Weltenburg hiking trail X: Danube-Altmühl circular trail

From the starting point at Heidenstein on the Main-Danube Canal near Essing, we follow the tarred road uphill to the junction. We then turn left onto the forest road, which leads steadily uphill to the plateau. We cross the district road at the Ludwigshein shelter. Continuing through shady forests, we reach the sunny calcareous grasslands above Stausacker with beautiful views of the Danube valley. After a stretch on the road, we cross Stausacker. At the end of the village, there is the option of taking the cable ferry to Weltenburg. Otherwise, we follow the road along the Danube until we reach the ascent. After a steep climb, we reach the Celtic Wall. It is a fascinating experience to hike through the woods on a rampart that is over 2000 years old. At the end of the Celtic rampart, the path leads steeply over steps into the Altmühltal valley. Along the forest, past the impressive Schellnecker rock face and extensive ancient waters, we reach the starting point again.