Kipfenberg: Limes history and trails on the Michelsberg

Romans and Bavarians in Kipfenberg

The Roman and Bavarian Museum is housed in the former stables of Kipfenberg Castle. Its archaeological section explains the construction and decline of the Limes, now a World Heritage Site, life as a soldier in the province of Raetia at the time, and the rise of the Bavarians from the ruins of the Migration Period. Among its notable exhibits is the warrior from Kemathen, described as the “First true Bavarian.” A faithful reconstruction of his burial site and the finds offer insight into the history of the 5th century.

The castle itself is privately owned and is not open to visitors. However, the former outer bailey houses the museum and the Limes information point. If you are interested in the Roman frontier, you can combine a museum visit with a look at the reconstructed wooden Limes watchtower: it stands right beside the foundations of a stone watchtower. From its viewing platform, you can see the bend in the Limes, the foundations and a small reconstructed section of palisade fence.

Discover traditions and culture

Kipfenberg’s Torwärterhaus (gatekeeper’s house) is home to the “Fasenickl” Carnival Museum; its oldest structural elements date back to the Middle Ages. The Fasenickl is a Carnival figure from the Kipfenberg, Kinding and Enkering area. The customs include elaborate costumes, “Schnalzen” (cracking whips) and “Faseln,” as well as handing out pretzels and sweets. The “Die Fasenickl” cultural association preserves historical costumes, makes them accessible to the public and presents the Fasenickl procession outside Carnival season, too.

The historic market square is also the setting for recurring events, including the Easter market with its presentation of the Easter fountain, historical performances for the Limes Festival and the two-day Christmas market. The Limes Festival recalls Kipfenberg’s Roman past and its medieval castle lords. St Mary’s Church of the Assumption houses a Pietà dating from around 1400. These varied themes can help you choose whether to plan your trip around history, local customs or religious art.

Rock formations, viewpoints and hiking trails

South of Kipfenberg, the Michelsberg rises as a steep rock massif about 120 metres high. It contains the remains of several fortifications and a small church, and is also home to one of the town’s most important viewpoints. From the car park in the Birktal, the signposted eastern ascent reaches the summit in about 25 minutes. Alternatively, hiking trail No. 2, the Butterfly Trail, leads up the hill.

The Brandplatz lies on a plateau atop a dolomite rock formation east of Kipfenberg. From there, you can look out over the Birktal, with its juniper bushes at the foot of the Michelsberg. The site is halfway along the Kressensteig, hiking trail No. 3, and about a 15-minute walk from the Roman and Bavarian Museum. There is also a turn-off on the Michelsberg, along the Schlossersteig, leading to the small, accessible Waggerlloch cave. Excavations from 1967 to 1971 uncovered pottery shards and metal objects from the Early Bronze Age, Urnfield period, Hallstatt period and Celtic period; finds also indicate that it was used as a refuge for a time in the Middle Ages.

The Limes, cycling routes and more day trips

The remains of the former Limes in Kipfenberg can be reached via signposted hiking trails, including the Limes Hiking Trail. The Limes watchtower can be reached in about 30 minutes via the Limes Hiking Trail or the Limes Circular Trail, starting from the car park at the outdoor pool or the school. From the hiking car park at the edge of Kipfenberg, it takes about 15 minutes via the Altmühltal Panorama Trail. The first section of the Limes Circular Trail between Kipfenberg and Hirnstetten runs largely along the former northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

You can also include longer tours in your trip. Kipfenberg is a stop on the Altmühltal Cycle Route; the Limes Cycle Route offers a more challenging ride across the heights of the Jura. The section of the Altmühltal Panorama Trail between Kipfenberg and Kinding initially follows shady forest paths uphill to the Kohlplatte, a hill between the Anlauter and Altmühl valleys. The trail then descends steeply along the edge of the forest to Kinding. For a different kind of outing, the heated “Am Limes” outdoor pool has a large swimming pool with a diving tower and a separate children’s pool.

More places to consider when planning your holiday: Eichstätt, Nassenfels, Gaimersheim, Beilngries, Oberdolling, Lenting, Böhmfeld, Pförring.

Back to the main travel overview: Eichstätt.