museum with impressive finds like the Archaeopteryx. Visitors can even search for fossils in some of the local quarries, making it a unique and engaging activity.
What is special about the town of Eichstätt?
Eichstätt is the central town of Naturpark Altmühltal, known for its Baroque, episcopal, and university heritage with Celtic and Roman roots. It features well-preserved historic buildings, including the impressive Eichstätt Cathedral, the Prince-Bishops' Residence, and the prominent Willibaldsburg Castle. It's a great place to experience the region's rich cultural layers.
What do visitors enjoy most about Naturpark Altmühltal?
Visitors frequently praise the combination of natural beauty and historical sites. Many enjoy the boat trips through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Monastery, calling it 'awesome'. The dramatic setting of Prunn Castle perched high on a rock is often described as 'invincible' and an 'eye-catcher'. The charming Riedenburg Old Town is appreciated for its rocky backdrop and historical atmosphere, with visitors enjoying the medieval feel and local amenities.
Are there any unique natural areas like heathlands or lakes?
Yes, the park features diverse natural areas. The Gungolding Moorland (Gungoldinger Wacholderheide) near Eichstätt showcases a unique juniper heathland landscape. The Altmühlsee is a highlight for water sports enthusiasts and cyclists, and it also features a bird island, an important protected area for migratory birds, accessible via a wooden footbridge.
What is the Altmühl Valley Panorama Trail?
The Altmühl Valley Panorama Trail is a highly regarded long-distance hiking trail stretching 200 km from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim. It offers hikers varied natural and cultural scenery, making it an excellent way to experience the diverse landscapes of Naturpark Altmühltal. You can find more hiking options in the region through the various route guides.
What can I see in Solnhofen besides fossils?
While Solnhofen is famous for its Fossil Museum, you can also visit the St. Sola Basilica. This historical site adds a cultural dimension to your visit, complementing the geological wonders of the area.
Is there an archaeology park in the region?
Yes, the Archaeology Park Altmühltal is located in Kelheim. This park offers an engaging journey through the region's historical and archaeological past, providing insights into the ancient cultures that once thrived in the area.
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