The Pfatterer Au nature reserve north of Pfatter, the “Old Danube” circular trail and the small Schifferkirche on the edge of town each reveal a different side of the destination. Wildlife watching and a local connection to the history of the Danube give Pfatter a distinctive profile for planning a trip.
Pfatterer Au: habitat north of town
The Pfatterer Au includes floodplain meadows, oxbow lakes with silting zones and riparian forests. The area is a breeding, resting and wintering ground for numerous endangered bird species and is of national importance. The great bustard is the flagship species of the floodplain. Species populations and conservation status can change over time.
The “Old Danube” circular trail offers a specific opportunity for birdwatching: numerous waterbirds can be observed along the section beside the Old Danube as far as Seppenhausener Straße. The number of birds you may see can vary depending on the season and natural conditions.
“Old Danube” circular trail: length and trail conditions
The marked circular route is about 8 km long and is located near Pfatter. The town hall on Haidauer StraĂźe is the starting and finishing point. The trail is easy to walk and runs partly on gravel and partly on asphalt. It is not necessarily suitable for strollers. If you are bringing a stroller, check before setting out that the trail conditions suit your plans.
The route combines a clearly defined circular trail with a section where waterbirds can be observed. Its approximate length, starting and finishing point, and the note about trail conditions help you assess it as a separate item on your itinerary.
Schifferkirche and the history of the river
The small Schifferkirche, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, stands on the edge of Pfatter. It recalls Pfatter’s former importance as a landing place for salt ships on the Danube. This adds a specific historical connection to the nature theme: the church keeps the town’s former role in river traffic in memory.
More to explore in the wider Regensburg destination
In the wider Regensburg destination, Walhalla and the Nepal-Himalaya-Park offer a different focus from Pfatter’s nature and river themes. Walhalla is one of Germany’s significant Neoclassical buildings. Its exterior is Doric and features 52 columns. Since 1842, this memorial and hall of honour has commemorated notable Germans and figures associated with German history through marble busts and plaques.
From the Stone Bridge in Regensburg, passenger boats operated by Klinger and Wurm & Noé run along the Danube to the foot of Walhalla from Easter to October. Check the sailing schedule for your specific date.
The Nepal-Himalaya-Park in Wiesent brings Asian culture and nature together across nine hectares. Its attractions include a Nepalese temple, a diverse perennial garden and numerous Asian artworks. The grounds also feature a Himalayan garden and a Chinese garden, as well as more than 6,200 different plant species. The wider Regensburg destination therefore offers architecture and commemorative culture alongside gardens, plants and art, while Pfatter has its own distinctive, easy-to-explore character, with its floodplain, birdlife, circular trail and Schifferkirche.
Discover more destinations: Donaustauf, Brunn, Wolfsegg, Tegernheim, Wörth an der Donau, Sinzing, Obertraubling, Regensburg.
Back to the main travel overview: Regensburg.
