Around Pappenheim - legendary Altmühltal

I have to praise this loop to the heavens today. The hiking trail was a lot of fun and joy for us. Here, nature and culture come together in a very small space. It feels like we are circling the castle on three mountains. We enjoy prospects, visions and insights.... Although the loop 8 looks a bit unsorted at first glance on the map, it is completely and perfectly thought out. Because of the heat, we keep taking longer breaks, and that was a good thing. At km 4.8 we discover a delicious Segafredo coffee in a gas station. You have to pause here! Absolute hiking tip! "That's how the Pappenheimers plan!" At the same time, she is also one of the #stone contemporary witnesses because, we discover three stone crosses with history/legend.

Thank you dear @Gitte 💠 for the inspiration 😘 a really wonderful tour 😍

After seeing the tour with Uschi on the way last week, and today I was due to visit the Friedwald, I took the fantastic weather as an opportunity to do the tour. And it was worth it. I skipped the castle because I inspected it extensively last May. After I had deviated from the planned route somewhere, Komoot said goodbye and only recorded. Yet again. But since the signage is exemplary, it didn't matter. It was pleasant to walk, hardly any wind, the foliage has now taken on all colors, the sky blue offered a perfect contrast to it and the ground did not require all the attention. The imposing castle could be seen from many sides and the old town is also unique.

They really exist - the famous Pappenheimers! Many people have now forgotten that their loyalty, bravery and reliability during the 30 Years' War still has an impact throughout the world today thanks to Friedrich Schiller's quote "That's how I recognize my Pappenheimers." The town is idyllically located in a romantic loop of the Altmühl. In the climatic health resort of Pappenheim you will be enchanted by the medieval ambience - quiet corners, picturesque alleys and lots of nature. The lovingly preserved old town offers an old castle, a monastery, several churches, a variety of historical buildings and of course the imposing Pappenheim Castle, which sits enthroned on a rocky spur. Pappenheim Castle sits on a rocky spur above the Altmühl. We had a wonderful view from the keep. The castle is the ancestral home of the hereditary marshals and counts of Pappenheim. This Reich Ministerial dynasty played an important role in the “Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation” throughout the Middle Ages. In addition to a two-courtyard castle complex (forecourt and main castle), a huge Hohenstaufen keep, 3 hectares of built-up area and a total of 1.5 km of medieval walls - a rich interior with museums and exhibitions awaits you. Our circular route mostly led through the forest. We always had a magnificent view. 😍

Many thanks to Uschi for the inspiration for this wonderful circular hike along the surrounding hills of Pappenheim! With the best autumn weather, we often went loop by loop through the forest around Pappenheim. You can stop off at the Gasthaus zum Grünen Baum or at the Hotel Gasthof Zur Sonne.

Unfortunately it's still quite wintery at the moment. That's why I didn't take a lot of photos. Nevertheless: The Altmühltal Loop Trail No. 8 is one of my favorite loop trails. In two weeks, when spring is further advanced, I might run the nice little loop again. Then I'll definitely take more pictures. 🙂

I also included the castle and had to make a slight change to the route at the end. Loop Trail 8 is part of the additional circular routes of the Altmühl Panorama Trail. The first section to the parking lot of the forest cemetery runs partly on a gravel road, which is used by numerous cars. It's a shame that they didn't use the abundant forest paths here. Presumably because the loop trail was created three years before the forest cemetery opened? The route from the old vineyard is very beautiful. This is where you'll find the best views of Pappenheim. The trail that leads around Pappenheim is suitable for those who already know Pappenheim. For everyone else, I recommend also stopping by the castle, the old town, and the Jewish cemetery.

I was particularly looking forward to today's tour, as Pappenheim Castle is one of my favorite castles 🤩. In the morning we started with the great castle ruins. There is an interesting torture chamber (what are they for people who enjoy such acts 😱???) to see, you can climb the keep, walk across the spacious grounds, look at the imposing walls and read some information boards. The keep was constantly flown around by a number of swifts, they looked like exuberant birds on a roller coaster. It was a great spectacle, unfortunately they were too fast for a good photo 🤷🏻‍♀️😄. The site also includes an informative hunting and nature museum, including many butterflies and beetles, forest animals and fish, as well as voice samples from many birds and forest animals. Now I also know how big the beaver is that redesigns the entire meadow landscape in Ladenburg... 😉😄. Afterwards we were very hungry - the castle tavern will probably remain closed until further notice - and so we had a picnic in the Womo, before we first explored the place and there especially the beautiful ev.-luth. Visited the parish church and then hiked around it on beautiful forest paths. Often you could enjoy a wonderful view of the castle and the Altmühltal. On the way there is also a Friedwald with a place of worship. Towards the end of the route you walk along the Altmühl for a while, then through a small fine avenue (I love avenues 🫶) and come to a willow church, the most overgrown with trees that I know. Knowledge of the day: The announced rain spared us completely - it's good that we armed ourselves with umbrellas on our way to this beautiful round 🌥️😇😄. 👩👦🏼