Pfatter: Nature along the Old Danube and history
Accommodation in Pfatter
Pfatter combines a distinctive natural landscape with reminders of the Danube’s former shipping trade. The Pfatterer Au lies north of the village, and the small Schifferkirche stands on its outskirts. The marked “Old Danube” circular hiking trail also offers a practical starting point for planning your trip. Depending on whether you are interested in birdwatching, a longer walk or local history, Pfatter has different highlights to offer.
The Pfatterer Au natural area
The Pfatterer Au, north of Pfatter, features river-valley meadows, oxbow lakes with areas of silting and alluvial forests. The area is an important breeding, stopover and wintering site for numerous endangered bird species and is of national significance. The Eurasian curlew is the Au’s flagship species; its presence and conservation status may change over time. The area’s diverse habitats and their importance to birds shape the natural character of this destination.
“Old Danube” circular hiking trail
The marked circular route is about 8 km long and is located near Pfatter. The start and finish are at the town hall on Haidauer Straße. Along the section following the Old Danube to Seppenhausener Straße, you can observe numerous waterbirds. What you may spot can vary depending on the season and natural conditions.
The route is easy to walk, with some gravel and some paved sections. However, it may not be suitable for strollers. If you are travelling with children, bear this in mind when planning and check the trail conditions before setting out. The approximate distance, circular route and start and finish point provide practical guidance for planning your day.
The Schifferkirche and local history
The small Schifferkirche, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, stands on the outskirts of Pfatter. It recalls Pfatter’s former importance as a landing place for salt ships on the Danube. Alongside nature watching, there is also a glimpse of local history: the church keeps alive the memory of shipping and its role in Pfatter.
More to explore in the wider Regensburg destination
The wider Regensburg destination offers distinct cultural and landscape attractions alongside Pfatter’s local interests. Walhalla is one of Germany’s notable Neoclassical buildings. Its exterior is designed in the Doric style and features 52 columns. Since 1842, this memorial and hall of honour on the Danube has commemorated notable Germans and people connected with German history through marble busts and plaques. Its architecture and culture of remembrance offer a different focus from Pfatter’s birdlife and local history.
Directions to Walhalla are also clearly described: from the bus stop, it is about a 20-minute walk via 358 steps. 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 dates within this seasonal period when planning your trip.
Another highlight is the nine-hectare Nepal-Himalaya Park in Wiesent. It includes a Nepalese temple, a diverse perennial garden and numerous Asian works of art. 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, as well as garden art, as distinct interests to explore.
Choose the right focus
When choosing a holiday apartment in Pfatter, consider which topics you would like to focus on during your stay. Pfatter itself offers opportunities for nature watching, the marked circular trail and learning about the history of shipping. If you are also interested in architecture, commemorative culture or gardens, you can include these in your plans across the wider Regensburg destination.
Discover more destinations: Alteglofsheim, Pentling, Sinzing, Donaustauf, Beratzhausen, Duggendorf, Regensburg, Tegernheim.
Return to the main travel overview: Regensburg.
