Eichstätt tells the story of the Earth and the city in different ways: in its museum, on a fossil trail, in the architecture of Willibaldsburg Castle and in the Bastion Garden. The variety of natural history, architectural history and garden culture gives you different themes to explore as you discover the city.
Fossils in the Museum and on the Circular Trail
The exhibition at the Jura Museum Eichstätt focuses on fossils from the Solnhofen Plattenkalk limestone deposits. The museum also displays the original Eichstätt specimen of Archaeopteryx. This brings a broad exhibition theme together with a specifically identified original specimen. The Eichstätt Fossil Trail offers a different way to explore the area: it is a moderately challenging, 9-kilometre circular route for families. On the Blumenberg hill near Eichstätt, right next to the Marienstein children’s village, there is also a fossil quarry for amateur collectors. If you are primarily interested in exhibits, the museum offers a different focus from the circular trail; the quarry is specifically intended for amateur collectors.
Willibaldsburg Castle and Its History
Willibaldsburg Castle was built in 1355 by Bishop Berthold Burggraf von Zollern and served as the bishop’s residence until 1725. The 420-metre-long castle still has its walls and bastions, the arsenal, the 63-metre-long gate hall and the Gemmingen building with its two towers. The historical background and the various surviving structures offer different ways to explore the castle, from its former function to its architecture.
Bastion Garden and Cathedral Square
The 1,500 m² Bastion Garden is located at Willibaldsburg Castle in Eichstätt. The Hortus Eystettensis, destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, was brought back to life there after 400 years. Visitors can discover many of the garden’s original plant species. The garden thus adds a botanical focus alongside the castle’s architectural history: here, the emphasis is on the plants and the revival of the Hortus Eystettensis.
Cathedral Square also anchors the city’s history in a specific place. It is located on the oldest settled ground in the city of Eichstätt. The historical perspective therefore encompasses not only individual buildings such as Willibaldsburg Castle, but also the square that represents the city’s early settlement.
Nature Park and Eichstätt District
In Bavaria, the area of Eichstätt district forms the heart of the Altmühltal Nature Park, one of Germany’s largest nature parks. More than 80 percent of the district lies within the nature park, providing a place to relax and enjoy leisure activities amid scenic natural surroundings. The Altmühltal Cycle Route also passes through Eichstätt district. This regional perspective complements urban explorations with nature park and cycling themes across the district.
A Culinary Highlight
Eichstätt’s Genuss-Wirte also contribute to local discoveries: several times a year, they offer special dishes under the motto “Eichstätt kocht...” (“Eichstätt cooks...”). These include, for example, hearty Altmühltal lamb dishes. If you are planning a trip specifically for this programme, check the event dates in advance.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Wellheim, Dollnstein, Beilngries, Mörnsheim, Lenting, Kipfenberg, Kinding, Eichstätt, Denkendorf, Großmehring, Kösching, Titting, Nassenfels, Schernfeld, Böhmfeld, Pollenfeld, Altmannstein, Mindelstetten, Oberdolling, Gaimersheim, Pförring.
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