The best gravel rides in Naturpark Altmühltal
4.5
(580)
4,234
riders
366
rides
Gravel biking in Naturpark Altmühltal offers diverse terrain across its varied landscapes. The region features extensive forested areas, rolling hills, and the meandering Altmühl river. Cyclists encounter both relaxed riverside paths in valleys and more challenging ascents to the Jura Plateau, which is characterized by secluded field and forest trails. Prominent natural features include Jurassic limestone cliffs, striking rock formations, and juniper heathlands.
Best gravel bike trails in Naturpark Altmühltal
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Solnhofer Platten-Runde –…
Last updated: October 29, 2026
4.6
(18)
74
riders
53.4km
03:13
560m
560m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.2
(13)
50
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.6
(8)
53
riders
56.1km
03:53
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(8)
68
riders
49.6km
03:53
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.5
(4)
31
riders
69.5km
04:29
850m
850m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Popular around Naturpark Altmühltal
Augsburger Jakobsweg – Through Bavarian-Swabia
The Romantic Road – To the Pearls of Southern Germany
Jurasteig — hiking in the heart of Bavaria
Urdonautalsteig – Hiking through past times
German Limes Cycle Path – Riding from the Rhine to the Danube
The Romantic Road – 10 fabulous stages
Five Rivers Cycle Path — 5 stages along Bavaria's most beautiful rivers
Donau-Panoramaweg – 10 days nature views and cultural insights
Niederbayerntour in 7 stages — Swim trunks, beer, baroque
The Franconian Water Bike Path – 8 days of creeks, lakes & rivers
Other adventures in Naturpark Altmühltal
Tips from the Community
Located directly on the Altmühl. Large selection of warm dishes, snacks, and drinks
0
0
Directly on the cycle path and the river. The Mühlenwirt in Solnhofen is a nice place to stop in the Altmühltal. The Franconian inn is housed in a listed village mill, and the beer garden directly borders the Altmühl. On the menu, you will find regional snacks, Franconian classics, and Spalter beer from the only municipal brewery in Germany. Info here: https://zum-muehlenwirt.de/.
3
0
Hexenagger Castle A Dietricus von Haecsenakker is mentioned as early as 928 in a Regensburg document from the St. Emmeram Monastery; further information is scarce. In 1311, Gottfried Hexenacker became Bishop of Freising. He had studied in Bologna and served as dean of the cathedral there for many years. In 1314, he died of an infectious disease while on a tour of inspection in Vienna. In 1485, the castle passed through marriage to the Counts of Helfenstein, who sold the fortress to Duke William of Bavaria in 1528. He gave Hexenagger to the Muggenthal family as a fief. When the castle was destroyed in the Thirty Years' War, the Muggenthal family rebuilt it as a castle. In 1724, the castle was sold to the Bavarian Elector Charles Albert, as the Hexenagger line of the Muggenthal family had died out. In 1731, Elector Karl Albrecht donated the castle to his mistress, Maria Josepha Countess von Morawitzky. Her husband received the castle in 1738, and when he died in 1754, Anton von Kaiserstein became the new owner. Franz Joseph III von Kaiserstein (1792–1893) sold the castle in 1830 and acquired an estate in Sooß (Lower Austria) in exchange. From 1830 to 1951, Hexenagger Castle belonged to the noble family of Weidenbach. Otto Edler von Weidenbach bequeathed it to his niece Ilse von Kalckreuth, who married Wilhelm Leichtfuß, whose son, Eberhard Leichtfuß, owns it today. Hexenagger is a castle between the Renaissance and Baroque periods, built on the foundations of the old castle. In the lower areas and at the corners, ashlars and bossed ashlars, up to several meters high, are still visible on the castle building. The stump of the keep, made of bossed ashlar, is also said to have been preserved, but is not visible from the outside. The defensive character of the complex is best appreciated from the rear, where parts of the curtain wall and wall towers have been preserved. The tall, narrow chapel also still hints at the castle in its form; particularly interesting is the slender, slightly leaning bell tower, which appears to still sit on the older foundations of the medieval chapel tower. The main building itself, with its stepped gable and beautiful garden, presents a romantic sight. The castle is privately owned and not open to the public; the popular Christmas market was relocated to the Wolfgangshof estate near Zirndorf in Middle Franconia in 2023 due to complaints from local residents. Source: www.Burgenseite.de / www.wikipedia.de
2
0
The Treuchtlingen City Castle is a Renaissance castle in Treuchtlingen in the Middle Franconian district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen. The City Castle is also historically referred to as Niedere Veste, in reference to the Obere Veste located further above. The building is registered in the Bavarian Monument List as a historical monument under the monument number D-5-77-173-23.[1] The address is Heinrich-Aurnhammer-Straße 3 and 5. The castle is the birthplace of Gottfried Heinrich zu Pappenheim, a cavalry general of the Thirty Years' War. The quote from Friedrich von Schiller's drama "Wallenstein's Death" is attributed to him: "Daran erkenn’ ich meine Pappenheimer" (By this I recognize my Pappenheimers). Today, the castle houses, among other things, the Museum of the City of Treuchtlingen.
