What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough. Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage. Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable. Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food. If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

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Altmühltal Panorama

11 days / 10 nights

Journey through Bavaria’s National Park – where stunning landscapes, historic castles, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty meet on every step of the trail.

Starting point

Gunzenhausen

Finish point

Kelheim

Season

From March to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Journey through Bavaria’s National Park – where stunning landscapes, historic castles, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty meet on every step of the trail.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.350 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Journey through Bavaria’s National Park – where stunning landscapes, historic castles, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty meet on every step of the trail.

Starting point

Gunzenhausen

Finish point

Kelheim

Season

From March to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Highlights

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Altmühltal National Park
Visit the medieval Prunn Castle, perched high above the Altmühl River
Explore historic castles, ancient ruins, and medieval towns along the way
Marvel at the Weltenburg Abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in Bavaria
Experience a trail suitable for all hikers, offering both gentle paths and rewarding climbs
Relax in charming villages with local cuisine, cozy beer gardens, and welcoming accommodations

Itinerary of the trip

Your Altmühltal panoramic hike will begin in Gunzenhausen, a town steeped in history. The initial path leads through fields and meadows, with forests on the horizon, before the scenery opens to a blend of fields and quaint villages, with Gunzenhausen’s outline visible in the distance. In Spielberg, you can explore a fruit ark with diverse apple and pear varieties and visit Spielberg Schloss, a 14th-century landmark renovated by artist Ernst Steinacker. Before reaching the castle, a small chapel provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking

10.5 km and 180 m of elevation gain / 75 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Garni Gentner

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Leaving Spielberg, the trail enters the wild Spielberger Leite natural forest reserve, where rugged rocks rise between ancient trees. You’ll come across the Gelber Berg with its historic fortifications from Celtic and Germanic tribes. Near Wolfsbronn, the Steinerne Rinne offers a unique sight – a stream flowing on a limestone bed that’s up to 1.6 meters high. In Treuchtlingen, the warm springs of the Altmühltherme provide a perfect spot to relax after a long day.

Hiking

26 km and 560 m of elevation gain / 660 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Adventure Campus

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

From Treuchtlingen, you’ll venture into the Altmühlauen, with its wet meadows along the riverbanks that are home to rare birds like grey herons and kingfishers. The route passes through Pappenheim, where the town’s medieval charm shines and the Pappenheim Castle offers panoramic views and intriguing museums within its walls. Crossing the Altmühl, you can explore the treetop trails of the forest climbing garden. Following the river’s curve, you’ll hike along juniper heath and light forest paths, eventually reaching Solnhofen, where the ancient Sola basilica awaits.

Hiking

15.5 km and 440 m of elevation gain / 400 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Senefelder Hof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Your journey through Solnhofen unveils the region's prehistoric past, with the famous Solnhofen limestone that holds fossils like the Archaeopteryx. Today, the trail leads to the striking ‘Twelve Apostles’ rock formation, towering limestone remnants of ancient reefs from the Jurassic Sea. Continuing through the Gailach Valley, you’ll pass historic Mörnsheim and ascend Burgberg, or follow the valley floor to Altendorf. Near Dollnstein, the Hammermühle beer garden offers a rest spot beside the river with scenic views of the Urdonau valley.

Hiking

17.5 km and 550 m of elevation gain / 600 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Gasthof zum Brunnen

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Starting in the basin-surrounded town of Dollnstein, you’ll pass Burgstein rock, a striking limestone formation shaped by ancient rivers. The route features rugged cliffs and juniper heaths, with a perfect spot to pause on a 30-metre wooden bench offering stunning views. Near Eichstätt, you can explore the Bergér Museum or hunt for fossils at the nearby quarry. You’ll spend the night in Eichstätt, a cultural gem boasting the historic Willibaldsburg castle with its Jura Museum.

