For a trip to Dillingen an der Donau, it is worth distinguishing between the town’s history and the district’s natural attractions: the Town and Prince-Bishopric Museum spans the period from Stone Age artefacts to the recent past, while hiking and cycling routes run through the district. This lets you plan your stay around your main interests, rather than prematurely combining different destinations into a single tour.
Hiking and cycling routes in the district
The DonAUwald hiking trail runs for just under 60 kilometres through the floodplain forests along the Danube; 40 kilometres of it lie in Dillingen district. It is Bavarian Swabia’s first premium hiking trail. All five classic stages are easily accessible by train, making it possible to travel to the stages in a climate-neutral way. Check the timetable for your travel dates if you would like to include the train in your tour plans.
The Danube Cycle Path also crosses the district, running around 40 kilometres from west to east. The Donautal RadelspaĂź is another opportunity to go cycling. It takes place every two years on a weekend in September, with the main event held in Dillingen district. Three signposted routes, closed to cars, take visitors on culinary and cultural excursions. If you have a particular year in mind, check the event weekend before planning your trip.
The water and lake landscape along the Danube in the district developed over many years as a result of gravel extraction. This gives the nature activities a different character from the cultural attractions in the town. Those interested in the relationship between landscape and architecture can also learn about the initiative of the Siegfried and Elfriede Denzel Foundation: focusing on Dillingen district, it plans to build seven wayside chapels along newly created cycle paths. The project aims to create landmarks and architectural features in the landscape, while developing the tradition of chapel building in a contemporary way.
Town history and church art in Dillingen
The Town and Prince-Bishopric Museum in Dillingen illustrates the town’s history from Stone Age artefacts to the recent past. It is housed in two historic buildings at Hafenmarkt: the Unteres Stiftshaus and the Angerer-Haus. Dillingen Castle adds to this view of history with features dating from the Hohenstaufen period; the castle was later expanded several times.
The high altar in the Study Church is itself a remarkable feature: it is one of the few surviving stage altars in Germany. Every year, during the week before Palm Sunday, a space with scenery and figures, six metres high, opens behind the recessed altar panel. The figures depict the stages of Christ’s Passion, from the scourging to the Resurrection. Before visiting, check locally for the exact opening arrangements.
Two Kneipp experiences, two ways to explore
The Kneipp audio tour introduces key moments in Sebastian Kneipp’s life and some of his water treatments. It is described as a flexible, self-guided option that you can enjoy at your own pace, without a city guide. Before travelling, check whether the app and signage will be available during your visit.
The two-part Kneipp circular trail is a separate offering: nine information pillars lead through the historic old town, with four more in the floodplain forest. The two experiences therefore have different focuses—the audio tour covers Kneipp’s life and treatments, while the trail provides information across two urban and natural areas.
Plan a stay that suits you
If you are mainly interested in town history, the museum, castle and Study Church offer different ways to explore Dillingen’s past. For a stay focused on outdoor activities, the district’s hiking and cycling routes are important planning options, with differences in route type, length and event frequency. This way, your choice of accommodation can reflect your travel plans without treating town visits and district routes as the same kind of offering.
Discover more destinations: Gundelfingen an der Donau, Dillingen an der Donau, Lauingen, Bissingen, Holzheim, Wertingen, Buttenwiesen, Finningen, Bachhagel, Höchstädt.
View the overarching travel guide: Bavaria.