1
0
Always a nice destination, gladly again
1
0
There are still many beautiful views to be had; the entire Altmühl Valley Cycle Path is worth a bike ride. Ideally, a multi-day tour.
1
0
There are still many beautiful views to be had; the entire Altmühl Valley Cycle Path is worth a bike ride. Ideally, a multi-day tour.
2
1
Very beautiful little castle with a small park, definitely worth a visit if you are in Treuchtlingen.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Naturpark Altmühltal?
Naturpark Altmühltal offers a diverse gravel biking experience. You'll find a mix of relaxed riverside paths in the valleys, challenging ascents to the Jura Plateau, and secluded field and forest trails. The region is known for its Jurassic limestone cliffs, striking rock formations, and juniper heathlands, providing varied surfaces and scenic backdrops.
How many gravel bike routes are available in Naturpark Altmühltal?
There are nearly 600 gravel bike routes available in Naturpark Altmühltal on komoot. This includes a wide range of options, with approximately 48 easy, 330 moderate, and 195 difficult routes to choose from.
Are there any challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, Naturpark Altmühltal features several demanding routes. For instance, the Altmuehlfranken - Graveling in the Altmuehltal Nature Park is a difficult 67.3 km trail with significant elevation gain, offering a substantial challenge for experienced gravel bikers.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike trails?
The region is rich in natural and historical sights. You can encounter impressive Jurassic limestone cliffs, unique rock formations, and juniper heathlands. Notable viewpoints include the Summit cross on the Schellenberg and the Teufelsfelsen Take-off Ramp with views over the Altmühl Valley. The spectacular Danube Gorge, with its towering limestone formations, is also a prominent natural wonder.
Are there any routes that pass by historical castles or cultural sites?
Absolutely. The Castles and Valleys - Graveling in the Altmuehltal Nature Park route, for example, leads through river valleys and past historical castles. You can also find magnificent castles and stately fortresses perched above picturesque river valleys throughout the park, and historic towns like Eichstätt offer cultural experiences with their baroque architecture.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Naturpark Altmühltal?
The gravel biking routes in Naturpark Altmühltal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. More than 5,000 gravel bikers have explored the region using komoot, often praising the varied terrain and scenic beauty.
Are there any moderate gravel routes suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride?
Yes, there are plenty of moderate options. The Around Beilngries - Graveling in the Altmühltal Nature Park is a great example of a moderate 49.6 km route, offering a scenic ride without the intense climbs of the more difficult trails.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes in Naturpark Altmühltal?
Many of the gravel bike routes in Naturpark Altmühltal are designed as circular tours, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This makes planning your ride and logistics, such as parking, much easier. You can filter for circular routes on komoot to find options that suit your preferences.
What are some interesting places to explore near the gravel trails?
Beyond the trails, you can explore cultural highlights like Weltenburg Monastery, home to the world's oldest monastery brewery, often accessible by boat through the Danube Gorge. Historic towns such as Beilngries Old Town and Riedenburg Old Town also offer charming stops with their unique architecture and atmosphere.
Is Naturpark Altmühltal suitable for gravel biking in winter?
While the park is beautiful year-round, winter conditions can vary. Riverside paths might be accessible, but higher elevations and forest trails could be affected by snow and ice. It's always best to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before planning a winter gravel ride. Some routes, like those on the Jura Plateau, might be more exposed.
Are there any routes that highlight the region's famous limestone formations?
Yes, the Solnhofer Platten-Runde – Graveling in the Altmühltal Nature Park is a prime example. This difficult 51.1 km route traverses areas specifically known for their impressive limestone formations, offering a unique geological experience while you ride.
How can I access the gravel bike trails in Naturpark Altmühltal?
Many routes in Naturpark Altmühltal are easily accessible by train, enhancing its appeal for cycling tourism. Additionally, there are numerous parking options available near trailheads throughout the park. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.
Most popular routes in Naturpark Altmühltal
Most popular attractions in Naturpark Altmühltal
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
