Camping in the Altmühl Valley

Camping in the Altmühltal is a picture-book holiday. The nature park is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Bavaria and offers the perfect environment for hiking and cycling along the Altmühl cycle path. Many camping parks and motorhome pitches are located directly on the Altmühl river. In addition to the idyllic location, the sites offer a high level of comfort and first-class facilities that leave nothing to be desired.

Camping in the Altmühltal: Holidays on the cosiest river in Bavaria

Camping in the Altmühltal Nature Park is a special experience thanks to the marvellous nature of Franconia. As the second longest river in Bavaria, the Altmühl flows through almost the entire nature park - and a new surprise awaits visitors at every bend in the river: narrow valleys alternate with flower-covered meadows, floodplains and dense forests.

The Altmühltal is also characterised by numerous historical and geological sites. Medieval castles and palaces tower over the riverbanks, while holidaymakers interested in history can explore the reconstructed buildings from Roman times. The region is also known for its numerous fossil finds, including the famous Archaeopteryx prehistoric bird, which is exhibited alongside other fossils in the Solnhofen Museum.

The large selection of campsites in the Altmühltal offers suitable accommodation for every taste. The offer ranges from cosy natural campsites on the banks of the Altmühl, tent options, motorhome pitches to modern holiday parks for campers with the whole family. Many sites also have a boat landing stage so that water hikers, paddlers and canoeists can easily find a place to spend the night.

The facilities at the campsites and camping parks in the Altmühltal are exemplary. Clean sanitary facilities and showers are standard. A number of sites also have their own catering facilities, a camping shop and a supply station for motorhomes. In addition to pitches for caravans, many campsites also offer rental accommodation such as mobile homes, holiday flats or camping cabins for hikers passing through.

The new trend towards luxury glamping is also becoming increasingly popular in the Altmühltal. Especially for campers with children, camping with a particularly high level of comfort is a real experience. You can choose from the popular sleeping barrels, wooden tents or shepherd's caravans in the Hammermühle camping village. Those travelling by motorhome will also find a number of beautiful pitches on the Altmühlsee.

Camping in the Altmühltal with a dog

Dogs are allowed on many campsites in the Altmühltal. Nevertheless, campers should find out about the exact regulations before travelling, for example whether dogs must be kept on a lead on the site. The nature park and the many hiking trails along the Altmühl naturally offer the best conditions for long walks with your four-legged companion. However, dogs should always be kept on a lead in nature reserves to protect the environment.

How to get to the Altmühltal

The best way for holidaymakers to get to the campsite in the Altmühltal is via Regensburg. The cathedral city is located directly on two important motorways, the A3 and the A9. The former connects Passau in south-east Bavaria with Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Cologne. The distance from the Rhine to the Danube and the Altmühl is around 510 kilometres. From Frankfurt am Main, the route is planned to be around 300 km long, from Nuremberg it is around 100 km. Nuremberg is also connected to the A9 motorway, which runs from Berlin to Munich.

The most beautiful holiday destinations in the Altmühltal

Travellers can stay overnight in a variety of holiday resorts, especially around the Altmühlsee. The municipalities of Gunzenhausen, Muhr am See and Orbau, among others, offer good campsites in the Altmühltal. These holiday destinations are known for their good conditions for water sports. Ambitious sports enthusiasts can also go climbing near Dollnstein. Relaxation can be found in one of the excellent river swimming pools not far from the campsites in the Altmühltal.

Gunzenhausen

Gunzenhausen is a particularly popular destination for holidaymakers who want to spend their time camping on the Altmühlsee. The lake is perfect for a refreshing swim and water sports. For example, sailing, surfing and kitesurfing are popular on the lake. The remains of the medieval town fortifications are also worth seeing, including the battlements, the Blasturm tower and the Färberturm tower.

Ornbau

It is also only a few minutes from Ornbau to the Altmühlsee. There are also some excellent places for canoeing and white water rafting in the surrounding area. In the town centre, the bridge over the Altmühl is a popular photo motif. In July, visitors can also attend the rousing Old Town Festival and sample regional specialities from one of the stalls.

Dollnstein

Situated in the centre of the Altmühltal Nature Park, Dollstein offers excellent opportunities for water sports and hiking. The Urdonau valley in particular, which stretches out here, is a popular excursion destination. Tours take in the vast juniper heaths and the castle stone at the Bubenrother Mühle mill.

Top 5 sights in the Altmühltal

• Beixenhart natural forest reserve: Situated near Dollnstein, the Beixenhart natural forest reserve impresses with its dense tree cover and neighbouring rock formations.
• Altmühlsee: The lake is the second largest body of water in the Franconian Lake District and is one of the most beautiful excursion destinations with its sailing harbours, sports facilities and secluded islands.
• Prunn Castle: The medieval fortress impresses with a marvellous view over the region and the massive keep from the 12th century.
• Herrieden: The stone Altmühl bridge and the historic churches are well worth seeing, especially the baroque St Martin's church.
• Altenmuhr Castle: The former moated castle is a popular excursion destination due to its magnificent stucco ceilings and half-timbered gatehouse.

