The heritage trail in Pförring covers 19 kilometres and takes visitors through the market town’s medieval and Roman past. The town’s buildings and archaeological finds offer another perspective on its history. Fort Celeusum is one of Pförring’s most important historic monuments and was opened to visitors in 2009. This means visitors can explore the town’s history through either a longer themed trail or individual cultural landmarks.
Architectural history and Roman finds
The parish church of St. Leonhard offers a tangible glimpse into Pförring’s architectural history: the Romanesque, three-aisled basilica with two eastern towers was built around 1180 and dedicated to St. Leonhard at the time. The three aisles describe the layout of the church interior, while the eastern towers are another feature of its architectural style. The approximate date and original dedication add historical context to these architectural details.
Roman finds are on display in the entrance area of Pförring Town Hall. The small collection includes clay vessels and bronze spoons. These examples of ceramics and bronze complement the heritage trail’s broader historical perspective. Visitors interested in the market town’s past can view individual artefacts here, rather than focusing solely on a route or a building.
Plan visits by appointment
Visits to the exhibition about the smallholder family in the market tower must be arranged with Pförring Town Hall. Visitors should organise themselves into a group; individual visits are possible only in exceptional cases. Arrange your appointment with the Town Hall before your visit. For this exhibition, planning a group visit and making an appointment are part of the preparations; spontaneous individual visits are not the standard arrangement.
Nature nearby
The Kelsbach spring is located near Pförring, in Ettling. It is a large spring pool fed by several inflows. Most of the springs there are typical karst springs, with water rising from greater depths. The Kelsbach spring and the nearby ruin are on private land; permission is required to visit. If you plan to visit this natural site, make sure to arrange permission in advance.
Eichstätt as a distinct regional highlight
The wider Eichstätt destination offers additional cultural and nature-themed attractions. The Jura Museum Eichstätt focuses its exhibition on fossils from the Solnhofen Plattenkalk and displays the original Eichstätt specimen of Archaeopteryx. Willibaldsburg Castle in Eichstätt was built in 1355 by Bishop Berthold Burggraf von Zollern and served as the bishop’s residence until 1725. Of the 420-metre-long castle, the walls and bastions, the armoury, the 63-metre-long gate hall, and the Gemmingen building with its two towers have been preserved.
The 1,500 m² Bastion Garden is also located at Willibaldsburg Castle. The Hortus Eystettensis, destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, was brought back to life there after 400 years; visitors can discover many of the garden’s original plant species. Eichstätt’s Cathedral Square is located on the city’s oldest inhabited ground. Families can also enjoy the Eichstätt Fossil Trail, a 9-kilometre circular route rated as moderately difficult. Eichstätt’s culinary scene includes special dishes served several times a year under the motto “Eichstätt kocht...” (“Eichstätt cooks...”) by participating local restaurants, including spicy Altmühltal lamb dishes.
Discover more destinations: Gaden bei Pförring, Dollnstein, Kösching, Großmehring, Altmannstein, Lenting, Nassenfels, Titting.
For the wider travel overview: Eichstätt.
