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Baroque Splendor, Nature, and History in Eichstätt

The Baroque city of Eichstätt lies at the heart of the Altmühltal Nature Park. With its historic old town and modern architecture, and as the seat of both the bishopric and the university, this city on the Altmühl River has many facets. Museums and gardens invite visitors to discover Eichstätt from different perspectives.

Luftaufnahme eines symmetrisch angelegten Parks mit Wegen, Bäumen und einem großen Gebäude mit rotem Dach oben.

10:00 a.m. – Getting to Know Eichstätt

The day begins with a guided tour through the historic old town. Cathedral Square, Market Square, and Residence Square, the cathedral, and the former prince-bishop’s residence with its Hall of Mirrors paint a picture of a city shaped by the bishopric over the centuries.

Those who wish to discover Eichstätt from a different perspective can opt for a themed tour, such as one focusing on Baroque and beer, modern architecture, gardens, the Illuminati, or as part of an atmospheric night watchman’s tour.

 

12:00 p.m. – Lunch in the Old Town

At lunchtime, Eichstätt reveals its most delightful side. Its location between Old Bavaria, Franconia, and Swabia shapes the regional cuisine, which is complemented by international influences. The Old Town is home to numerous restaurants that are within easy reach and offer a relaxing place to take a break.


2:00 p.m. – Altmühltal Nature Park Information Center

In the afternoon, take a walk to the former Notre Dame de Sacre Coeur monastery. The Baroque building, with its domed hall, now houses the Altmühltal Nature Park Information Center.

In the interactive exhibition, the region’s nature, culture, and history come together in a lively way. Music, dialects, and historical figures tell the story of life in the Altmühltal. In the inner courtyard, the biotope garden invites visitors to linger as a quiet, green retreat. Admission is free.

 

3:00 p.m. – Courtyard Garden of the Summer Residence

Eichstätt is considered a particularly green city, a fact impressively demonstrated by the Baroque courtyard garden at the former summer residence. As you stroll through the garden rooms, different atmospheres unfold, characterized by carefully designed flower beds and the partly exotic trees of the arboretum.

 

4:00 p.m. – Coffee break at Konditorei Fuchs

To round off the day, Konditorei Fuchs invites you to enjoy a delightful break. Homemade cakes, fine pastries, and chocolates are served here with coffee or hot chocolate, offering a peaceful conclusion to your shared city experience.

Want more?

Stadtansicht mit Fluss, Bäumen, Kirche mit zwei Türmen und Wohngebäuden bei bewölktem Himmel.

Visit to the Figurenfeld in the Hessental Valley

The Figurenfeld is located in the Hessental Valley, between Eichstätt and Landershofen. This memorial, created by the Eichstätt sculptor Alois Wünsche-Mitterecker, blends art and landscape into a quiet place for reflecting on war and violence (duration: approx. 60 minutes).


Highlights of Modern Architecture

Eichstätt is known for the interplay of historic buildings and modern architecture. Works by Karljosef Schattner and his successors shape the cityscape and can be discovered on a walk or a guided tour (duration approx. 1–3 hours).

  

St. Walburg Monastery, Parish, and Pilgrimage Church

St. Walburg Church, home to the crypt of St. Walburga, is one of the region’s most significant pilgrimage sites. A visit offers insight into its spiritual history and also includes a stop at the adjacent monastery shop (duration approx. 60 minutes).

Information for Groups

Guided tours are available for groups of up to 25 people and are offered in German, English, and French. 

Free bus parking is available. Alternatively, groups can get off at stops along the city’s shuttle bus route, such as the Leonrodplatz stop near the cathedral.

Jörg Hentschel und Claudia Büttner