During our Franconian tour, we primarily visited half-timbered towns, such as Dinkelsbühl, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Forchheim, Kulmbach, and Coburg. Today, however, we’re taking you to the Baroque, episcopal, and university town of Eichstätt, which is idyllically situated on the Altmühl River. Here you won’t see typical half-timbered houses, but rather a magical baroque backdrop with beautiful buildings and facades.
The small town of Eichstätt not only awaited us with perfect summer weather, but also with some great sights, such as the Willibaldsburg Castle, the Eichstätt Cathedral, and the historic market square. In the following article, we’ll show you the most beautiful sights in Eichstätt and also tell you what you absolutely shouldn’t miss in this town. Enjoy browsing!
- Interesting facts about the town of Eichstätt
- The most beautiful sights in Eichstätt
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Events in Eichstätt
- Our hotel in Eichstätt
- Travel tips for Eichstätt
Interesting facts about the city of Eichstätt
The pretty city of Eichstätt has around 14,000 inhabitants and is located in the heart of the Altmühl Valley, a spectacular natural landscape. Here you can go hiking, cycling, try climbing routes, or canoeing while enjoying the natural beauty. The city is also proud of its renowned Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, which forms a vibrant academic community in the city. Around 5,000 students from the Catholic university enliven the city and ensure a youthful atmosphere.
The old town of Eichstätt is a true gem of Baroque architecture. With its narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque squares, it offers a fascinating insight into the city’s history. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic old town and immerse yourself in the past. There are numerous buildings worth seeing, such as the town hall or the former Prince-Bishop’s Residence.
Eichstätt is also world-famous for its rich variety of fossils, particularly from the Jurassic period. The region is a true paradise for paleontologists and fossil enthusiasts. Numerous dinosaur fossils, including remains of pterosaurs, long-necked sauropods, and predatory dinosaurs, have been discovered in the quarries and rock layers around the city. These finds have contributed to expanding our basic understanding of the prehistoric world.
The Most Beautiful Sights in Eichstätt
The small but beautiful town of Eichstätt is home to some great highlights. We’ve marked all the important spots for you on the map below. We recommend spending at least one full day in the city to see the most popular sights in Eichstätt. If you have a little more time, you can take a more leisurely sightseeing tour and include some outdoor activities.
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1. Willibaldsburg Castle, Eichstätt
High above the city, the former Willibaldsburg Castle towers. Construction of this castle began around 1355. Until the 18th century, it was a prestigious castle and the seat of the Eichstätt prince-bishops. Today, it houses the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, as well as the Eichstätt Jura Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the world of dinosaurs. The fantastic panoramic view of the town and the Altmühl Valley is also particularly beautiful. Due to construction work, access to the observation tower is unfortunately not possible until further notice. However, the view from the bastion garden is also highly recommended.
- Address: Burgstraße 19, 85072 Eichstätt
- Opening hours: April 1st – October 3rd, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | October 4th – March 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays
- Admission prices: €5; reduced €4 (valid for all museums + observation tower)
2. Jura Museum in Eichstätt
As already mentioned, the Jura Museum is located inside the Willibaldsburg Castle. This museum is one of the most important natural history museums in Germany and one of the main attractions of the city of Eichstätt. The museum is known worldwide for its impressive collection of fossils from the Jurassic period and provides fascinating insights into the prehistoric world millions of years ago. On site you can marvel at the world’s only specimen of the predatory dinosaur Juravenator as well as an original of the famous prehistoric bird Archaeoptery.
- Address: Burgstraße 19, 85072 Eichstätt
- Opening hours: April 1st – September 30th from 9am to 6pm | October 1st – March 31st from 10am to 4pm
- Closed on Mondays
- Admission prices: €5; Reduced: €4 (Children and teenagers under 18 free)
- Homepage: more information here
3. Bastionsgarten
The Bastionsgarten in Eichstätt is a truly enchanting historical garden located on the grounds of the former Willibaldsburg Castle. This idyllic garden offers breathtaking views of the town of Eichstätt and the Altmühl Valley. In the garden, you will not only find a variety of plants, but also some ancient sculptures and artistic water features that enhance the baroque ambience. We recommend visiting the garden in the early evening (from 5 p.m.). At this time of year the sun is in the perfect position for photos and it is very quiet.