Activities and excursions

In the Altmühltal, travellers can relax on one of the many lakes between the source of the Altmühl on the Frankenhöhe and the Danube or indulge in water sports on rowing tours and canoe trips. There are also many beautiful hiking and cycling routes along the Altmühl. From the campsites in the Altmühltal, holidaymakers can hike to picturesque riverbanks, imposing mountain slopes and historic hilltop castles such as the castle in Prunn. There are also some good climbing areas in the region.

Hiking on the Altmühltal Panorama Trail

Holidaymakers who enjoy walking can explore the entire course of the Altmühl. A hike takes you up to the Frankenhöhe, one of the most beautiful vantage points in Bavaria. From here, holidaymakers can look out over the dense Steigerwald forest. You can follow the river that rises here by bike or canoe on the water.

The Altmühltal Panorama Trail is a particularly great hiking trail. It was voted Germany's most beautiful hiking trail in 2012 and is one of the best trails in Germany. The premium hiking trail runs for 200 kilometres along the Altmühl and crosses the entire Altmühltal Nature Park on the route from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim. At 115 kilometres, the Limes Hiking Trail from Gunzenhausen to Bad Gögging is not quite as long, but equally beautiful.

Water hiking on the Altmühl

Water hiking on the Altmühl is the perfect way to slow down - and thanks to its slow flowing speed, canoe tours are great fun for the whole family. The route runs for almost 120 kilometres through the Altmühltal Nature Park between Gunzenhausen and Dietfurt/Töging. Each stage has its own special charm and as many campsites also have boat hire and moorings, the tour can be planned individually. There are also a number of boat hire sites along the route with opportunities to camp.

Water fun on the Altmühlsee

Travellers can take to the water in a canoe on the Altmühl and its tributaries. There are a number of local organisers, particularly in Ornbau, who plan tours and courses for visitors. Another hotspot for water sports is the Altmühlsee, where sailing and surfing take centre stage.

Fossil hunting in the Altmühltal Nature Park

In the 5 quarries and numerous collection points, young and old holidaymakers can go on an exciting fossil hunt in the Altmühltal. The nature park is famous for its numerous fossil finds - including the prehistoric bird Archaeopteryx. Hobby researchers can go on a treasure hunt in the soft rock with a hammer and chisel. Finding sites can be found in Schamhaupten, on the Blumenberg, in Solnhofen or at the Titting fossil site.

From the source of the Altmühl to its mouth by bike

The Altmühl cycle path is one of the best-known routes in the region. The cycle path is 250 kilometres long in total and leads from the source of the river to where it flows into the Danube at Kelheim. On one tour, you can also stop off in the picturesque old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. A hiking trail runs parallel to the cycle path.

Climbing in the Lower Altmühl Valley

The Lower Altmühl Valley is particularly suitable for climbing. There are numerous climbing and bouldering walls around Dollnstein and Essing where you can set yourself new challenges. The most famous climbing routes include The Face and the Kanal im Rücken. Almost every level of difficulty can be found in this part of the nature park.

Events

Festivals and events take place in the communities of the Altmühltal at all times of the year. Of course, it's especially nice when the sun is shining in summer. Here is a selection of the most beautiful festivals around the Altmühltal.

July

• Ornbau Old Town Festival: The Jakobi church consecration in July is the occasion for a large Old Town Festival in Ornbau. The celebrations include lots of music, shows and food stalls.
• Eichstätt fishing festival: At the market, locals and visitors can buy regional fish dishes as well as mackerel from Norway, green herrings and smoked trout. Other international specialities such as cheese from Holland are also on offer.
• The canal in the magic of fire: guests to Berching can look forward to a grand fireworks display at the end of July. The first events such as the paddle boat race, children's face painting and suckling pig barbecue start in the afternoon. The highlight is the pyrotechnic show over the Main-Danube Canal.

August

• Limes Festival: The Roman settlers are honoured at the Limes Festival in Kipfenberg. Brass bands play at the festival, wheat beer is served and the Limes Queen is crowned.

September

• Gunzenhäuser Kirchweih: The folk festival is a good opportunity to get to know the regional culture. Processions, but also marquees with beer tapping and hearty music are part of this event. The celebration, also known as Kerwa, looks back on more than 600 years of history

Gastronomy

Hearty Bavarian cuisine is of course typical of the Altmühltal. In the country inns, gourmets can try home-made roast knuckle of pork with savoury gravy and potatoes or dumplings. Another real classic is the veal sausages, which are made in many butcher's shops in the region. In beer gardens, you can also order Leberkäse with sweet mustard and Nuremberg-style grilled sausages.

The many watercourses and not least the Altmühlsee lake also offer the best conditions for excellent fish dishes. Trout and carp prepared with fine herbs and aromatic spices are a delicacy in this part of Bavaria. Many smaller towns have their own breweries and produce specialities such as wheat beer. The barley juice tastes particularly good with pretzels on sunny days in the beer garden.

Best time for a camping holiday in the Altmühltal

Most holidaymakers come camping in the Altmühltal between May and October, with summer being the high season. With temperatures of up to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, the months of June, July and August are particularly popular. During this period, you can go swimming in the Altmühlsee lake with a water temperature of over 20 degrees or enjoy one of the water sports.

Spring and autumn are more suitable for hiking. The temperatures are much milder then. In September, for example, maximum temperatures average 20 degrees Celsius. Compared to July, September is also significantly drier.