On the Altmühltal Panorama Trail to the Twelve Apostles

Tour with unique rock formations in the Altmühltal valley

Hike along the Altmühltal Panorama Trail, which offers a fascinating landscape all year round. The entire panoramic trail is divided into sections and is ideal for a day trip thanks to the good railway connections. The Middle Franconian section is particularly worth seeing: start your hike at Pappenheim railway station. From there, the trail leads via Zimmern to Solnhofen. Just 20 minutes away, a real natural highlight awaits you: the mighty "Twelve Apostles" dolomite cliffs.

Hiking tour in the heart of Middle Franconia

The hike to the famous "Twelve Apostles" rock formation starts at the railway station in Pappenheim in Middle Franconia. Allow around two hours for the eight kilometres. Follow the Lachgartenweg to the right and turn left onto the railway path. After 750 metres, walk a short distance further along Schützenstraße. Then turn slightly right onto Deisingerstraße and continue straight on towards the market square. This is the official starting point of the hike.

Follow the Altmühltal Panorama Trail - experience nature and vastness

If you follow the red and yellow symbol labelled "Altmühltal Panoramaweg", you can't miss the stage destination of Solnhofen. Enjoy the marvellous view from the plateau of the panorama over the picturesque winding valley of the Altmühl and the imposing rows of limestone cliffs.

The panoramic trail continues to the grand finale of your Middle Franconian day tour to the "Twelve Apostles": after the forest section, you reach the idyllic village of Solnhofen via a small path. From there, the path leads past the children's playground and straight on into the housing estate. On Karl-Högner-Straße, at the tennis courts, turn left into Bieswanger Weg. Follow Industriestraße to the right for 280 metres before turning right again at Hochholzer Weg.

The last section of the tour - to the "Twelve Apostles" natural monument

Walk to the hiking car park and follow the red and yellow hiking trail symbols. Now it's just under 20 minutes until you can let your gaze wander over the magnificent Altmühltal panorama to the majestic limestone cliffs of the "Twelve Apostles". The striking rock formation is one of the landmarks of the Altmühltal Nature Park and is one of its scenic highlights.

From a geological perspective, the apostles consist of the limestone remains of a reef belt from the Jurassic Sea hundreds of millions of years ago. Legend has it that twelve giants transformed themselves into the steep group of rocks.

A stop-off in Franconian cosiness - the Zum Mühlenwirt inn

Exercise in the fresh air works up an appetite: the Franconian inn Zum Mühlenwirt in the listed village mill right next to the Altmühl serves regional specialities in a rustic natural atmosphere. After the "Twelve Apostles", return to the hikers' car park and walk along the Hochholzer Weg from there.

A relaxed end to the day in the Altmühltal valley

Turn right onto Eichstätter Straße and then left again onto Glaubensberg. The path then leads you left again onto Pappenheimerstraße over the Altmühl. Now continue left onto Bahnhofstraße, past Solnhofen railway station and left onto Mühlweg until you reach the Wirtshaus am Fluss after just under 600 metres. After refreshments, take the train back home.

In just a few minutes with the "Hin & Hören" podcast to the Altmühltal! We take you interactively to Middle Franconia, where you can discover the 12 Apostles - a true natural wonder! Listen now.