- Address: Burgstraße 19, 85072 Eichstätt
- Opening hours: April 1st – October 15th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays!
- Admission: free
4. Eichstätt Cathedral
The imposing Eichstätt Cathedral impressively embodies Gothic and Baroque architecture. Various architectural styles, a multitude of works of art, and the relics of Saint Willibald make the cathedral a very special sight in Eichstätt. Together with the impressive cloister and the two-aisled mortuary, the cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding medieval buildings in Bavaria. Due to renovation work, only the cloister and the mortuary are currently open to visitors.
- Address: Domplatz 10, 85072 Eichstätt
- Opening hours: Reopening is planned for Easter 2025
- Note: Cloister and mortuary accessible
5. Around Eichstätt’s Market Square
During the Thirty Years’ War, the old town was almost completely destroyed by the Swedish army and subsequently rebuilt in the modern Baroque style. This uniform Baroque townscape certainly makes Eichstätt one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in Bavaria. For us, one of the most beautiful corners of the town is definitely the market square with its many attractive houses. The Eichstätt weekly market takes place here every Wednesday and Saturday.
The center of the market square is the Willibald Fountain, dating from 1695. The bronze statue depicts the first bishop of Eichstätt and patron saint of the city, Saint Willibald. Right next door is the Town Hall, with its neo-Baroque façade and curved gable, built in 1444. We had the opportunity to climb the tower and enjoy the view over the city’s rooftops. Beautiful!
6. Prince-Bishop’s Residence & Residenzplatz
Another square worth seeing in Eichstätt is the baroque Residenzplatz with the former Prince-Bishop’s Residence. Also located here is the Marienbrunnen fountain with its copper Marian column, as well as a small tree-lined avenue. This square was built and planned by three famous architects: Jakob Engel, Gabriel di Gabrieli, and Maurizio Pedetti. The atmosphere is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the scenery is bathed in soft evening light.
7. Former Prince-Bishop’s Summer Residence
In addition to their “normal” residence, the prince-bishops also had a representative summer residence, which today serves as the administrative headquarters of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. The adjacent Baroque garden features several statues, fountains, pavilions, curved hedges, flowerbeds, and shady trees. Here you can relax and put your feet up after exploring the city.
8. Monastery Church of Notre Dame du Sacré Coeur
One of Eichstätt’s most important Baroque buildings is the former Monastery Church of Notre Dame du Sacré Coeur. It was built in 1719 according to designs by Gabriel de Gabrieli. Today, the former monastery church houses the Altmühltal Nature Park Information Center. Inside, be sure to check out the impressive Baroque dome with its colorful ceiling painting by Johann Georg Bergmüller. In addition, there is an idyllic biotope garden with a bench in the backyard, inviting you to linger.
- Address: Notre Dame 1, 85072 Eichstätt
- Opening hours: vary depending on the month and day (usually 9/10 a.m. to 5/6 p.m.)
- Admission: free (also for the information center exhibition)
9. Other Churches in Eichstätt
Eichstätt is also often called the “City of Churches and Monasteries”. During the reign of the clergy, numerous magnificent monasteries and artfully decorated churches were built here, such as the cathedral and the Church of the Guardian Angel. The best way to explore is to simply wander through the city streets and stop at one or two churches. We found the interior of the Church of the Guardian Angel and the Capuchin Church of the Holy Cross with its Holy Sepulchre particularly worth seeing. You can find an overview of the churches and monasteries here: Churches & Monasteries of the episcopal town of Eichstätt.
10. Eichstätt Figure Field
Another attraction in Eichstätt is the Figure Field in Hessenfeld, located about 4 km east of the old town. Here you’ll find 78 larger-than-life sculptures by the artist Alois Wünsche-Mitterecker, symbolizing the senselessness of war and violence. He wanted to create a memorial for eternity, a “monumentum perpetuum.” Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the Figure Field, so we don’t have any personal tips for you here.
