On this hike, you will get to know the Weltenburger Enge nature reserve with its impressive rock formations. The varied route first takes you along the Danube and then up into the forest. You can reach the Weltenburg monastery on the other side of the Danube by boat or cable ferry. A special experience for many. There are two ways to get back to Kelheim. On the one hand, a beautiful forest path on the southern side of the Danube leads back to the Wittelsbach town, or you can glide back on board one of the excursion boats on the Danube waves.
The route starts at the information platform at the landing stage. If your vehicle is parked at the Volksfestplatz, it is only 500 m from there to the start. The trail initially runs along the embankment and after a few minutes runs directly along the Danube, where the embankment crosses the old Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal. The so-called forest route leads via the Befreiungshalle through the forest to Weltenburg Abbey. (See below for a description of the alternative route).
After about 20 minutes, the path leads past the Klösterl hermitage and subsequently past a striking rock formation that bears the name „Beehive“ because of its appearance. The trail continues past a rock formation known as the “Beehive” because of its appearance. After passing through an orchard meadow, the trail turns right and heads up into the forest. After the climb, you’ll reach a trail junction and turn left there, continuing toward Weltenburg. Just before heading back down to the Danube, you should take a detour to the left to a lookout point. From there, you’ll enjoy a fascinating view of Weltenburg Abbey and the Danube. After enjoying the view, return to the main trail; after a short stretch along the Celtic rampart, the path finally winds down to the Danube via a root-covered trail. You’ll need sure footing here. When the weather is nice, small boats are available to take you across to the monastery. Alternatively, the cable ferry at Stausacker runs back and forth between the banks in all weather conditions from late March through late October. To reach it, simply walk 800 meters further upstream along the Danube. Operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Now it’s time for a leisurely break in the beer garden in Weltenburg. Here you can enjoy the Barock Dunkel from the world’s oldest monastery brewery. Before continuing on, be sure to visit the Baroque monastery church, which was built by the Asam brothers. Also worth a visit is the small but charming visitor center, which offers information about the monastery and the Weltenburger Enge nature reserve. Before continuing, you’ll need to decide whether you’d like to return to Kelheim on foot or by boat. If you choose the boat, it’s only 400 meters back to the dock. If you’d like to wander through the woods a bit longer, follow the path that leads up the hill from the monastery courtyard. There, you’ll first come across a Way of the Cross on the so-called Frauenberg. Continue to the left onto a meadow path that leads into the forest after a short stretch. Here you can once again enjoy the view of the Danube Gorge. Continue to the right for a short distance along the Wolfgangwall through the forest to a large clearing, where you’ll find a magnificent view of the Danube floodplains upstream from Weltenburg. After about three more kilometers through beautiful mixed forests, you’ll reach the Wieser Kreuz lookout rock, where you’ll have a lovely view of the Klösterl hermitage. After about 1 km, you’ll reach the Donaupark industrial park and cross the Danube at the roundabout, eventually returning to the starting point.
Alternative route for the Kelheim - Weltenburg section:
Where the Danube embankment crosses the old Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal, the predecessor of today's Main-Danube Canal, the path branches off to the right and leads through the so-called Fischerdörfl past the Franciscan church, which now houses an organ museum. After a few houses, the ascent to the Befreiungshalle begins on the left. The somewhat strenuous path winds its way up the slope. At the top, you can enjoy the sweeping view over Kelheim. A visit to the Befreiungshalle is highly recommended. At the parking lot, take the left-hand path to continue the route. From now on, follow the main path until you reach a large crossroads. There, choose the path that runs as an extension of the direction you just came from. After about 1 km, the route leads down to the Danube. You can reach the Weltenburg Monastery on the other bank either by boat or by taking the cable ferry in Stausacker. To reach the cable ferry, follow the Danube another 800 m upstream.
