In addition to beautiful landscapes, the Altmühl Valley also boasts architectural attractions such as the Tatzelwurm Bridge. But the towns and villages located in the nature park also captivate visitors with their architectural gems and historical features. Of course, beer is undoubtedly particularly important for Bavarian culture and is now known far beyond the country’s borders. A milestone in Bavarian beer history was the opening of the wheat beer brewery in Kelheim, where the drink is still brewed from wheat today.
Over 400 years of wheat beer history
Until 1548, it was forbidden to brew wheat beer in Bavaria due to the purity law. Then the Baron of Degendorf was granted the privilege of brewing wheat beer, and the first wheat beer breweries were established. The Degendorf family died out over the decades, which is why Maximilian I was granted the privilege. He had the Weiße Bräuhaus (white brewery) built in Kelheim, which went into operation in 1607 and is now the oldest wheat brewery still in existence in the country.
The brewery has been owned by the Schneider family since 1928 and has also been known as “Schneider Weisse” since then. The family also has several breweries in Munich , with the main brewery located in the city center in the valley. After the destruction of the Munich production facilities in World War II, the family relocated the actual brewery to Kelheim.
In the middle of the old town stands the listed building, in front of which King Ludwig I stands guard, not to be confused with Ludwig of Kelheim. The latter was born in Kelheim and had a residence here, but fell victim to an attack on the Kelheim Bridge. As a result, the Wittelsbach family moved their residence to Landshut, where Ludwig had Trausnitz Castle built.
Impressive hall of fame
Even if you’re not a beer enthusiast, a trip to Kelheim is well worth it. Towering above the town is the colossal Hall of Liberation on Michelsberg hill, designed by Leo von Klenze. The 45-meter-high classicist rotunda forms an octadecagon, lined with eighteen 5.8-meter-high statues. Ludwig I commissioned it to commemorate the victorious battles during the European Wars of Liberation . Today, you can visit the hall.
In Kelheim’s old town, you will find other sights besides the Weisses Brauhaus, such as the old city gates and remains of the former city fortifications. The old and new town halls and the Herzogkasten are also worth a look. In Schlossweg, you will find the Wittelsbach Castle, which replaced the former castle and now houses the district administration office. Another impressive round building is the Schleiferturm, which was built using stones from the old castle.
Forward by ship and bicycle
Kelheim is located on the Danube and was once an important waterway for trade. The Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal connected the Danube with the Main in Bamberg. The old canal harbor still bears witness to this today. Even though the canal itself is no longer navigable, you can still take a Danube boat trip from Kelheim to Regensburg or Riedenberg. An absolute highlight, however, is the Danube Gorge, where the Altmühl flows into the Danube. At the Weltenburg Gorge, limestone walls rise out of the water and form a fascinating rock landscape. Above the gorge lies Weltenburg Abbey, which you can visit and stop off at its beer garden.
If you prefer cycling to boating, don’t miss the 24-hour race. This cycling race has been held in Kelheim since 1997 and is considered the oldest 24-hour race in Germany, which brought cycling to the streets. Every year, cyclists from all over Europe come to Kelheim to take part and compete. This year, from July 11 to 12, the athletes will once again compete on the 17-kilometer course.