Mühlheim an der Donau: Cave, History and Fasnet
Accommodation in Mühlheim an der Donau
Underground, you’ll find dripstone formations; on Welschenberg, a Baroque church ruin; and in the upper town, a historic town centre: Mühlheim an der Donau brings together nature, history and living traditions. There are also cycling and circular trails, as well as a stage programme in the former railway station building. When looking for a holiday apartment, you might first consider whether you’d prefer to fill your days with caves and trails, historic sites or local events.
Caves, cliffs and the Danube Valley
Close to the old town, Mühlheim Cave formed in the Lower Mass Limestone of the Upper Jurassic. A 93-metre section of the cave can be explored using ladders and bridges. Its features include sinter pools, large stalagmite columns and numerous slender stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Mühlheim Felsenhöhle is traditionally open during the annual Cave Day in the Donaubergland; check the date and access arrangements for the relevant year before visiting.
Mühlheim Felsenhöhle is part of the Buchhalde-Oberes Donautal Nature Reserve and has been one of the Geopoints of the Swabian Alb Geopark since 2022. This brings two distinct cave-related themes into focus in the town: the geological origins and formations of Mühlheim Cave, and the protected setting and Geopoint designation of Felsenhöhle.
Historic sites and trails
The historic character of Mühlheim’s upper town has been preserved since the 14th century. Marked circular trails pass through the upper town and the districts, highlighting historic buildings and sights. A striking destination is the Maria Hilf church ruin on Welschenberg, the remains of a Baroque pilgrimage church. The nature trail known as the Bergsteigweg follows a circular route from Mühlheim to the ruin and back via Bergsteig near Fridingen.
The cemetery grounds also tell the story of the town’s long history. The site, with St. Gallus Church, St. Vitus Chapel and the Mount of Olives, is considered an important historical and art-historical centre for Mühlheim and the surrounding area. Frescoes dating from the 9th century were discovered in the former parish church of St. Gallus. Mühlheim Felsenhöhle and the church ruin offer different points of interest: one focuses on natural landscapes and geology, the other on the heritage of a pilgrimage church.
In the area surrounding the destination, the Kraftstein Loop runs through the Ursental Valley. The DonauWelle premium hiking trail has held its award since 2014 and passes the former medieval castles of Kraftstein Castle Ruin and Wallenburg Castle Ruin, as well as the remains of Altrietheim and Bräunisburg. This offers a way to distinguish Mühlheim’s local history from another theme in the surrounding area: the landscape and former castles along this route.
Cycling, play and swimming
The International Danube Cycle Route runs right through Mühlheim an der Donau and can also be ridden in short stages. This makes it a good option if you prefer to plan your cycling in manageable sections. Next to Mühlheim Bike Park is a playground with a slide, swings and climbing frame. The indoor swimming pool has a 20 × 8-metre swimming pool; check with the operator for the current visitor regulations.
For your holiday plans, you can alternate between different interests: a cycling stage, a circular trail or a visit to historic sites. Which of these options you prioritise may also influence your choice of holiday apartment. Compare offers based on your own preferences and the experiences you’d like to include in your plans for Mühlheim.
Traditions, guided walks and theatre
Mühlheim is considered a stronghold of Alemannic Fasnet carnival. On Shrove Thursday, the carnival tree is erected. Another regular event in town life is the traditional Thomasmarkt fair, held on the third Saturday in October. Check the specific event details for the relevant year before planning your trip around it.
Night watchman tours offer a special perspective on historic Mühlheim’s upper town. The tours take place on Saturdays at 9 pm, and additionally on Mondays at 9 pm from May to October. The meeting point is the town hall. As seasonal dates may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.
The former Mühlheim railway station building houses a puppet theatre and, in the former waiting room, the TheaterBahnhof cabaret stage. The Bachmann-Légrand family presents its own productions and guest performances there. If you’d like to include culture in your plans, check the current programme separately.
Mühlheim and the wider destination of Tuttlingen
The wider destination of Tuttlingen covers 734.4 square kilometres. Its district includes the southwestern foothills of the Swabian Alb, parts of the Baar and the Young Danube Valley. The northern part of the district is home to juniper heaths and the region of the “10,000ers”, with ten mountains over 1,000 metres high. The Danube breakthrough valley is also one of the district’s scenic highlights. This regional perspective complements Mühlheim’s local attractions with other landscapes in the Tuttlingen district.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Aldingen, Durchhausen, Königsheim, Denkingen, Bärenthal, Gunningen, Hausen and Trossingen.
Go to the wider travel overview: Tuttlingen.
