Cycling day trip from Gunzenhausen to Eichstätt

Roll out from Gunzenhausen, gateway to the Altmühlsee and the Altmühltal Nature Park, and follow the Altmühl downstream toward Eichstätt. The route is about 62 km with roughly 750–800 m of climbing—mostly gentle valley riding with a few short ramps as the river meanders through the Jura hills.

You’ll spend much of the day on quiet roads and riverside paths, with some farm tracks and gravel (around 10–15%), so touring or gravel-friendly tires are a plus. Expect classic Altmühltal scenery: limestone cliffs, wide floodplains, and castle views. Nice stops include Treuchtlingen (spa town), Pappenheim with its hilltop castle, and Solnhofen, famous for Archaeopteryx fossils.

Roll into baroque Eichstätt, home to the Jura Museum in Willibaldsburg castle and the Catholic University. Both towns sit on the line of the ancient Roman Limes; you’ll find traces and signage along the way.

Food and train bailouts are easy: stations and bakeries in Treuchtlingen, Pappenheim, Solnhofen, and Dollnstein. Signposting often follows the Altmühltal-Radweg—just settle in and enjoy the flow.