Pilgrimage in the Altmühltal
In short: Yes. The East Bavarian Way of St James runs through Eichstätt on to Donauwörth, and another Way of St James comes to Eichstätt from Nuremberg.
The Altmühltal is one of the best pilgrimage regions in Germany for anyone who does not want to head straight for Spain. It lies in the middle of Bavaria between Nuremberg, Ingolstadt and Regensburg and has something many regions lack: a real pilgrimage history. Eichstätt was founded by a man who had travelled to the Holy Land as early as the 8th century.
We are based in Solnhofen ourselves, right in the valley. On this page you will find all the routes and places in the region. If you are here for the first time, the best place to start is Eichstätt.
Pilgrimage routes in the Altmühltal
| Route | Section | Length | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecumenical Pilgrim Way | Eichstätt to Heidenheim | around 72 km | 4 days |
| Way of St James from Nuremberg to Eichstätt | Nuremberg to Eichstätt | around 80 to 85 km | 4 to 6 days |
| East Bavarian Way of St James | Eschlkam to Donauwörth | around 273 km | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Wallfahrerweg | Breitenbrunn to Wemding | around 130 km | about 1 week |
| Altmühltal Panorama Trail | Gunzenhausen to Kelheim | around 200 km | 10 to 15 days |
The Panorama Trail is no pilgrimage route in the strict sense. It does run through Eichstätt and past many churches and monasteries, so people who mainly want to find some peace on the way walk it too.
The places
You will keep coming across two names here: Willibald and Walburga. The siblings came to the region from England in the 8th century. Their tombs in Eichstätt are still pilgrimage destinations today.
The best-known place of pilgrimage in the diocese, however, already lies in the Ries: the Maria Brünnlein basilica in Wemding, which you reach by the Wallfahrerweg.
How to plan your trip
We have summed up travel, accommodation, the pilgrim passport and the best time to go on the page Planning a pilgrimage in the Altmühltal. If you have no pilgrimage experience yet, the Altmühltal is a good place to try out a long weekend. You will find more German routes under Pilgrimage in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Way of St James through the Altmühltal?
Yes. The East Bavarian Way of St James runs through Eichstätt on to Donauwörth, and another Way of St James comes to Eichstätt from Nuremberg.
Which is the shortest pilgrimage route in the Altmühltal?
The Ecumenical Pilgrim Way from Eichstätt to Heidenheim measures around 72 kilometres and can be walked in four days.
Is the Altmühltal suitable for first-time pilgrims?
Yes. The stages are manageable, the Altmühltal railway helps with getting there and back, and accommodation is easy to find. The stiff climbs are mainly from the valley up to the plateau.