Altmühltal Panorama Trail: Hiking bliss in Middle Franconia

On a discovery tour through Middle Franconia

The Altmühltal Panorama Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany. Practical: the 200-kilometre route can be easily divided into individual stages thanks to the good rail connections. A popular hiking tour is the 7.5 kilometres from the spa town of Treuchtlingen to the castle town of Pappenheim. The route is the perfect mix of switching off in nature and Middle Franconian city flair. From Treuchtlingen main station, you can reach the town hall, the official starting point for the hike, in around ten minutes. Follow Bahnhofstraße into town for 300 metres and pay a quick visit to the charming Café Naschmarkt on Partnerschaftsplatz on the way. After a delicious cup of coffee, turn left into Hauptstraße after 80 metres. The town hall is on your left after 50 metres. From there, follow the red and yellow symbol labelled "Altmühltal-Panoramaweg".

Picturesque hike on award-winning trails

The "Altmühltal Panorama Trail" scores highly with its diverse landscape and cultural experiences on a natural hiking route. It has also been awarded the "Wanderbares Deutschland Quality Trail" seal of approval by the German Hiking Association. The section between Treuchtlingen and Pappenheim offers you a natural experience of gentle beauty: the predominantly flat route leads past old trees, juniper slopes and rugged rock formations. After the Treuchtlingen district of Dietfurt, the route climbs over a small hill, then continues on the flat until a fantastic view of Pappenheim Castle opens up.

A cosy stop for refreshments and a historical walk through the town

Round off your relaxed hiking tour through the Altmühltal Nature Park with a cosy stop at the Landgasthof zum Grünen Baum. The menu impresses with hearty Franconian specialities and game delicacies from the Pappenheim hunting grounds. In winter, the neighbouring "Roter Schlag" hill invites you to go tobogganing and in summer, the large inn garden with a view of the vineyard invites you to linger. Discover the medieval streets of the tranquil little town on the way to Pappenheim railway station and keep an eye on the historical monuments. Follow Dr.-Dr.-Bertha-Kipfmüller-Straße in the direction of Bürgermeister-Rukwid-Straße and keep left. After 160 metres, cross the Altmühlbrücke bridge. From there, continue onto the market square, where the town hall is located. The red and green, three-storey building bears the colours of Pappenheim. Your walk continues onto Graf-Carl-Straße. On the left-hand side is the former residence of the Marshals of Pappenheim: the Old Palace. The impressive Renaissance building is still owned by the family and houses several flats.

Follow Graf-Carl-Straße, which turns right and becomes Bauhofstraße. Turn left into Deisingerstraße and keep left, following Schützenstraße. After 80 metres, the road bends slightly to the right onto Bahnweg. From there it is 750 metres to the left-hand bend into Lachgartenweg. Then turn right towards Bahnhofweg. You've made it! Pappenheim railway station is on the right-hand side.

In just a few minutes with the "Hin & Hören" podcast to the Altmühltal! We take you interactively to Middle Franconia, where you can discover the 12 Apostles - a true wonder of nature! Listen now.