Rosenburg Castle is Riedenburg’s landmark and brings together two distinctive themes: castle history and falconry. During flight displays, you can see golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, vultures, kites and falcons flying free at close range. At the castle museum, visitors can experience history and learn about falconry. Rosenburg therefore offers both a glimpse into the past and an experience centred on birds of prey.
Castles, the old town and architecture
The ruins of Tachenstein preserve the remains of a keep around ten metres high. The castle was probably built in the 12th or 13th century and was already mentioned as a ruin in the 16th century. A viewing platform near the ruins affords panoramic views of Riedenburg’s old town and the surrounding Jura hills. You can explore the ruins more closely on a hike along the Three Castles Trail.
The ruins of Rabenstein can also be explored on a hike along the Three Castles Trail. They are the oldest castle complex in Riedenburg. Those interested in historic buildings will find a different highlight at the Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist: this late Baroque gem features large Baroque windows framed by stucco ornaments. The “Burggraf von Riedenburg” (Castellan of Riedenburg) leads visitors through the historic old town, sharing entertaining and fascinating details of the town’s history.
Hiking trails and day-trip destinations
A scenic circular hiking trail leads from Riedenburg in the Altmühl Valley through the “Klamm und Kastlhäng” nature reserve to Prunn Castle. Sure-footedness is required for the section through the gorge. The Altmühltal Panorama Trail, in turn, passes through the dry gorge near Einthal. This distinguishes the two routes: the Prunn loop runs through the “Klamm und Kastlhäng” nature reserve, while the dry gorge near Einthal is part of the Altmühltal Panorama Trail.
At Prunn Castle, the exhibition tour combines the history of the castle and its inhabitants with various facets of the Nibelungenlied. The castle is also known as the place where an original manuscript of the Nibelungenlied was found. The AltmĂĽhltal Archaeology Park offers another way to explore regional history: its 18 stations between Kelheim, Essing, Riedenburg and Dietfurt provide insights ranging from the Neanderthals to the Celts. A well-marked route can be explored on foot or by bike. Stations 8 to 15 are within the municipality of Riedenburg.
Experiences in the surrounding villages
Other destinations are located in villages within the municipality. In Haidhof, two kilometres from Riedenburg, AltmĂĽhlBob offers a summer toboggan run over 1,000 metres long. At Teufelsfelsen in the village of Jachenhausen, visitors can watch hang gliders launch into the AltmĂĽhl Valley from an eight-metre-long wooden ramp when wind conditions are suitable. The ramp is 500 metres above sea level, and the difference in elevation to the valley is about 180 metres. The wind conditions are key to this viewing experience.
For regional context: the northern part of Kelheim district, including Kelheim, Essing and Riedenburg, lies within the Altmühltal Nature Park in the broader Kelheim destination. Riedenburg’s castles, old town and hiking trails therefore complement the region’s local selection of cultural and nature experiences.
Discover more destinations: Prunn, Saal an der Donau, Neustadt an der Donau, Volkenschwand, Abensberg, Bad Abbach, Aiglsbach, Rohr in Niederbayern.
Back to the regional travel overview: Kelheim.
