Discover Hilpoltstein

Residence, Church and Museum

Hilpoltstein Residence was built by Count Palatine Johann Friedrich from 1618 to 1626 and decorated with elaborate stucco work by the Kuhn brothers. The construction period and stucco decoration provide two specific points of reference for the history of the building.

St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Hilpoltstein lies on the Nuremberg–Eichstätt Way of St. James. A statue of St. James stands on its steps, linking the church with the pilgrimage route.

The Hilpoltstein Town Museum is located in the rear building of the Schwarzes Roß brewery inn of the same name. The museum includes a section of the surviving covered walkway in the town fortifications and collections on local history. It also displays remains from one of Bavaria’s oldest breweries. The museum is currently closed for renovation. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Medieval Festival and Travel by Gredl

The “Ritter, Barden, Beutelschneider” Medieval Festival takes place in Hilpoltstein every May. Admission is free; the supporting programme includes music, jesters, a market, encampments and taverns. If the festival determines your travel dates, check the specific event dates for your travel year.

Today, the Gredl runs only between Roth and Hilpoltstein, using modern trains. Check the current timetable before travelling.

More destinations in the wider Roth travel region

In the wider Roth travel region, the 210-hectare Rothsee lies between Roth, Hilpoltstein and Allersberg. The “An der Kleinen Roth” nature trail follows the stream of the same name, which rises east of Allersberg and gives Rothsee its name. The trail is 2.3 kilometres long and has seven information stations. In Kammerstein, the four-kilometre KammerSTEINPILZpfad trail features ten mushroom nests with quiz questions, as well as a playground along the route. The trails differ in both length and theme: one follows a stream and has information stations, while the other features mushroom nests, quiz questions and a playground.

The Rothsee Environmental Education Centre offers guided tours throughout the year, tailored to the age and abilities of school classes, kindergarten groups, people with disabilities and visitor groups. During school holidays and at weekends, it offers an open programme for children and families, who can also explore the centre independently. This provides different ways for groups and families to visit. Contact the operator for current opening times and dates.

The Gredl-Express 636 also runs through the wider Roth travel region, from Hilpoltstein via Thalmässing and Greding to Kinding and back. Along the route, it passes numerous sights in the district of Roth, including half-timbered villages, Baroque and Rococo buildings, and museums with archaeological finds. Check its seasonally variable service before travelling.

Another cultural attraction in the wider Roth travel region is the former Schäff iron hammer near Eckersmühlen. Blacksmithing demonstrations are held there regularly. If you would like to include one in your plans, check the current demonstration dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Spalt, Heideck, Thalmässing.

Go to the wider travel overview: Roth.