Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see

Germany

Bavaria

Upper Bavaria

Altmühltal

Weißenburg Old Town

Discover
Places to see

Germany

Bavaria

Upper Bavaria

Altmühltal

Weißenburg Old Town

Weißenburg Old Town

Recommended by 23 hikers out of 24

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Altmühltal

Save

Share

  • More

  • Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Weißenburg Old Town

    4.8

    (29)

    166

    hikers

    1. Weißenburg Old Town – Weißenburg City Wall loop from Weißenburg in Bayern

    6.21km

    01:37

    40m

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Easy

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    May 4, 2025

    UNESCO World Heritage Limes: Roman Town of Weißenburg

    With the partially reconstructed Biriciana Fort, the Roman baths, and the largest Roman treasure trove in Germany, Weißenburg is a Roman town par excellence. The town's Roman Museum also houses the Central Bavarian Limes Information Center.

    This impressive Roman heritage can be experienced in Weißenburg on your own or on guided tours for individuals and groups. For example, the Weißenburg hiking trail "Via Biriciana" leads you actively into history, following old Roman roads to the Limes.

    Text / Source: Large district town of Weißenburg i. Bay., New Town Hall, Marktplatz 19, Weißenburg i. Bay.

    weissenburg.de/roemer

    Translated by Google •

      May 4, 2025

      Historic Old Town, Weißenburg

      and City Fortifications with Lakeside Walk

      The buildings in Weißenburg exude the self-confidence of an imperial city—no wonder, given Weißenburg's rich history. Today, they form the backdrop for diverse cultural events.

      For five centuries, Weißenburg was a Free Imperial City, subject only to the Emperor; today, buildings such as the city fortifications with their 38 towers and the Imperial City Museum bear witness to its heyday. The city's ancient walls are not only impressive sights in their own right, but also provide space for popular and well-known cultural events: The concert series "Musica Biriciana - Music in Ancient Walls" and the summer festival on the magnificent natural stage of the Bergwaldtheater are part of the "Musical Magic of Franconia" festival. The renowned "Franconian Summer - Musica Franconia" also regularly visits the city.

      History of a Free Imperial City

      At its heart, Weißenburg has retained the character of a former Free Imperial City. First mentioned in a document (in Latin) in 867, the Franconian royal court, where Charlemagne is said to have stayed in 793 on the occasion of the construction of the "Fossa Carolina," first became a Salian, then a Hohenstaufen estate, and in the 11th century, a walled city. The existence of the first coat of arms in 1241 manifests the emergence of municipal self-government. By 1296 at the latest, Weißenburg was one of only six Free Imperial Cities in present-day Franconia. Following the example of the Imperial City of Nuremberg, Weißenburg joined the "Confessio Augustana" in 1530. The construction of the Wülzburg Fortress from 1588 and the Thirty Years' War affected Weißenburg in many ways. In 1802, the city lost its imperial freedom, first passing to the Electorate of Bavaria, then to Prussia, and finally to the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806.


      Even today, evidence of this remains includes, among others, the following: The largely preserved city fortifications with 38 towers and the only remaining city gate – the Ellinger Tor – with the Hohenstaufen Imperial Eagle in the center and the two city coats of arms from 1241 and 1481 respectively; the Imperial (Old) Town Hall (1470-80); the St. Andrew's Church, the Hospital Church, and the Carmelite Church from the city's great era, when the "wings of the eagle," i.e. the emperor, still nominally ruled over it.

      Text / Source: Weißenburg Tourist Information, Martin-Luther-Platz 3, Weißenburg i. Bay.

      weissenburg.de/sehenswertes/historische_altstadt-1816

      Translated by Google •

        In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

        Sign up for free

        Details

        Informations

        Elevation 470 m

        Weather

        Powered by AerisWeather

        Today

        Thursday 2 October

        12°C

        4°C

        0 %

        If you start your activity now...

        Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

        Most visited during

        January

        February

        March

        April

        May

        June

        July

        August

        September

        October

        November

        December

        Loading

        Location: Altmühltal, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

        Other Popular Places to Check Out

        Explore
        RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
        Download the app
        Follow Us on Socials

        © komoot GmbH

        Privacy Policy