Hiking

15 km and 450 m of elevation gain / 450 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Adler

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today, the route leads through juniper heaths, formed in the Middle Ages and still grazed by Altmühltal lambs. As you walk, you’ll reach the Gungoldinger Wacholderheide, a vibrant nature reserve with blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies. Continuing through the Arnsberger Leite nature reserve, you’ll find diverse species thriving in the dry grassland. Near Kipfenberg, the reconstructed Roman watchtower marks the trail’s proximity to the historic Limes UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hiking

25.5 km and 620 m of elevation gain / 650 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Gästezimmer Bauer

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Your morning will begin with an ascent to Schellenberg, where a nature trail reveals traces of prehistoric fortifications. Passing through Kinding, you’ll spot the region's oldest fortified church with its thick protective walls. The path alternates between forests and meadows, with highlights like a stone gate near Unteremmendorf marking the site of a ruined medieval castle. Nearing Beilngries, you’ll see Hirschberg Castle, once a summer retreat for the Eichstätt prince-bishops, overlooking the historic town.

Hiking

24.5 and 560 m of elevation gain / 600 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Schattenhofer Braugasthof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

This morning marks another ascent, this time to the Arzberg. This isolated mountain, shaped by the forces of the Sulz and Urdonau, offers scenic views of the ‘Malmschichten am Arzberg’, a geological marvel featuring limestone layers from the Jurassic Sea. Passing Töging, where the Altmühl merges with the Main-Danube Canal, the route leads to the Celtic adventure village of Alcmona. Near Dietfurt, a pilgrimage site at Griesstetten offers tranquil scenery, where you can recharge your batteries as today’s short stage allows for longer breaks.

Hiking

10.5 km and 240 m of elevation gain / 200 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel zur Post Garni

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today, the trail passes the historic pilgrimage church ‘Zu den drei elenden Heiligen’, where three Irish monks once lived in nearby rock caves. The route follows the Main-Danube Canal before ascending through the forest via the Roßkopfsteig. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Eggersberg Castle, a striking 17th-century building now home to a hotel and museum. Continuing along the canal, the path offers panoramic vistas from the Falkenhorst and Teufelsfelsen rock. In Riedenburg, surrounded by the ruins of three castles, you can explore Rosenburg Castle’s falconry centre with seasonal flight demonstrations.

Hiking

24.5 km and 640 m of elevation gain / 640 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Ferienhaus Meixner

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The last stretch of your journey with a steep ascent through a gorge near Riedenburg, surrounded by rugged boulders and ancient trees. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Prunn Castle, an 11th-century knight’s stronghold, meticulously restored to showcase its medieval heritage. The route continues past the ‘Celtic Wall’ towards Weltenburg Abbey, where a traditional boat ride on the Danube offers breathtaking views of the gorge. The journey concludes in Kelheim, with the historic Liberation Hall standing proudly above the old town, marking the end of your Altmühltal adventure.

Hiking

24 km and 650 m of elevation gain / 650 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Greenapartment Kelheim

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

It’s time to say goodbye to panoramic views of the Altmühltal valley. After breakfast, take some time to reflect on your journey, enjoy one last stroll or a cup of coffee and prepare for your return home. Good public transport can take you to your point of departure, whether that's Nuremberg, Munich or any other major city.

Gallery

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 35-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings

Shade hat/cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Toiletries

The Altmühltal Panorama Trail is more than just a hike – it's a journey through time, nature, and culture.

Spanning over 200 kilometers through Bavaria’s picturesque landscapes, this trail reveals the Altmühltal Nature Park in all its serene beauty. The trail meanders past historic castles, ancient Roman ruins, and medieval fortifications, offering a glimpse into the past at every turn.

Whether you’re standing atop a limestone cliff, gazing out over a sea of green, or wandering through a sun-dappled forest, there’s a sense of tranquility and timelessness that resonates deeply.

Along the way, well-marked paths guide you through charming towns and villages where you can savor regional delicacies, explore local museums, or simply relax in a cozy beer garden. The trail not only takes you through Bavaria’s heart but also offers moments of quiet reflection and the simple pleasure of moving through beautiful, unspoiled landscapes.

To ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we take care of all the logistics. From booking accommodations, providing detailed digital guidebooks and GPS tracks to offering customer support, we make sure that every detail is covered, leaving you free to explore the national park at your own pace.

