Noble birds, noble jewellery - from Ingolstadt to the Schambach Valley

There are 461 bicycle parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of Ingolstadt main station.

The starting point is Ingolstadt main station. Head north through the city centre, past the Nordbahnhof station. Signposting with the cycle path logo in the direction of the Schambachtalbahn cycle path. Then we follow the former railway line first to Altmannstein for our first stop at the castle ruins.

Since its namesake, Count Altmann II of Abensberg, had Altmannstein Castle built on a hilltop in the 13th century, the keep with its 2-metre-thick walls of ashlars has seen many lords come and go. The castle was mortgaged for lack of money, later robber barons and plunderers fought skirmishes and finally, in 1632, it was destroyed by a fire set by the Swedes.

Today, you can enjoy the great view over Altmannstein and the Schambach valley in peace. It can be reached from the village via hiking trail no. 1 and the Burg-Stein-Gasse. There is a small playground opposite the castle.

Continue northeast through the Schambach valley, past Hexenagger Castle to Riedenburg.

The spacious beer garden offers locals and day trippers a cosy spot under large, time-honoured chestnut trees directly opposite the town pond in the old town of Riedenburg to enjoy a freshly tapped pint of beer. The pub offers hot meals throughout, snacks, coffee and cakes, and the best Bavarian beers. For children, there is a playground and a petting zoo with goats. Even on unstable and cold days, it is possible to gather in the FuchsStadl for shelter.

The best way to get up to Falkenhof Schloss Rosenburg is a 15-minute walk.

It doesn't take much imagination to picture the life of the Counts of Riedenburg since the 12th century at Rosenburg Castle, picturesquely situated on a ridge high above the Altmühl Valley. Between its metre-thick walls, they often passed the time with minstrelsy and falconry, hunting with the help of birds of prey. It is a tradition that has been resumed in the castle complex since 1978 and can be participated in twice daily (except Mondays) during visits.

At the bird of prey show (11 am and 3 pm), proud eagles, majestic vultures and agile falcons present their impressive flying skills. Afterwards, there is the opportunity to get to know the birds of prey up close during a tour of the castle grounds. The castle museum also provides information about the history of falconry, birds of prey and the entire local animal kingdom.

Local specialities, snacks and salads as well as coffee and cake are offered in the Rosenburg vaults and in the beer garden in the inner courtyard. The nearby Rabenstein castle ruins are also within easy walking distance. From there, there is a magnificent view of the town of Riedenburg and the Altmühl valley.

Back down to Riedenburg is a short walk. The path to the crystal museum is also only a few minutes' walk away.

Gemstones have always exerted a special fascination on us humans. They are said to have mysterious, lucky and healing powers. In the Crystal Museum Riedenburg everything revolves around gemstones and minerals. The largest diamond replica collection in the world tells adventurous stories about the world-famous diamonds. Tourmalines are the kings of colour among gemstones. A collection of 800 sliced tourmalines makes this splendour visible. A highlight is the largest rock crystal group in the world. Found in 1981 in West Arkansas/USA, it weighs 7.8 tonnes and is in the Guinness Book of Records.

In the museum shop you will find a large selection of real, sparkling gemstone jewellery, minerals, "healing stones" and pretty souvenirs. A mini-golf course is located right next to the museum.

The route back to Ingolstadt leads through the Schambach valley along the old railway line. On the outskirts of Ingolstadt there is another opportunity to stop at the Kastaniengarten.

The brewery tavern with beer garden under large chestnut trees, terrace and Tyrolean Hüttn invites you to enjoy a refreshing beer and delicious Bavarian delicacies. Alpine cuisine and seasonal beer are served. There is also traditional live music on a regular basis.

Return to the starting point via Schillerstrasse and Südliche Ringstrasse past the city centre.