Danube Gorge and surroundings

The region is known for its wide range of possibilities for hiking, biking and river boat cruising. The Danube Valley and the Altmühl River Valley fascinate with its craggy cliffs, beech forests and flowing water of the rivers. The south of the region is part of the Hallertau Hop Country. It is the world’s largest contiguous hop growing area in the world.

In addition there is a rich cultural heritage with human settlement tracing back till the Stone Age. So it is not surprising to find a popular archeological park in the region. But also from other ages there are a lot of landmarks to see around. The world-famous Weltenburg monastery at the Danube, the liberation hall high above Kelheim built by king Ludwig I. in memory to the liberation of Napoleon and Prunn castle located on a 70m high cliff, only to name a few.

Another considerable touristic element is the Roman past of the region. Near the little village Eining was the starting point of the Limes, the 500 km long Roman boundary wall between Rhine and Danube, which has been UNESCO world heritage since 2005.

One of the most important culinary themes in the region are hop, beer and breweries. There are 16 different breweries in the region. As also some of the ingredients are grown here, one of the touristic slogans is “land of the origin of beer”. Here you find the three oldest breweries worldwide of their kind: the oldest monastery brewery from 1050 in Weltenburg, the oldest private brewery from 1131 in Herrngiersdorf and the oldest wheat beer brewery from 1607 in Kelheim. A newer sight connected to the theme beer is Kuchlbauer’s beerworld in Abensberg with its around 35m high tower originally designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Another culinary theme is asparagus which is grown on the sandy soils around the charming town Abensberg. Since 2012 the origin of the Abensberg asparagus is EU-certified.

A third specialty is the certified Altmühl Valley Lamb. Sheep farming in the Altmühl Valley is a tradition spanning several generations. It is an important factor to preserve the landscape of the the herbrich rough pastures on the hillsides.

The most famous nature highlight in the region is the Danube Gorge. On a boat trip from Kelheim to Weltenburg you will be fascinated by the high cliffs on both sides of the river. The Danube Gorge and its surroundings are part of a nature preserve which is home to numerous rare species. Therefore it has received the European Diploma of Protected Areas in 1978, unique in Bavaria!

Through the year there are a lot of traditional and modern events in the region, some even take place on the water as for example the midsummer night’s cruise from Kelheim to Riedenburg with great fireworks. Or the Roman festival at the former cohort castle of Abusina. There you can take a dive back into the past around 2000 year ago.

Supporting tourist fascination nearby: Regensburg with its medieval old town (UNESCO world heritage).

Contact information:
Tourismusverband im Landkreis Kelheim e.V.
Donaupark 13
93309 Kelheim
Phone: 0049 9941 207-330
E-Mail: info@tourismus-landkreis-kelheim.de
Web: www.tourismus-landkreis-kelheim.de

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