The Bavarian Jura in the heart of Bavaria is a lesser-known landscape between Regensburg and Nuremberg. Here in Bavaria’s outback you will find: fragrant juniper heaths, rugged rock formations, mystical stalactite caves and romantic river valleys that still characterize the Bavarian Jura today. If you enjoy hiking but are also looking for culture, peace and quiet and a regional atmosphere, the Jura Trail is an excellent choice. Uwe Stanke knows the trail inside out and presents it for you:
Who I am:
My name is Uwe Stanke and I am responsible for marketing the Jurasteig trail. Hiking is not just my job, it’s my absolute passion. As a hiking trail manager, I look after a total of over 2,000 km of long-distance hiking trails in Eastern Bavaria and the Jurasteig is one of my absolute favorites. I also spend almost every weekend on the most diverse hiking trails in Europe.
The Jura Trail is 237 km long and leads through an “unexpected” Bavaria. It follows cool paths in the midst of wild nature through lonely river valleys, over Mediterranean Jura slopes and past the wildest rock formations. For me, the Jurasteig is one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails we have in Germany.
Who is this Jura anyway?
The Bavarian Jura, a remnant of a long-gone ocean, is a child of water. The striking rocky landscapes are deposits from the former Jurassic Sea and it was above all the water that formed and shaped the landscape after the sea receded. Caves, sinkholes, rock pinnacles and dry valleys are evidence of the water and the constant passage of time. Over thousands of years, the white rock needles have been carved out by weathering and cavities have been removed from the rock. Countless caves invite you to make eerily beautiful excursions into the mystical underworld, where stalactites grow, bats hibernate and the cave bear once lived. Today, the Bavarian Jura presents itself as a land of contrasts in a natural and cultural landscape that is still largely untouched. Imposing rock formations appear everywhere in the landscape and idyllic juniper heaths grazed by sheep on the plateaus. Lean grasslands with colorful orchids and the mystical stalactite caves so typical of a karst landscape. Rivers meandering between mighty rock faces and the man-made castles and palaces that dominate the landscape.
And who is this Jurasteig actually?
The 237-kilometre circular hiking trail is embedded in the unmistakable landscape of the Bavarian Jura and leads through a wonderful landscape. 13 stages lead hikers over the heights and valleys of the Danube, Altmühl, Weißer and Schwarzer Laber, Lauterach, Vils and Naab rivers. In total, hikers can expect to climb over 5,200 meters in altitude. The Jurasteig has already received several awards as one of the best hiking trails in Germany for its large proportion of natural trails, the seamless signposting and the high level of experience. The Jura Trail combines nature, culture and Bavarian hospitality to create a perfect hiking experience in the attractive low mountain range landscape of the Bavarian Jura.
The Jurasteig trail leads through the Altmühltal and Hirschwald nature parks and thus bears witness to a varied and natural landscape. The absolute highlights of the natural beauty include the Weltenburger Enge nature reserve as well as the Alpine Steig near Schönhofen, the “Bavarian Tuscany” of the Lauterach Valley and the Deusmauer Moor. There are also numerous cultural and historical highlights along the route. The famous Benedictine monastery Weltenburg at the Danube gorge, the pilgrimage church Habsberg or the castle ruins Hohenburg and Kallmünz are worthwhile detours. But there are also culinary highlights. Many inns offer Altmühltal and Juradistl lamb. And the many breweries indicate that the Bavarian Jura is where beer originated.
What are my personal highlights and recommendations?
- Weltenburg Monastery with Danube Gorge A boat trip from Kelheim to Weltenburg Monastery through the Danube Gorge is practically a must when you visit our region. The towering cliffs that line the banks on both sides and the biodiversity of the Weltenburger Enge nature reserve are sure to inspire you.
- Alpine trail The lower Alpine trail, also known as the Pfalzlbauernberg, is located in a unique landscape conservation area between Eilsbrunn and Schönhofen. It leads over a rocky landscape similar to that of the Alpine foothills.
- Juniper heaths in the Lauterach Valley The Lauterach Valley — Bavaria’s Tuscany — offers a wonderful scenic backdrop with a Mediterranean flair for hikers and nature lovers alike. As unique as the landscape is, so too is the flora and fauna.
- Land of 1,000 springs The course of the Weiße Laber stream meanders from Neumarkt to Dietfurt like a silvery, winding ribbon through a particularly charming valley landscape, in which small villages and sawmills are embedded. The remains of once clattering mill wheels line the path.
I wish you lots of fun on the Jurasteig long-distance hiking trail.
Your Uwe
Author and photographer: Uwe Stanke
Click here for the tour: Jurasteig