The best running trails around Altenthann

The former railway line in Wenzenbach is part of the former secondary line Regensburg–Falkenstein (also known as „Falkensteiner Bockerl“). Passenger traffic on the line was discontinued in 1984, and the entire operation ended in 1985. Today, the largely gradient-free route has been developed into a popular cycle path.

The former railway line in Wenzenbach is part of the former Regensburg–Falkenstein branch line (also known as „Falkensteiner Bockerl“). Passenger traffic on the line was discontinued in 1984, and overall operation ended in 1985. Today, the largely gradient-free route has been developed into a popular cycle path.

From above you have a great view of the Otterbach stream and the rock formations below.

The Otterbach The Otterbach originates in the church village of Süssenbach, in the municipality of Wald in the Chams district, at approximately 477 m above sea level, through the confluence of the Weismühlbach and Steinbach streams. From there, it flows steadily southwestward, initially also called the Süssenbach, in loops that are particularly wide at the beginning. After passing through about a dozen smaller villages in Wald, it crosses the border into the Regensburg district and enters the municipality of Altenthann, passing through the village of Forstmühle there, and then flows northwest past the large, unincorporated forest area of the Forstmühle Forest. It passes successively the Altenthann hamlet of Bruckhäusl on the left bank, its church village of Heuweg on the right bank and on the heights above the valley, the village of Oberlichtenwald, which is located on the same bank as the stream, and the village of Unterlichtenwald on the right bank of the estuary in the wide floodplain. There, the most important tributary, the Sulzbach, flows along the other side of the village. Its upper reaches, together with its own course, even exceed the length of the Otterbach main branch up to this point, but contribute about a quarter less to the catchment area. From there, the St. 2145 state road uses the valley. The valley now narrows again between steep forest slopes, and the Otterbach enters the territory of Markt Donaustauf, where it successively passes the isolated villages of Neumühle and Klammer on its banks. The valley then widens into a large field bay, where it flows between the hamlets of Hammermühle and Dachsberg. Before Scheuchenberg, the stream, which ultimately flows almost southward, deviates to the right and southwest, crosses the church village of Sulzbach an der Donau, flows under the St. 2125 state road, which follows the stream, and flows into the Danube on the left after 17 kilometers. A popular hiking trail runs along the stream between Forstmühle and Hammermühle. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de

The cycle path is well-developed and signposted. Several rest stops are available. Before starting your bike tour, it's best to check the opening times and days.

Highly recommended for a fun family outing. A very well-maintained facility, extremely friendly staff, and an exciting show.

Schönberg Castle The castle was built in the 13th century. In 1269, it was mentioned as the property of the Lords of Hohenfels. Later owners were the Bishops of Regensburg and the Dukes of Bavaria. In the following centuries, there was a constant change of ownership, including the Satelbog family, the Hauzendorf family, the Auer family, the Hof family, the Murach family, and the Zenger family. On September 12, 1504, the castle was conquered by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. After the Battle of Wenzenbach, Duke Albrecht moved into Schönberg and granted it in 1508 to Bernhardin von Stauff, Baron of Ehrenfels. Schönberg passed as a dowry to the Lerchenfelder family, who resided here until 1753, when it was sold to the Breslau canon Georg Karl Joseph von Stingelheim. The Stingelheim family remained in possession of Schönberg until 1817, when Karl Alexander von Thurn und Taxis purchased the estate. In 1927, the castle passed to the Vilsmeier family, who established an inn in the outbuildings a year later. In 1957, the property came into the possession of the Fichtl family. The current owner is the physician Hans-Hermann Klünemann, who, with the assistance of the German Foundation for Monument Protection, initiated the renovation of the complex. The renovation of the castle was largely completed in 2010. The castle is a three-story, hipped-roof building with a bay window and an irregularly oriented south-facing floor plan. The core building dates from 1253/54 with a medieval extension. Alterations took place from the late 17th to the early 18th century and around 1770/71. The roof structure dates from 1820/23. There is a Baroque castle chapel of St. Joseph. Also preserved are parts of the circular wall with shell towers, as well as the presumably late medieval moat wall with its ditch and outer wall made of granite rubble. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de

A castle near Wenzenbach, towering high above the valley. Built in the 13th century and now privately owned.