Discover Gunzenhausen: Roman history, cycling routes and the Altmühlaue

Cycling routes from Gunzenhausen and in the surrounding area

The Altmühltal Cycle Route starts in Gunzenhausen. The Limes Cycle Route also has a specifically described section here: the 31-kilometre route from Gunzenhausen to Weißenburg starts in town. There are also more than 800 kilometres of marked cycling routes around Gunzenhausen. This figure refers to the routes in the surrounding area, not to a single route within the town.

It is important to consider the scale when comparing distances. The Limes Cycle Route figure refers to the named 31-kilometre section; the figure of more than 800 kilometres refers to marked routes around Gunzenhausen. In the wider Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen travel region, the Altmühltal Cycle Route runs for around 160 kilometres from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim through the Altmühltal Nature Park. This puts a specific section and a much longer route side by side at different scales.

Roman traces in the town centre

The Gunzenhausen Archaeological Museum explores the Romans on the Limes, everyday Roman life, the Mithras sanctuary and the early Middle Ages. It is located in the historic town centre, close to the market square and Blasturm tower. The museum’s themes therefore range from Roman frontier history to a later period.

Another historic landmark is the present-day church square of St. Mary’s Town Church. A Roman fort stood there from 150 to 240 AD. It served to defend the Limes and the Altmühl ford, and was destroyed by the Alamanni. Information panels at sites with traces of the Limes and Romans in and around Gunzenhausen provide information on site. In the wider Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen travel region, the Limes runs for around 40 kilometres across the district; it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

Altmühlaue, views and paths to the lake

The Altmühlaue is a green local recreation area in Gunzenhausen. An observation platform offers views over a stork habitat. The Altmühlaue is also home to “Platz für Alle” (A Place for Everyone), an accessible playground designed for all generations. These three features give the area different points of interest: green space, nature watching and a playground specifically designed to bring generations together.

Another route connects the Gunzenhausen promenade with Lake Altmühl: the Sculpture Trail leads from the promenade to the lake. Lake Altmühl lies northwest of Gunzenhausen and is a place for swimming, sailing and surfing. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check the latest local conditions and rules; restrictions may vary. This makes clear the distinction between the route’s destination and the conditions that apply to activities at the lake.

Town church, the Way of St. James and local cuisine

The Evangelical Lutheran St. Mary’s Town Church has around 1,200 seats. It hosts the main Sunday service, numerous special services and most of the town’s church music events. The programme may change, so check the latest dates if you plan to attend a service or a church music event. The church is also on the Way of St. James, which leads from Nuremberg via Abenberg to Nördlingen and Ulm.

The Gunzenhausen bratwurst is another local highlight: this Franconian delicacy appears on the menus of many of the town’s inns. As individual menus may change, the bratwurst should be understood as a regional speciality, not as a guaranteed offering at every inn.

Discover more destinations: Haundorf, Nennslingen, Thalmannsfeld, Weißenburg in Bavaria, Muhr am See.

Go to the main travel overview: Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen.