Hiking happiness in the Altmühltal

Discover the Altmühltal Nature Park with us, the beautiful vacation region in the heart of Bavaria. Narrow valleys and steep rock faces characterize the Altmühltal Nature Park, as does its romantic landscape. Its 3,000 square kilometers make it one of the largest nature parks in Germany. On your hikes, you will be accompanied by rugged dolomite rocks, sun-drenched juniper heaths, gentle river valleys, and extensive forests. Look forward to a cozy hiking holiday amidst unspoiled nature.

Day 1 | Anlauertal – Emsing

Departure in the morning and drive to Titting-Emsing in the Altmühltal. Here in the romantic Anlauertal, your first hike begins. The Morsbach winds cheerfully through the meadows, lined with bushes and trees. The Hainmühle in Morsbach is one of the first organic mills. A visit to the interesting village church is also planned. From there, the world-famous Camino de Santiago leads back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Difficulty level: easy

Elevation difference: approx. 20 m

Walking time: approx. 2 hours (approx. 8 km)

Day 2 | Brombachsee – Altmühlsee

After breakfast, you will first take the bus to the eastern shore of Brombachsee. From here, you will hike over the 40 m high dam from the north to the south shore. Afterwards, you will continue by bus to Altmühlsee. During the circular hike, you will visit the lagoon-like bird island, which is under nature protection in the northern area, and always have the lake with its reed, wetland, and shrub zones in view, where you may be lucky enough to admire the resident storks or the sea eagle. After the circular hike, you will return to the hotel by bus. Dinner and overnight stay.

Difficulty level: easy

Elevation difference: approx. 0 m

Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours (approx. 15 km)

Day 3 | Eichstätt – Dollnstein

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will first drive to Eichstätt. Here, you will discover all the interesting and informative details during a small tour with your tour guide before continuing by bus to Dollnstein. There, you will hike along the award-winning panoramic hiking trail past the magnificent Burgstein rocks, over juniper heaths back to Eichstätt. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Difficulty level: moderate

Elevation difference: approx. 100 m

Walking time: approx. 4 hours (approx. 15 km)

Day 4 | Markt Essing – Kloster Weltenburg – Danube Gorge – Kelheim

You will take the bus to Markt Essing. From here, you will hike along the panoramic path. You will cross the longest wooden pedestrian bridge in Germany and follow the idyllic path past towering Jura rocks and natural old waters. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Danube Gorge and the oldest monastery in Bavaria. After a short descent, you will take the traditional wooden boats (weather permitting) to the other shore, where you can refresh yourself in the monastery inn. After a visit to the famous monastery church, you will take a boat through the Danube Gorge to Kelheim. Our bus will be waiting for you there to take you back to the hotel.

Difficulty level: moderate

Elevation difference: approx. 100 m

Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours (approx. 8 km)

Day 5 | Eßlingen – Pappenheim – Return journey

Today, unfortunately, it is already time to say goodbye to the Altmühltal. In Eßlingen, your last hike takes place. A small ascent in Eßlingen will take you to the “Twelve Apostles,” a rock formation with a wonderful view of the Altmühltal. The award-winning panoramic path winds along the slope to Pappenheim. Here you will learn why we say “we know the Pappenheimers.” After a lunch break, you will begin your journey home with many beautiful impressions.

Difficulty level: easy

Elevation difference: approx. 100 m

Walking time: approx. 2 hours (approx. 8 km)

• Travel by modern coach
• 4x overnight stays including breakfast buffet at the 4-star Hotel Dirsch in Titting-Emsing
• 4x dinner at the hotel
• Qualified hiking guide from the 1st to
  5th day
• Crossing with the canoe boats
• Boat trip through the Danube Gorge
• Use of the wellness area in the hotel
• Tourist tax

Program days may be exchanged due to weather conditions.

The family-run Hotel Dirsch has everything to make your stay more enjoyable. The wellness area of approximately 1,500 m² features a sauna and steam bath landscape, swimming pool, and fitness room. The rooms are equipped with a shower, toilet, radio, TV, seating area, and telephone. In the morning, you will be greeted with a traditional Altmühltaler breakfast buffet, and in the evening you can look forward to a rich delicacy menu in the restaurant.

One Planet – One Future: During your stay, there will be no room cleaning (only upon request).