Fine birds, fine 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. Cycle through the city centre to the north, past the northern railway station. Follow the signs with the cycle path logo towards the Schambachtalbahn cycle path. We then follow the former railway line to Altmannstein for our first stop at the castle ruins.

Since the eponymous Count Altmann II of Abensberg had Altmannstein Castle built on a promontory in the 13th century, the keep with its 2 metre thick humpback ashlar walls has seen many lords come and go. The castle was pawned for lack of money, later robber barons and plunderers fought skirmishes and, last but not least, it was destroyed by a fire set by the Swedes in 1632.

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

The route continues north-eastwards through the Schambach valley, past Hexenagger Castle to Riedenburg.

The spacious beer garden offers locals and day-trippers a cosy spot under large, venerable 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, snacks, coffee and cake as well as the best Bavarian beers. There is a playground and a petting zoo with goats to keep children amused. The FuchsStadl can also be used as a shelter on unstable and cold days.

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

It doesn't take much imagination to visualise the life of the Counts of Riedenburg from the 12th century onwards at Rosenburg Castle, picturesquely situated on a mountain ridge high above the Altmühltal valley. Between its metre-thick walls, they often passed the time with minstrel songs and falconry, hunting with the help of birds of prey. It is a tradition that has been revived in the castle complex since 1978 and which you can take part in twice a day (except Mondays).

At the birds of prey show (11 am and 3 pm), proud eagles, majestic vultures and manoeuvrable falcons present their impressive flying skills. Afterwards, there is the opportunity to get to know the birds of prey up close on 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 vaults of the Rosenburg 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 marvellous view of the town of Riedenburg and the Altmühltal valley.

A short walk takes you back down to Riedenburg. The path to the Crystal Museum is also just a few minutes' walk away.

Gemstones have always held a special fascination for us humans. They are said to have mysterious, lucky and healing powers. At the Riedenburg Crystal Museum, 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 tourmalines cut into slices makes this splendour visible. One highlight is the largest group of rock crystals in the world. It was found in 1981 in western Arkansas/USA, weighs 7.8 tonnes and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

The museum shop has a large selection of genuine, sparkling gemstone jewellery, minerals, "healing stones" and pretty souvenirs. A mini-golf course is located right next to the museum.

Return to Ingolstadt through the Schambach valley along the old railway line. On the outskirts of Ingolstadt there is another opportunity to stop off at the Kastaniengarten.

The brewery pub with beer garden under large chestnut trees, terrace and Tyrolean hut invites you to enjoy a refreshing beer and tasty Bavarian specialities. Alpine cuisine and seasonal beer are served. There is also regular live traditional music.

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