So, whether you’re drawn by the promise of stunning natural beauty, the allure of historical discovery, or the sheer joy of the trail, the Altmühltal Panorama invites you to step away from the everyday and into an unforgettable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you. However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.350 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+59

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

My friend and I went with Triglav Tours for a 3 day, 2 night hike this summer and had the most amazing time!! Our guide, Bine, was awesome and had lots of cool facts to share about the area we were hiking. Additionally, my friend and I had not completed such a technical hike before and the guide and other guests were very patient with us and encouraging, ensuring we felt safe the entire time. The overnights were also such a fun way to get to know Bine, the other guests, and other hikers as well. Cannot recommend Triglav tours enough!!!

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Michael White

Verified customer

I arranged a six-day/five-night trip with Hut to Hut Slovenia. It's the first time I've gone with a tour organizer and I can say it went really well. In the past I've arranged huts myself and it is a huge hassle figuring out how to make the bookings, if the bookings actually exist, and what good/viable routes might be. Having this all sort was, at least to me, totally worth it. The routing is via Ride with GPS, which was great. I'd recommend bringing 1:25,000 scale paper maps as a backup, just in case. The huts themselves differ wildly. Some are really rustic with, ahem, interesting toilet facilities. One was accessible by road and thus had showers, a long menu, and even espresso. All will have some sort of food, but you might only have two options for dinner (one with meat, one vegetarian). The cuisine in the Slovenian huts leans strongly to stews and goulashes with minimal fresh vegetables and/or fruit. Certainly good and hearty but pretty much everyone I talked to said the food was better in the Italian and Austrian huts. Some huts are cash only, some take cards (but the card reader might be down). A 1.5 litre bottle of water is about 6 euro, so if you have a beer with dinner and also buy lunch you need to carry about 25-30 euro per day in cash (assuming you have a booking that includes breakfast). Of the six days of hiking, four were ridiculously spectacular, with the highlight being sunrise from Mt Stol. Getting up to the high mountains, though, can be crazy steep, with switchbacks only sparsely used. Descents are similarly tough, and you have to watch every step. For the first time ever I used trekking poles and my knees thank me. Two days were a bit of a slog, but this is probably unavoidable getting up to or down from the high terrain. Would I do something like this again? Yes, absolutely! But next time it will probably be the Dolomites.

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

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Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

Tina and her team gave me perfect support on my hut hike through the Triglav National Park in July. In particular, they had to cater to my specific needs twice, which they did for me with no problem. I once had to cancel at short notice before the start of the trip because my father was not feeling well, but then we found a solution and I was able to start the hike. Tina and team first canceled the huts immediately and then reserved them again for me. Even when my condition caused a little tour change again, I immediately had suggestions and these were immediately available in the Trip plans app. I liked this app very much because it was easy to handle and the huttohut-team gave a short overview how the daily tour will be and which highlights – mostly beautiful views – I will see“

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

Show all 3 photos

Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Michael White

Verified customer

Show all 10 photos

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

Show all 3 photos

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...

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With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.

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Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

We are a team of outdoor specialists equipped with the knowledge and insight to bring you the best hiking experiences.

from 1.350 € /person

Altmühltal Panorama

Choose your style

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Gunzenhausen – Spielberg

Day 2: Spielberg – Treuchtlingen

Day 3: Treuchtlingen – Solnhofen

Day 4: Solnhofen – Dollnstein

Day 5: Dollnstein – Eichstätt

Day 6: Eichstätt – Kipfenberg

Day 7: Kipfenberg – Beilngries

Day 8: Beilngries – Dietfurt

Day 9: Dietfurt – Riedenburg

Day 10: Riedenburg – Kelheim

Day 11: Departure from Kelheim

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

What to bring to the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Choose your style

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

VALUE YOUR TIME

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

TRUSTED BY MANY

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Gunzenhausen – Spielberg

Day 2: Spielberg – Treuchtlingen

Day 3: Treuchtlingen – Solnhofen

Day 4: Solnhofen – Dollnstein

Day 5: Dollnstein – Eichstätt

Day 6: Eichstätt – Kipfenberg

Day 7: Kipfenberg – Beilngries

Day 8: Beilngries – Dietfurt

Day 9: Dietfurt – Riedenburg

Day 10: Riedenburg – Kelheim

Day 11: Departure from Kelheim

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

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