Eichstätt Travel Guide

Today in Germany: Whit Sunday (19 May)

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Bavaria region in Germany, the charming town of Eichstätt awaits eager travelers with its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning natural surroundings, Eichstätt offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the Eichstätt Cathedral, a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As you step inside, you will be awe-struck by the grandeur of the interior, adorned with intricate stained glass windows and ornate sculptures. Take a moment to explore the crypt, where the remains of saints and bishops rest in peace, or climb the tower for panoramic views of the town and the rolling hills beyond.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Altmühl Valley Nature Park is a must. Spanning over 3,000 square kilometers, this picturesque park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling along the scenic trails to kayaking and boating on the tranquil rivers. Explore the unique rock formations of the Altmühltal Gorge or discover the ancient fossils that have been unearthed in the area.

History buffs will be delighted by the wealth of museums and historical sites in Eichstätt. Visit the Willibaldsburg Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the town, and immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits that showcase the town's past. Wander through the quaint streets of the Old Town, where beautifully preserved medieval buildings house local shops, cafes, and galleries.

Eichstätt is also renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and theatrical performances that showcase the region's artistic talents. Don't miss the Eichstätt Festival, a musical extravaganza that draws acclaimed artists from around the world, or the charming Christmas market, where you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere while sipping on mulled wine and sampling local delicacies.

Alternative names: Population: 13.5 thous. (2019)Area: 18.47 mi²Elevation: 1299 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°53'34"N, 11°11'1"E

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BavariaGermany

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Eichstätt Top Attractions

Eichstätt Attractions - What to See and Explore

Eichstätt offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Eichstätt Cathedral, Willibaldsburg, Jura-Museum, Diözesanmuseum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Town • Gothic architecture
Eichstätt Cathedral
Eichstätt Cathedral, properly known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Willibald and St. Salvator is an 11th-Century Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Eichstätt, Bavaria, in Southern Germany.
Forts and castles • Baroque architecture
Willibaldsburg
The Willibaldsburg is a spur castle, built around the year 1353, in Eichstätt in Upper Bavaria. Until the middle of the 18th century, it was the representative castle and seat of Eichstätt's prince-bishops.
Expansive collection of Jurassic fossils
Jura-Museum
The Jura Museum located in Willibaldsburg castle in the town of Eichstätt, Germany, is a natural history museum that has an extensive exhibit of Jurassic fossils from the quarries of Solnhofen and surroundings, including marine reptiles, pterosaurs, and one specimen of the early bird Archaeopteryx.

Specialty museum • Art museum • History museum
Diözesanmuseum
The Eichstätt Cathedral Treasury and Diocesan Museum in Eichstätt is the diocesan museum of the Diocese of Eichstätt.
Park
Altmühl Valley Nature Park
The Altmühl Valley Nature Park is a nature park, 2,962 km² in area, in the south German state of Bavaria. The area of the park is almost coextensive with that of the natural region major unit of the Southern Franconian Jura.
Museum
Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte
The Museum of Prehistory and Early History at Willibaldsburg Castle is an archaeological museum in Willibaldsburg Castle in Eichstätt in Upper Bavaria.
Church
Church of the Redeemer
The Church of the Redeemer in Eichstätt is an Evangelical Lutheran church in the district and university town of the Upper Bavarian district of Eichstätt and in the Evangelical Lutheran Deanery of Pappenheim.
Park
Hofgarten
Hofgarten Eichstätt is located in Eichstätt in the district of the same name in Upper Bavaria. Its size is 22,480 m².
Church • Historical place • Historic walking areas
Klosterkirche St. Walburg
St. Walburg Abbey is an abbey of the Benedictine nuns in Eichstätt in the Bavarian diocese of Eichstätt.
Church
Maria-Hilf-Kapelle
The Mariahilf Chapel in the western suburbs of the episcopal city of Eichstätt is a baroque furnished sacred building that served as a craftsmen's and pilgrimage chapel.
Church • Park
Frauenbergkapelle
The Frauenberg Chapel is located on the 500 meter high Frauenberg above Eichstätt.
Church
Schutzengelkirche
The Guardian Angel Church is a Catholic church building in Eichstätt.
48°53'30"N • 11°10'58"E
Landratsamt Eichstätt
The Eichstätt Residenz, the former seat of the Eichstätt prince-bishops on Residenzplatz in Eichstätt, is a three-wing palace building of the Baroque period. Particularly noteworthy are the representative staircase with an ornately forged iron...
48°53'37"N • 11°11'2"E
Willibaldsbrunnen
Fountain
Universities and schools
Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
The Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt is a Roman Catholic research university in Eichstätt and Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. Compared to other German universities it is a rather small institution with 4,800 students in 2019; nevertheless, it is the largest non-state university in Germany.

Day trips

Eichstätt – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Eichstätt, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum (Nördlingen), Alcimoennis (Kelheim), Befreiungshalle (Kelheim).

31 milesW
Museum, Specialty museum
Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum, Nördlingen
Nestled in the heart of the charming Bavarian town of Nördlingen, the Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum (Bavarian Railway Museum) is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich...
31 milesE
Archaeological site
Alcimoennis, Kelheim
Nestled in the picturesque city of Kelheim, Germany, the ancient Celtic oppidum of Alcimoennis offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's distant past. This archaeological site, once a bustling Celtic settlement, is perched on the Michelsberg hill overlooking the...
31 milesE
Circular monument with victory statues
Befreiungshalle, Kelheim
The Befreiungshalle, or "Hall of Liberation," is a commanding monument perched atop the Michelsberg hill above the city of Kelheim in Bavaria, Germany. This neoclassical edifice, commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, stands as a testament to the victorious battles...
30 milesNW
Lake
Dennenloher See, Franconian Lake District
Dennenloher See is a lake in Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany. It has a surface area of 20 hectares. The lake is located 14 km west of Gunzenhausen, Dennenlohe. It is the smallest body of water in the Franconian Lake District.
32 milesW
Mountain with trails and scenic town views
Hesselberg
Hesselberg is a notable mountain located in the region of Bavaria, Germany, and stands as the highest point in Middle Franconia. Rising to an elevation of 689 meters, it dominates the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic views that make it a popular destination...