Trip code: W08AB 4 (1 reviews)
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
12.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Step into the serene embrace of nature with our self-guided walking trip through the breathtaking Altmuhltal Nature Park, nestled just 100 km north of Munich. This immersive 8-night journey invites you to explore the enchanting landscapes of Bavaria, promising an unforgettable experience for walking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Renowned as the birthplace of the Archaeopteryx fossils, this park unveils a fascinating chapter in Earth's history, allowing you to journey back through time by searching for fossils in its ancient stone quarries. The park covers 1840 m², offering a picturesque backdrop of steep Dolomite rocks, sun-kissed juniper heaths, gentle river valleys, and expansive forests.
This walking holiday in the green heart of Bavaria, one of the biggest nature parks in Germany traversing from the spa town of Treuchtlingen to Kelheim along the Danube River. Explore a landscape steeped in history, featuring impressive ramparts, reconstructed forts, and ancient treasures from Celtic and Roman eras. Marvel at castles, palaces, and churches, like the 14th-century Willibalds castle and the historically significant Prunn, home to the oldest complete manuscript of the Song of the Nibelungs, a thirteenth-century German epic poem that combines stories of chivalry with more ancient Germanic folktales.
Enjoy Bavarian cuisine with diverse beer options and delicious sausages. Try Himbeergeist, a spirit-soaked wild raspberry drink, and Semmelknodel, fluffy bread dumplings served with hearty roast pork or beef. After a day of hiking, these treats provide the perfect indulgence.
Stay in our delightful mix of traditional 3-star hotels, assuring you a cosy experience. Positioned conveniently within villages, these accommodations not only boast excellent amenities but also provide easy access to local attractions. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Altmuhltal, where each step leads you deeper into nature's marvels and Bavaria's vibrant heritage.
The Altmühltal Nature Park offers easy to moderate walking trails, mostly on dedicated walking paths, through rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and peaceful river valleys. The well-marked routes follow riverside paths, forest tracks, and scenic hilltop trails, with stunning views of traditional villages, and the winding Altmühl River.
Arrive in the heart of the Altmuhltal Nature Park in the idyllic town of Treuchtlingen, known for its Thermal Spa.
You stay at Selected hotels.
Hotels, Bavaria
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 star hotels, all en suite. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine.
Today starts with a short ascent to a viewpoint with views onto the river Altmühl meandering through the valley which you soon descend to follow. Continue via the ‘Devil’s Pulpit’ and the Hollerstein viewpoint to finish with a leisurely walk along the course of the river to the medieval town of Pappenheim. You will be greeted by the impressive castle, seat of the former Reichserbmarschälle.
A mountain trail leads you through heathland to Solnhofen, known for its limestone slabs and site of over 140 million-year-old fossils. Soon after an amazing and very popular photo opportunity awaits: the nature monument, the Twelve Apostles, steep limestone rocks embedded in juniper heaths. The route then leads you to the small town of Mornsheim.
Today‘s tour leads you through the historic town gate and on to the juniper heath. You walk above the river Altmühl past the rock tower Burgsteinfelsen and via a lovely mountain path onwards to Obereichstätt. Continue on with great views all the way to Eichstätt with Willibalds castle towering over the town. Enjoy a stroll around the town and head to the Altmühltal Nature Park Visitors Centre.
With a lovely view onto the striking Osterberg mountain and the Roman fort Vetoniana, you walk to the Buchenhüller mammoth cave. You will walk across wonderful alpine paths above Altmühl and you will get fantastic views of the valley and the rock faces whilst walking along the panoramic path. You will walk through the Gugoldinger Wacholderheide, which is a fantastic nature protection area before you will go past the Arnsberger Leite and the Limes watch tower to Kipfenberg.
Today’s walk starts on forest paths with stunning views from the clearings onto the beautiful Anlauter valley. Reach the village of Kinding with its impressive fortified church. Continue along the panorama path, which keeps its promise: magnificent views into the Altmühl valley and onto bizarre rock formations. Descend to reach the Main-Danube canal and your overnight stop, Beilngries.
Today you have the option to do a longer walk or to shorten the walk at a number of places. The first section takes you via the Arzberg mountain plateau into the Seven Valley Town of Dietfurt. Enjoy the view onto Eggersberg palace, past rock formations and along the Altmühltal-boardwalk into the pretty village of Gundlfing. Your final destination is the 3-castle town of Riedenburg.
Your route today takes you first to Prunn Castle, a fairytale castle dating back to 1200. Continue along the Main-Danube Canal, then walking along the Jura rock to the Celt’s Wall to reach the Danube. Visit Weltenburg Monastery before the impressive finale of your tour, the boat ride through the Danube crevasse to Kelheim.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Jakob, Regensburg; Hotel Opera, Munich.
Shops
Market
Cash machine
Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
The Hotel Jakob is in an ideal location for old town Regensburg - the hotel is actually built into one of the old gates to the town and the building itself dates back to 18th century and was used for over 100 years as a police station.
The hotel offers contemporary styled rooms with warm wood tones in silver ash and shades of green, all with an ensuite bathroom, TV, high-speed internet connection and air conditioning. The friendly staff offer a warm welcome and professional service and the hotel's extensive continental breakfast buffet is a great start to the day.
Room upgrades: First Room.
First rooms are bigger than the standard rooms and have a seating area within the room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
MastercardAmExHairdryerWiFiTV
MinibarSafe
The Hotel Opera is situated in the Lehel district of Munich, the area has a village feel to it, but is just a 15 minute walk to the main centre of Munich and a 20 minute walk to the Englischer Garten, Munich's huge leafy park.
The hotel has a wonderful Romanesque facade, and the building itself dates back to the 19th century, damaged in the war the building was bought in 1968 by the present owners who took 8 years to painstakingly restore and renovate the building.
Today's hotel is a nice mix of modern and old, with lovely airy rooms and and a relaxing tranquil garden patio. Rooms have all mod cons and some come with balconies, the hotel also owns a couple of superb restaurants close by.
Breakfast is served at your table with a choice of cold meats and cheeses or croissants and fruit and the option to order freshly cooked eggs.
Please call for prices and details
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £218.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Twin-bedded rooms in German resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Munich airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
12.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