11. Eichstätt Panorama Trail
If you have a little more time, we recommend circular hiking trail no. 7, the so-called Eichstätt Panorama Trail. This trail takes you along the varied slopes and ridges surrounding the episcopal city. Along the way, you’ll not only pass several sights in Eichstätt, but also beautiful viewpoints (Schönblick, Willibaldsburg Castle, Frauenberg Chapel, etc.). Plan at least 3 hours for the entire loop (11.5 km). Click here for the detailed route description: Eichstätt Panoramaweg.
Restaurants & Cafés
Zum Höllbräukeller: Would you like to enjoy high-quality cooking and try a very special cuisine? Then head to the restaurant “Zum Höllbräukeller.” Host Michael Jobst creates hearty, regional dishes with great attention to detail within the historic walls.
Café im Paradeis: On our first evening, we went to the Café im Paradeis. It is located in the oldest and only half-timbered house in the baroque old town, dating back to the 13th century. They serve primarily regional and seasonal dishes, such as cheese spaetzle, pork schnitzel, onion roast beef, and Kaiserschmarrn.
Chocolatique: Looking for delicious coffee and something sweet? Then head to the Chocolatique on the market square. Here you can find not only organic hot chocolate and fair-trade coffee, but also lovingly baked organic pastries made with regional ingredients. We highly recommend the flat white and a brownie to go with it. So delicious!
Zum Gutmann: You can eat very well in the Gutmann Brewery restaurant. The food is delicious, the service is good, and the staff are very friendly. We highly recommend the Bavarian pizza. When the weather is nice, you can also sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Buonissimo Eichstätt: The Italian ice cream factory “Buonissmio” is located right on the market square. Here you can order not only coffee and other drinks, but also various ice cream creations.
Events in Eichstätt
Eichstätt Old Town Festival: In July, stages will be set up throughout the old town to present a diverse range of music, from brass bands to reggae. Culinary delicacies from Bavaria and around the world will also be offered, and a varied children’s program will enrich the event. More information here.
Eichstätt Folk Festival: At the end of August, the folk festival takes place in Eichstätt for several days. Modern rides, hearty delicacies, a colorful supporting program, and tasty festival beer await you. Various show bands will also provide the perfect music and a convivial atmosphere. More information here.
Eichstätt Christmas Market: In December, the Eichstätt Advent and Christmas Market will once again take place in front of the cathedral and the former St. John’s Church. Look forward to a picturesque setting, plenty of delicious food, great music, and a varied program. More about it here.
Our hotel in Eichstätt
We stayed at the chic and modern IBB Hotel Altmühltal-Eichstätt*, which is just a few meters from the train station. A great terrace, a restaurant with a bar, a small fitness center, and a sauna awaited us. Our room was very modern and well-equipped. From the window, we could see the Altmühl River and the town hall tower. Our room included a TV, desk, sofa, towels, a bathroom with a shower, a safe, and an electric kettle. In the morning, we fortified ourselves for the day with a delicious breakfast buffet. Book your room here*.
Travel tips for Eichstätt
To get to Eichstätt, there are various Options depend on where you’re starting from. Eichstätt is located between Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Augsburg, and Ingolstadt in southern Germany. Here are the best options:
By car: Getting to Eichstätt by car is relatively easy and convenient, especially if you’re coming from larger cities in the area. It’s best to use the A9 motorway or the B13 federal highway. From Stuttgart, it takes just under 3 hours to get to Eichstätt, and from Nuremberg, it’s only 1 hour. Regensburg is also just 1.5 hours away. Book a rental car here*.
Distances to Eichstätt:
- Hamburg: 704 km
- Berlin: 499 km
- Cologne: 488 km
- Dresden: 373 km
- Stuttgart: 180 km
- Munich: 109 km
- Nuremberg: 83 km
By train: Eichstätt has a train station that is well integrated into the German rail network. Deutsche Bahn offers regular connections from cities such as Nuremberg, Munich, Ingolstadt, and Stuttgart. Important: The trains on the “Treuchtlingen – Ingolstadt” line take you to “Eichstätt Bahnhof.” There, you must change trains and take the train to the final stop, “Eichstätt Stadt,” 5 km away.Book train tickets here*.