Mühlheim an der Donau: Nature, Cave and History

Caves and Landscape

Mühlheim Cave formed in the Lower Mass Limestone of the Upper Jurassic. Ladders and bridges provide access to 93 metres of the cave. Its geological features include sinter pools, large stalactite columns and numerous thin ceiling stalactites. This also provides a way to understand your visit in terms of the cave’s distinctive formation and shape.

The Mühlheim Rock Cave is a different site and forms part of the Buchhalde-Oberes Donautal nature reserve. It has been designated a Geopoint of the Swabian Alb Geopark since 2022. The rock cave traditionally opens for the annual Cave Day in the Danube Valley; check the date and access information for the relevant year in advance.

Upper Town, History and Culture

The historic character of Mühlheim’s upper town has been preserved since the 14th century. Walking routes lead through the upper town and the town’s districts, introducing historic buildings and sights. You can use these routes to include several stops related to local history in a single walk, rather than heading to just one destination.

A landmark historic site is the Maria Hilf church ruins on Welschenberg, the remains of a Baroque pilgrimage church. The cemetery grounds also bring together important historical evidence: the complex, with St. Gallus Church, the Veit Chapel and the Mount of Olives, is considered a major historical and art-historical centre for Mühlheim and the surrounding area. Frescoes dating from the 9th century were discovered in the former parish church of St. Gallus.

The night watchman tours offer a different perspective on the upper town. They take place on Saturdays at 9 p.m.; from May to October, there is also a tour on Mondays at 9 p.m. The meeting point is at the town hall. As dates may change, check the current events calendar before your visit.

The former railway station building houses a puppet theatre and, in the former waiting room, the TheaterBahnhof cabaret stage. The Bachmann-Légrand family presents its own productions and guest performances there. If you are planning a visit, check the venue’s current programme.

Cycling, Hiking and Other Attractions

The International Danube Cycle Path runs right through Mühlheim an der Donau and can also be ridden in short stages. This gives you the flexibility to tailor the length of a bike ride to your own daily schedule. If you prefer walking, there are circular routes through the upper town and the town’s districts, as well as the Bergsteig Trail. This nature trail leads from Mühlheim to the Maria Hilf church ruins on Welschenberg and back via Bergsteig near Fridingen.

Nearby, the Kraftstein Loop, designated a DonauWelle Premium Hiking Trail since 2014, runs through the Ursental valley. The route passes the former medieval castles of Kraftstein Castle Ruins and Wallenburg Castle Ruins, as well as the remains of Altrietheim and Bräunisburg. When comparing these destinations, the main differences are their themes: caves and geology in Mühlheim, historic sites in the upper town and former castle complexes along the loop.

Smaller leisure attractions also add to the options. Next to the Mühlheim Bike Park is a playground with a slide, swings and climbing frame; the facilities may change. The indoor swimming pool has a 20 × 8-metre swimming pool. Check with the operator for current visitor rules.

Annual Traditions

Mühlheim is considered a stronghold of Alemannic Fasnet, the traditional carnival. On Schmotziger Donnerstag (Fat Thursday), the carnival pole is erected. Another recurring event is the traditional Thomasmarkt market, held on the third Saturday in October. For planning purposes, check the dates and details for the relevant year.

For the main travel overview: Tuttlingen District.