Altmühltal Camping – Are you a passionate camping fan?
Then the Altmühltal is definitely a recommended region that should be on your to-do list.
Here you can not only cycle along the famous cycle path or hike along the panoramic trail, but also take in some exciting sights and historical highlights.
It’s best to travel with a roof tent or tent trailer, as this allows you to enjoy a completely carefree and unforgettable time with children and dogs.
Want to get started right away?
Then take a look here in the store for a suitable roof tent.
Camping Ratgeber:
Carefree vacation in the Altmühltal
A vacation in the Altmühltal valley is all about relaxation and pure nature.
Here you can go hiking or cycling on picturesque paths, go swimming or canoeing, for example on the nearby Brombachsee lake, and plan exciting activities. Everything else you need to know about the Altmühltal and a camping vacation here.
First impressions: The vacation region from above
Take a look at the following video to get your first exciting impressions and inspiration for your own upcoming vacation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNvagABUU2I
Bucket list: 4 tips + 1 insider tip!
- Altmühltal cycle path
- Altmühltal Nature Park
- Altmühltal Panorama Trail
- Dinopark (for families with children)
Insider tip: Take a trip to Lake Brombachsee, which is close by and guarantees fun and games for the whole family!
Altmühltal Map & Directions
Most of the Altmühl Valley is located in the Bavarian administrative district of Middle Franconia.
It stretches between the source of the Altmühl at the Frankenhöhe on one side and Kelheim on the Danube near Regensburg on the other.
The popular vacation region can be easily reached by car.
Route: Cologne to Altmühltal
If you are traveling from Cologne, you can reach your destination by car via the A3 in less than 5 hours.
You can plan around the same time by train and public transport. If you want to get the most out of your nature vacation, you should go camping in the region around the Altmühltal.
Camping: closeness to nature & freedom
This allows you to enjoy the beauty and idyll of nature not only during the day, but also into the night and completely switch off from everyday life.
What’s more, unlike a hotel or vacation apartment, you are not tied to just one location or meal times and can explore several of the exciting places.
You also save a few euros, as you only have to pay for fuel, food and campsite fees along the way.
When camping with a rooftop tent, you are completely free to plan your day, you are not tied to just one location and can enjoy the intensive time with your loved ones well into the evening hours.
Advantages of roof tent camping
You should preferably opt for a roof tent.
With this, you always have your sleeping space on the roof of your car and can open up this enormously large and comfortable area at any time.
However, you won’t notice it on your car while driving, so you won’t have to observe any speed limits or the like, which would be an advantage over a motorhome, caravan, camper or even a tiny house.
Rooftop tent models are available in different sizes and with different features.
For example, you can choose between a roof tent for 2 people or a roof tent for 4 people and then configure the corresponding variant according to your wishes and ideas.
Read more about the different models, prices, roof load and other advantages here: Roof tent for your car. A roof tent offers you these advantages:
- More flexible travel arrangements than with a caravan, camper or motorhome
- Not just tied to one place
- Roof tent is always ready on your own car
- Can be mounted on any trolley
- Hardly noticeable during the journey
- Offers a large and comfortable living area when unfolded
- Can be set up in just a few minutes
- Various models in different sizes
- Cheaper than a hotel or vacation apartment
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.
Accommodation: Campsite recommendations
As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should look for a suitable campsite or legal pitch for your nights in the Altmühltal.
However, the most popular sites are all very close to nature and at the same time centrally located so that you can spend the night here and start planning your day straight away in the morning.
Here are some popular, central and inexpensive campsites that are also equipped with clean sanitary facilities and some leisure activities for children:
AZUR Camping Altmühltal
3.8 stars / 564 Google reviews
- Address: Campingstraße 1, 85110 Kipfenberg
- Opening hours: 09:00 to 20:00
- Phone: 0711 4093510
Altmühlsee – Camping Herzog GmbH
4.4 stars / 973 Google reviews
- Address: Seestraße 12, 91710 Gunzenhausen
- Phone: 09831 9033
Camping site on the Altmühl NATURAMA
4.5 stars / 1,087 Google reviews
- Address: An d. Altmühl 24, 92339 Beilngries
- Opening hours: 08:00 to 22:00
- Phone: 08461 606730
Camping site Kratzmühle
4.2 stars / 1,034 Google reviews
- Address: Mühlweg 2, 85125 Kinding
- Opening hours: 08:00 to 22:00
- Phone: 08461 64170
Camping site TALBLICK in Riedenburg in the Altmühl valley
3.8 stars / 181 Google reviews
- Address: Austraße 40, 93339 Riedenburg
- Opening hours: 10:00 to 20:00
- Phone: 09442 430
Evaluation: Experience – What is important?
When choosing a campsite, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria in order to enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, a central location with enough privacy and a certain level of cleanliness of the site and sanitary facilities are important exclusion criteria that you should consider when making your choice so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
I have listed a few factors for you here that you should keep in mind when looking for the right pitch:
- Rest
- Catering
- Friendliness
- Price-performance ratio
- General cleanliness
- Sanitary facilities
- Sanitary cleanliness
- Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
- Infrastructure
- Leisure time
- Location
Activities: Cycling, swimming & sightseeing
On a camping vacation, you are always surrounded by nature and usually have direct access to popular leisure activities and attractions.
The region around the Altmühltal is very natural and offers a number of attractions and sights in the immediate vicinity.
At the same time, you can also expect fun and games as well as exciting activities for the whole family.
