Schernfeld: Adventure Trails and Views of the Altmühltal

For a trip to Schernfeld, nature experiences and cultural topics can be considered as different areas of focus within the wider destination of Eichstätt. In Schernfeld, the focus is on the four adventure trails at the forest experience centre and the loop across the Jura plateau. Eichstätt broadens the picture with fossils, architectural history, garden culture and regional dishes. This allows you to decide as you plan whether landscape, independent exploration or cultural attractions should be the main focus.

Schernfeld Adventure Trails and Loop

The four adventure trails at the Schernfeld Forest Experience Centre are freely accessible and can be explored without a guide.

The Schernfeld loop runs across the Jura plateau around Schernfeld, passing the Eichhorn sheep farm and leading to Leitenbuck. This grassy slope offers views south into the Altmühltal and north towards the village of Schernfeld. The two viewing directions set the valley and village in contrast and give Leitenbuck a clear connection to the surrounding landscape.

Culture in the Surrounding Area

In the area around Schernfeld, the Bergér Museum in Eichstätt features a dry aquarium with corals and marine animals. There are also exhibitions on gemstones, minerals and jewellery, as well as on woodland and open countryside. The different themes connect nature and culture in various ways: the dry aquarium sits alongside collections of rocks and jewellery and exhibitions about woodland and open countryside.

In the Wider Destination of Eichstätt

At the Jura Museum in Eichstätt, the exhibition focuses on fossils from the Solnhofen limestone slabs. The original Eichstätt specimen of Archaeopteryx is also on display there. These two focal points link the region’s study of fossils with a specific exhibited find.

Willibaldsburg Castle in Eichstätt was built in 1355 by Bishop Berthold Burgrave of Zollern and served as the bishop’s residence until 1725. Of the 420 m-long castle, its walls and bastions, the arsenal, the 63 m-long gate hall and the Gemmingen building with its two towers have been preserved. Together, these structures show different parts of the historic complex: fortifications stand alongside buildings and the striking gate hall.

The 1,500 m² bastion garden is also 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 original plant species in the garden. In this way, the garden adds a distinct botanical focus to the castle’s architectural history.

Cathedral Square lies on the oldest settled ground in the city of Eichstätt. Regional dishes also offer a cultural connection: several times a year, Eichstätt’s Genuss-Wirte (culinary hosts) serve special dishes under the motto “Eichstätt cooks...”, including, for example, spicy Altmühltal lamb dishes.

The Eichstätt Fossil Trail offers another connection with nature in Eichstätt. It is a moderately difficult, 9 km circular route for families. It therefore complements the freely accessible adventure trails in Schernfeld with a differently described walking option within the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Oberdolling, Großmehring, Mörnsheim, Gaimersheim, Eichstätt, Kinding, Dollnstein, Altmannstein

Back to the wider travel overview: Eichstätt.