Ihrlerstein: Traces in Stone and Landscape
Accommodation in Ihrlerstein
In Ihrlerstein, tangible traces of local history meet themes relating to karst and physical activity. St James’ Church, built from green sandstone, the Brünnerl spring and the history of stone quarrying give the town several historical points of interest. The Juralandschaft nature trail focuses on typical karst features and how people have made use of a landscape with little water and plenty of stone. Two Nordic walking routes and the Kelheim high ropes course add physical activity to these themes. You can choose the focus of your holiday according to your travel group’s interests.
Stone and History in Ihrlerstein
St James’ Church in Ihrlerstein was built from green sandstone. The Brünnerl is the stone surround of the original spring, which dates back to 1634. The church and the enclosed spring are distinct local features that offer insights into architecture and history.
Stone quarrying is also part of the area’s past. In the 19th century, up to 17 green sandstone and limestone quarries were in operation at the same time in Neukelheim alone, now a district of Ihrlerstein. The Kleine and Große Kuhtränke add a different historical note: unlike natural ponds, they are clay pits dating from the 18th century.
Karst Landscape and Trails
The Juralandschaft nature trail in Ihrlerstein has 13 stops with images and written information. It leads to typical karst features in the area and explains how nature and people have adapted to the high plateaus, which are short on water but rich in stone. Anyone interested in the landscape will find both concrete natural features and insights into how people have dealt with the conditions on the plateaus.
The two Nordic walking routes can be distinguished by their described courses. Route 1 runs from the sports ground via the Roten Buckel-Weg to the Schopper-Marterl. The return route follows the Kreuzfichtenweg and the road along the edge of the forest back to the sports ground. Route 2 starts on Palmbergstraße near the Möller chemical plant, follows the forest track to the link with the Zieglertal valley and returns to its starting point on Palmbergstraße via Zieglertalstraße.
Another way to get active
The Kelheim high ropes course is located in Ihrlerstein; visits are possible by appointment only. Its high elements include a climbing tower, Flying Fox or zip line, Partner Crossing, Burma Steps, Cable Walk, Pamper Pole or pole, Jakobsleiter, Hour Glass, Cat Walk or balance beam, and Schlange. The low elements include the Mohawk Walk and other elements.
If you are planning a trip with children or with a travel group whose members have different interests, comparing the themes can help you plan your holiday: the nature trail focuses on karst and landscape, the historical features of the town reveal its building and land-use history, while the Nordic walking routes and high ropes course put physical activity centre stage. When choosing a holiday apartment in Ihrlerstein, you can therefore start by considering which of these focuses matters most for your stay.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Essing, Altessing, Saal an der Donau, Volkenschwand, Neustadt an der Donau, Abensberg, Riedenburg, Bad Abbach.
Back to the main travel overview: Kelheim.