Here are some interesting activities that await you on a camping vacation in the Altmühltal and provide adventure, fun and excitement:
- Cycling tours on the numerous cycle paths
- Hikes (e.g. panorama trail)
- Walks with a dog
- Riding
- Canoeing (e.g. on the Brombachsee)
- Fishing
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Wellness and spa offers
Now let’s move on to our specific vacation tips for things to do:
Excursion destinations: Things to do & places of interest
The region around the Altmühltal is ideal for walking, hiking, cycling or canoeing.
Whether it’s the Altmühltal cycle path or the Altmühltal panorama trail – nature lovers’ hearts will definitely beat faster here.
But there is something for everyone here too.
For example, a trip to Lake Brombachsee, which is just a short distance away and offers scenic highlights, sporting leisure activities, relaxation on the beach and, above all, family and dog-friendly attractions, is well worthwhile.
The Dinopark is particularly recommended for families with children.
These activities are recommended in the region:
- Altmühltal cycle path
- Altmühltal Panorama Trail
- Nature Park
- Lake Brombach
- Dinopark
My top 3 tips:
Altmühltal cycle path: nature park, Altmühl spring & lake landscape
Many holidaymakers come to the region to cycle along the Altmühltal cycle path, which is considered one of the most popular cycle tours in Germany.
It usually starts in Rothenburg, around 15 kilometers from the source of the Altmühl.
The route then runs for around 250 kilometers along the picturesque nature and meanders of the river.
As a highlight, you will be guided through the nature park, continue through the Franconian lake landscape and finally end at the mouth of the Altmühl on the Danube near Kelheim.
The tour is suitable for both beginners and keen cyclists and can be split up as required.
Take a look at the following video to get an impression of the tour.
Here you can already see the beautiful corners and scenic highlights that you will encounter on this spectacular cycle route: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwWJyhpPnQ0
Dinopark: an experience for families with children
The Dinopark is an unforgettable experience for young and old.
Over a distance of around 1.5 kilometers, visitors can stroll along a fairytale forest path and learn about the 400 million year old history of the earth.
Over 70 lifelike replicas of various dinosaurs await you, with some of the models reaching the treetops.
Afterwards, there are some historical fossils and skeletons in the museum hall, which can be admired on a tour.
You can also find out some interesting information here.
The Dinopark should definitely be on your to-do list during your vacation in the Altmühltal – with or without children!
Information about the Dinopark:
- 1.5 kilometer long fairytale forest trail
- 400 million years of earth history
- Over 70 lifelike replicas of various dinosaurs
- Museum hall with historical fossils and skeletons
- Exciting experience for young and old
Here you will find the Dinopark:
Altmühltal Panorama Trail: Hiking route in the countryside
If you prefer walking and enjoy hiking, the Altmühltal Panorama Trail may be more suitable for you.
This takes you from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim and is around 200 kilometers long.
You should definitely plan several days and different stages for this route.
Experienced campers need around 10 days for the entire route.
However, you can also choose only part of the route and then return from there by bus, for example.
However, the whole trip is definitely worthwhile, as there are not only picturesque nature but also historic towns, castles and palaces with exciting history to discover.
Watch this video to get an idea of what to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpHsMzCMCU4 What is the best time to go camping in the Altmühltal?
Weather: Temperatures & Trend
The climate in the Altmühltal is mild but rainy all year round, with an annual precipitation of 242 mm and an average temperature of 14 degrees.
July is the warmest month with an average of 19.4 degrees, while January is the coldest month with between -1 and 3 degrees.
A vacation is particularly recommended in the summer months between May and September, as this is the best time to explore the region, go on bike tours and take walks.
- Warmest month: July with an average of 19.4 degrees
- Coldest month: January with an average of -1 to 3 degrees
Weather today / in three days
Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days:
FAQ: Questions & Answers
Where is the most beautiful place in the Altmühltal?
How long is the Altmühltal cycle path?
And how big is the Altmühltal actually?
Here are some questions and answers that are often asked in connection with the Altmühltal.
Where is the most beautiful place in the Altmühltal?
The region around the Altmühltal is very close to nature and invites you to explore the colorful landscapes.
Some of the most beautiful towns in the area include Dollnstein, Eichstätt, Gunzenhausen, Pappenheim and Weißenburg.
How long is the Altmühltal cycle path?
The famous Altmühltal cycle path is around 250 kilometers long and is used by numerous tourists every year.
Ideally, you should start in Rothenburg and cycle along the Altmühl to Kelheim.
The route takes you through the nature park, which is a very special highlight for many nature lovers.
What belongs to the Altmühltal?
The Altmühltal includes the towns of Beilngries, Berching, Dietfurt, Eichstätt, Greding, Gunzenhausen, Kelheim, Monheim, Neuburg on the Danube, Neumarkt, Pappenheim, Riedenburg, Treuchtlingen, Weißenburg and Wemding.
How big is the Altmühltal?
The Altmühltal covers a total area of 2,962 km².
Where does the Altmühltal run?
The Altmühltal begins in Middle Franconia with the source of the Altmühl northwest of Leutershausen and ends in Kelheim on the Danube near Regensburg.
Which district is the Altmühltal?
The Altmühltal is part of the Eichstätt district.
Reading tip: Camping in Bavaria
Southern Germany is one of the most popular vacation destinations for German and foreign tourists.
Germany’s largest federal state in terms of area is Bavaria.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, fantastic views and the typical Bavarian charm, the state offers many interesting cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, as well as a variety of lakes, such as Lake Constance and Lake Hopfensee, where you can relax, hike and enjoy nature.
We’ll show you what the southern German state has to offer and which regions you should definitely visit on your vacation: