Canoe and Bike Tour at the Altmühl

Day 1: Individual arrival to Treuchtlingen

Welcome to the Altmühl Valley! You will arrive in Treuchtlingen, which is located directly on the river Altmühl. You will be able to plan your next stages in detail at the model railway miniature landscape. Can you find the miniature version of Regensburg, the destination of your canoe and bike tour? Visit the Wettelsheimer Keller in the evening – the cosy beer garden will give you a taste of Franconian hospitality and the delicacies of the Altmühl Valley.

Day 2: Treuchtlingen – Region of Pappenheim, approx. 14 km canoe tour

You will paddle along the Altmühl and marvel at the limestone cliffs, which tower above the river. The small river meanders through the tight valley in numerous river bends. Take a break in Pappenheim and walk up to the castle. Here you will find out how the German poet Friedrich Schiller, ‘recognised his Pappenheimers’ – this German figure of speech translates roughly as ‘knowing who one is dealing with’.

Day 3: Pappenheim – Dollnstein, approx. 15 km canoe tour

Twelve apostles will guide you on your way today – the famous rock formation on the river Altmühl braves the elements a few kilometres behind Solnhofen. You can look forward to two boat slides on today’s tour – an exciting interruption to an otherwise tranquil journey! Are you wondering why the placid Altmühl flows through such a broad valley? The river didn’t create it itself, but has taken ownership of the valley of the ancient Danube. There are many caves along the way, while castle ruins throne above the valley on the hilltops.

Day 4: Dollnstein – Eichstätt, approx. 17 km canoe tour

The last canoe stage on your canoe and cycle tour on the Altmühl takes you to the bishop city Eichstätt. The broad valley gives an indication of how forcefully the ancient Danube once carved its way through the rock. Countless fossils have been found in the Dollnhofen region, among them animal bones from wolves, bears, reindeer and mammoths. In Eichstätt you can visit the impressive cathedral and the Prince Bishops’ residence, but there is more to see. Castle Willibaldsburg, which thrones above the city, houses a Jurassic museum where you can see countless fossils.

Day 5: Eichstätt – Beilngries, approx. 45 km bike tour

Yesterday you paddled along the Altmühl, today you’ll cycle next to the river: It’s time for your first bike tour. Cycling on the cycle path which accompanies the Altmühl is comfortable and speedy, as it is flat and almost without traffic – perfect for a family cycle tour. Countless castles line your way. In Kinding you can find a special building: The Kirchenburg (fortress church). A church was built in the fortress in the 14th century. The church has been protected by towers, battlements and embrasures ever since.

Day 6: Beilngries – Kelheim, approx. 50 km bike tour

From Beilngries cycle along the last few kilometres of the Altmühl, before the river flows first into the Main-Danube Canal near Dietfurt and then into the Danube  in Kelheim. Dietfurt is also known as the ‘Chinese City’. A fountain in the town centre illustrates this legend. Three castles protect tranquil Riedenburg. Shortly before reaching Kelheim you will visit the Schulerloch. The 420-metre long dripstone cave gives you a wonderful insight into the world of stalagmites and stalactites.

Day 7: Kelheim – Regensburg, approx. 40 km bike tour

Before you start your final stage on your canoe and bike tour, you should walk up to the Befreiungshalle (Hall of Liberation), which thrones above Kelheim. It was commissioned by King Ludwig I and commemorates the successful battles against Napoleon. Cycle through Saal and Bad Abbach to reach Regensburg, the metropolis at the northernmost point of the Danube, which has a charming city centre.

Day 8: Individual departure or extension of stay

Your canoe and bike tour along the Altmühl and the Danube ends in Regensburg. We hope you had fun on and along the Altmühl. If you would like to stay a little longer, we can extend your stay.