Kelheim
Kelheim is located at the confluence of the Danube and Altmühl rivers, offering a combination that instantly helps travelers unwind: here, monumental architecture meets wild, pristine river landscapes.
Towering above the city is the Hall of Liberation (Befreiungshalle), a historical colossus commissioned by King Ludwig I. It is an architectural masterpiece of Classicism reminiscent of ancient temples. From its balustrade, visitors enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the Danube Valley.
Exploring the surroundings of Kelheim from the water is an unforgettable experience. A boat trip through the Danube Gorge (Donaudurchbruch) is one of Bavaria’s most impressive natural spectacles. Here, over thousands of years, the Danube has carved its path through the rock. The journey takes you between the towering rock faces of the ‘Weltenburger Enge’, which rise up to 80 meters high. This narrowest section of the Bavarian Danube is a unique natural phenomenon.
At the end of this stretch, the next highlight awaits: Weltenburg Abbey (Kloster Weltenburg). Located on the banks of the Danube, this Benedictine abbey houses one of the most significant Baroque churches by the Asam brothers. Beer lovers will also find the world’s oldest monastery brewery here.
Beyond these major attractions, Kelheim serves as the ideal ‘base camp’ for active vacationers. As the gateway to the Altmühl Valley Nature Park (Naturpark Altmühltal), the region offers a virtually endless network of cycling and hiking trails.
The region also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine. Just a few kilometers from Kelheim lies Abensberg, one of Germany’s most renowned asparagus-growing regions. The sandy soil here is ideal for this ‘white gold.’ During asparagus season, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of asparagus dishes.
Since Kelheim lies at the confluence of two rivers teeming with fish, the catch served here is incredibly fresh. Fried or ‘blue’ (poached) trout and char from the Altmühl are particularly popular.
Excursion destinations around Kelheim
Numb fingers, a gray sky, and really just the desire for a warm room. My excursion to Weltenburg Abbey started with dampened expectations and the desire for a hot coffee.
Accommodation
Turmhotel zum Erasmus
DORMERO Hotel Kelheim
Deutenhof Hotel
Travel informations
Getting there
By train
Kelheim does not have its own train station. The destination station is Saal an der Donau. This station is only about 5 km from Kelheim.
Buses (line 1) run regularly from Saal station directly to the center of Kelheim.
Alternatively, taxis are available there (travel time approx. 10 min.).
By car
Via the A93 (Munich – Regensburg):
Take the Abensberg or Hausen exit. From there, it is about 15 minutes on well-maintained country roads.
Via the B16
This federal highway connects Ingolstadt and Regensburg and passes directly by Kelheim.
On the way in...
KEX (The Kelheim Express)
This is an on-demand shuttle service. You can book this “call bus” (by phone or app) when the regular bus service is not running. It connects Saal train station with Kelheim’s old town and other important destinations.
Leisure buses with bike trailers
During the season (approx. May to October), special leisure buses run on weekends and public holidays. They travel to tourist destinations in the Altmühl Valley and have trailers for transporting bicycles.
Boat
Between Kelheim and Weltenburg Abbey, the boat is not only an attraction but also a real means of transport.
There are also regular boats in the Altmühl Valley towards Riedenburg.
The Ludwigsbahn-Bockerl
A small tourist train that shuttles between the boat landing stage (Danube), the old town, and the Hall of Liberation.
Parking
There is a clear signage system (P1–P6).
P3 Pflegespitz (free!)
This is the best parking lot for day trippers who want to stay a little longer.
Cost: Free and unlimited time.
Location: About a 5–10 minute walk to the old town and the boat docks.
Special feature: The folk festival also takes place here in August (the car park is then closed).
For boat travelers (Danube & Altmühl)
If you want to go directly to the boat and don’t want to walk far:
P4 Donauvorland:
Located directly at the Danube boat landing stage.
Cost: Subject to a fee (day ticket approx. €4).
P5 Wöhrdplatz:
Paved and very close to the center (between the old town and the boat landing stage).
Cost: Subject to a fee (day ticket approx. €5–6).
Short-term parking in the old town
City center:
In the old town itself, you can often park for free with a parking disc (usually 1–2 hours) (“Semmeltaste”). Perfect for a quick coffee or shopping.
P1 Niederdörfl:
Free, but time-limited (with parking disc).
At the Befreiungshalle
Parking lot directly at the hall: Costs approx. €2.50.