The best walks and hikes around Pollenfeld
4.4
(836)
4,149
hikers
41
hikes
Hiking around Pollenfeld offers diverse landscapes situated on the edge of the Altmühltal valley. The region features rolling hills, lush forests, and unique rock formations. Trails often follow the Altmühl River, providing scenic views and opportunities to observe local wildlife. This area provides varied terrain for different levels of hikers.
Best hiking trails around Pollenfeld
- The most popular hiking route is Büchenhüll Mammoth Cave – Steinpilz Rock Formation loop from Affental, a 5.2 miles (8.3 km) trail that takes…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4.7
(3)
9
hikers
8.30km
02:15
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
10
hikers
6.08km
01:39
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Southwest of Wachenzell, in a dry valley, rises the so-called Rock Labyrinth, a 24-meter-wide and 10-meter-high rock wall made of tabular sponge limestone from the Malm Delta. Behind it lies a large sinkhole. In the immediate vicinity, a karst shaft, which serves as a water sinkhole during precipitation, leads vertically downward. The natural monument is registered as Bavarian Geotope No. 176R011 "Ponordoline Wachenzell." (Source: Wikipedia) Note: The path to the rocks is not entirely obvious. The rocks themselves are quite overgrown. I followed wide tractor tracks and a trail directly to the rocks. Although there were no prohibition signs, I'm still unsure whether access is permitted.
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The "Schmiede's Cross" stands directly on the state road from Pollenfeld to Preith, about 200 meters south of the old water tower, visible from afar. There is a legend about the "Schmiede's Cross." "An ancestor of the current Pollenfeld blacksmith estate was plowing his field there many years ago. Suddenly, one of his animals (it was supposedly an ox) slipped, meaning it sank with one foot. As the blacksmith tried to free the ox from its position, he discovered that the ox had stepped into a large pot filled with gold coins. In gratitude for this discovery, the blacksmith had a cross erected in the field." (Text: Siegfried Fries, 2016) It is a large stone cross, adorned with a crucifix, an image of the Virgin Mary, and a plaque dedicated to the poor souls. During the re-routing of the state road, the cross was moved to its current location. Unfortunately, the figures, and especially the plaque dedicated to the poor souls, are not in very good condition. (As of April 2025)
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The cave is about 25 meters long, 5 meters wide and 14 meters high. You can look inside through the 4 meter wide open chimney in the middle of the cave. The entrance under the plateau is closed. The mammoth fell through the chimney with 33 other animals and was preserved with stone and clay. Animal bones are on display in the Willibalsburg Museum.
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There is a shady bench under the sprawling branches.
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The wayside cross is located east of the village of Preith, a little off the main path. Be careful, if you are a little inattentive you can easily miss it. Very idyllic and lovingly laid out, with an old wooden bench.
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The Affenthal forester's lodge is located north-west of the Walting municipal seat in the forest on the Jura high road (district road EI 21) that leads from Eichstätt to Enkering. There is a small grass walkway car park, rest areas and a stone grotto. Affenthal is a crossroads where a number of regional and national (pilgrimage trail, Altmühltal panorama trail) hiking trails meet. From Affenthal you can reach, among other things, the Affental (without h!) in the direction of Walting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hiking trails can I expect around Pollenfeld?
Pollenfeld, situated on the edge of the Altmühltal valley, offers a diverse range of hiking trails. You'll find routes traversing rolling hills, lush forests, and unique rock formations. Many trails follow the scenic Altmühl River, providing beautiful views and opportunities to observe local wildlife. The terrain varies, catering to different fitness levels.
How many hiking routes are available in the Pollenfeld area?
There are over 40 hiking routes available around Pollenfeld. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and a few more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every hiker.
Are there any easy or family-friendly hiking trails in Pollenfeld?
Yes, Pollenfeld offers many easy and family-friendly trails. Over half of the routes are classified as easy. For families, the region research mentions the Märchenwaldweg (Fairytale Forest Trail), an interactive trail through dense forests with fairytale panels. An example of an easy route is the Pollenfeld Water Tower – Schmieds Cross near Pollenfeld loop from Pollenfeld, which is about 5.7 km long.
What are the best times of year to go hiking in Pollenfeld?
The best seasons for hiking in Pollenfeld are spring and autumn. In spring, nature awakens with vibrant greenery, while autumn provides a stunning backdrop of colorful foliage. Both seasons offer mild temperatures, creating ideal conditions for extensive hikes.
Are there any circular hiking routes around Pollenfeld?
Yes, many of the trails around Pollenfeld are circular routes, perfect for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Büchenhüll Mammoth Cave – Steinpilz Rock Formation loop from Affental and the Majestic Old Climbing Beech – Pollenfeld Water Tower loop from Pollenfeld.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I see on hikes in Pollenfeld?
Hiking around Pollenfeld offers views of the Altmühltal valley, unique rock formations, and dense woodlands. You can explore highlights like the View of the Altmühl Valley from the Arnsberger Leite or the impressive The Wooden Ravine. The Büchenhüll Mammoth Cave – Steinpilz Rock Formation loop from Affental specifically features notable rock formations and a cave system.
Are there any trails with panoramic views in the Pollenfeld area?
Absolutely. The region is known for its scenic viewpoints. A more challenging hike leads to the nearby Schellenberg, which rewards with magnificent panoramic views of the entire Altmühltal valley. You can also find stunning vistas at highlights like the View of the Altmühl Valley and the Arnsberg Cliffs.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Pollenfeld?
The hiking routes in Pollenfeld are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 700 reviews. Over 4000 hikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the quiet woodlands and well-marked paths.
Are there any lakes or water features along the hiking trails?
Yes, the region features several small lakes and ponds. You might encounter highlights such as the Bechthaler Pond, the Frog Pond in Katzental, or the Tauberfelder Weiher. Some trails also run along the Altmühl River.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
While most trails are easy to moderate, there are a couple of more challenging routes available. The hike to Schellenberg, for instance, is noted for being more demanding and offers significant elevation gain for panoramic rewards.
Can I find trails that lead to interesting historical or cultural sites?
Yes, some routes incorporate local landmarks. For example, the Majestic Old Climbing Beech – Pollenfeld Water Tower loop from Pollenfeld passes by a significant old beech tree and the local water tower, while the Felsenlabyrinth Wachenzell – Fuhrbauerkreuz in Wachenzell loop from Pollenfeld explores a rock labyrinth and a local cross.
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