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Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Altmühltal

Fossil Trail Eichstätt

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  • Fossil quarry - Jurassic stone from Eichstätt
    Fossil quarry - Jurassic stone from Eichstätt
    Photo: le_moque, Adobe Stock

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    The Fossil Trail in Eichstätt is an exciting discovery route for the whole family – full of nature, history, and little adventures.

    moderate
    Distance 9.4 km
    2:40 h
    262 m
    262 m
    541 m
    386 m

    The approximately nine-kilometer circular route begins at Eichstätt city station. From there, the path first leads up to Willibaldsburg, where the Jura Museum with its impressive fossil finds awaits – including a genuine specimen of the famous prehistoric bird Archaeopteryx.

    After the museum visit, the route goes downhill into the Altmühl valley and continues toward Blumenberg. There, young and old can get hands-on experience at the fossil quarry and, with a bit of luck, discover their own fossils. Along the way, display boards provide information about the geological features of the region and the history of limestone mining.

    The hike is varied and offers, besides the geological highlights, magnificent views of the baroque town of Eichstätt and the Altmühl valley. The path is well signposted and suitable for families with children, though it requires some stamina at certain points.

    Author’s recommendation

    For those who haven’t had enough of fossils yet: a visit to the Bergér Museum at Harthof is worthwhile, offering further fascinating insights into the world of fossils.

    Difficulty
    T1 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    541 m
    Lowest point
    386 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
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    Track types

    Asphalt 45.30%Dirt road 10.97%Forested/wild trail 20.66%Path 19.79%Road 3.26%
    Asphalt
    4.2 km
    Dirt road
    1 km
    Forested/wild trail
    1.9 km
    Path
    1.9 km
    Road
    305 m
    Show elevation profile

    Roadbook

    From the station, head west towards Willibaldsburg. The path gently ascends to the castle. Here, alongside beautiful views, the Jura Museum awaits. Continuing along the Fossil Trail, the route crosses the Altmühl and then steadily climbs up to Blumenberg. Returning to the starting point is via the shady Moonlight Path. The hike is well signposted.

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    Photo
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    Eichstätt Stadt
    Jura Museum Willibaldsburg
    Entrance
    Blumenberg fossil quarry
    Alameda

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    Traveling with the BRB:

    The hike starts and ends at Eichstätt Stadt station

    More information on the schedule (Line RB 14) and tickets at www.brb.de

    Coordinates

    DD
    48.893602, 11.179589
    DMS
    48°53'37.0"N 11°10'46.5"E
    UTM
    32U 659754 5417918
    w3w 
    ///rating.teaches.stocky
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendations for this region:

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    Equipment

    Sturdy and comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

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    Difficulty
    T1 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    9.4 km
    Duration
    2:40 h
    Ascent
    262 m
    Descent
    262 m
    Highest point
    541 m
    Lowest point
    386 m
    Public-transport-friendly Round trip Scenic Family-friendly Geological highlights Flora

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

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