The Altmühltal, the valley of the Altmühl river between Ansbach and Kelheim, lies in southern Franconia. The breweries here are smaller and less densely distributed than in Fränkische Schweiz but have their own character. The region is primarily known as a cycling and hiking destination; travellers find brewery inns along the way.
Altmühltal at a Glance
- Bavaria's largest nature park — Gunzenhausen to Kelheim
- Medieval towns: Eichstätt, Weißenburg, Treuchtlingen, Beilngries
- Altmühl cycle path (140 km) — one of Bavaria's most beautiful cycling routes
- Beer style: Lagerbier, Märzen, regional variations
- Combining cycling and local beer: the correct approach
Beer Along the River
The Altmühltal belongs to Middle Franconia and sits at the border with the Upper Palatinate — a region that has received little beer tourism attention but has several very good small breweries. The towns along the Altmühl have a long Gasthof tradition; anyone cycling the Altmühl cycle path will encounter local breweries at various points.
Eichstätt
Episcopal seat, university town, baroque old town. Eichstätt has its own brewing tradition — the breweries of the city and county produce solid bottom-fermented lagers with their own character. Not a spectacular brewery village, but an honest beer region, and the town itself is one of the most beautiful in Bavaria.
Weißenburg in Bayern
Roman history (the Limes!), medieval townscape, small brewery scene. Weißenburg and its surroundings have breweries that are barely known outside the region — which makes them interesting.
The Altmühl Cycle Path
The Altmühl-Radweg (140 km from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim on the Danube) is one of Bavaria's finest cycling routes. It passes through the entire valley, past Gasthöfe and breweries. The correct approach to the valley: cycle it, stop at the breweries, drink the local beer after earning it.