Altessing: Church, Archaeology and Canal History

Altessing brings together several themes that can be weighted differently when choosing a destination: early Gothic church architecture, archaeological connections, canal history, protected landscapes and cycling. St. Martin’s Church and the cemetery of the present-day parish of Essing define the religious connection; the Altessing-Schule station and the reconstructed smithy introduce archaeological and craft-related themes. Other highlights include the “Schulerloch” nature reserve, the listening point on the Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal and the Altmühl-Donau-Tour cycling route through Altessing. This allows you to weigh up which of these different highlights matter for your stay.

Church and Cemetery in Altessing

The Catholic Church of St. Martin in Altessing was built as an Early Gothic structure in the second half of the 13th century. St. Martin’s Church is located in the middle of the cemetery of the present-day parish of Essing. The dating gives the building a specific historical context, while its location makes its connection with Essing’s religious surroundings clear. For travelers interested in architecture, this is a clearly defined focus, distinct from the burial mounds at the Altessing-Schule station and the canal history at the listening point.

Archaeology, Blacksmithing and Canal History

The Altessing-Schule station in the Altmühltal Archaeology Park is associated with burial mounds. At the “Celtic Smithy with Iron Smelting Furnace” station, there is a reconstructed smithy; demonstrations offer insights into prehistoric blacksmithing practices. The listening point on the Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal in Altessing provides information about the canal’s history. Different themes are presented side by side: archaeological connections through the burial mounds, crafts in the form of blacksmithing demonstrations, and the history of the canal. The smithy draws attention to a specific practice, while the listening point focuses on the canal and its history. If you organize your itinerary by interest, you can choose between these themes.

Schulerloch and Cycling Route

The “Schulerloch” nature reserve encompasses the northern slopes of the Altmühltal between Altessing and Oberau, around the Schulerloch show cave. This protected landscape and the show cave provide a nature-focused highlight alongside the cultural sites. If you are planning to visit the nature reserve, check the applicable access rules in advance. The Altmühl-Donau-Tour cycling route through Altessing is a separate planning consideration. If you plan to ride the route, check the current route before setting off.

Essing: Museum, Landscapes and Excursions

The wider destination of Essing is home to the MEMU, located in the former rectory. As a cultural institution, its program includes art exhibitions, themed exhibitions, concerts and lectures; individual events may change. A permanent exhibition explores how construction of the Main-Danube Canal changed the landscape in the Altmühltal. The Stone Age skeleton known as the “Man from Neuessing” is also on display at the MEMU. These themes highlight different aspects of history: an archaeological find and the transformation of the landscape through canal construction. Essing’s townscape combines the calm waters of the Restaltmühl, pale rock faces rising almost vertically and historic buildings with a medieval atmosphere.

Walking routes and boat trips are also based in Essing. The Jurasteig trail leads from Essing to the Three-Castle Town of Riedenburg. The Essing boat landing is a starting point for trips towards Riedenburg or Kelheim; some journeys pass through the Danube Gorge. Bicycles are allowed on board the excursion boats departing from Essing, making it possible to combine a boat trip with a cycling tour. For specific dates and connections, it is worth checking the current timetables. Saal an der Donau is the nearest railway station for travel to Essing. From there, visitors can continue by bus via Kelheim to Essing in the direction of Riedenburg; check the bus connections for your travel date.

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