The best gravel rides in Naturpark Altmühltal

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

Always a nice destination, gladly again

The entire Altmühl Valley Cycle Path is worth a bike ride. Ideally, a multi-day tour.

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.

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.

Supermarket directly on the cycle path invites thirsty (and hungry) cyclists to refuel

Wülzburg Castle offers an interesting journey into history. It is located on a hill (630 m) near Weißenburg. Free parking is available. Alternatively, you can choose the several-hour climb through the forest from Weißenburg. You can visit the inner courtyard of the pentagonal fortress at any time. Guided tours of certain areas are available from May to October (hourly, with the last one at 4 p.m.). You can then see, among other things, the cellars and the spectacular fountain. You can enjoy refreshments at the castle inn within the complex. An easy path leads around the outside of the fortress, offering beautiful views.

Magnificent rock formation in the Altmühl Valley.