I think that the "Altmühltal" (valley of the river Altmühl) and the region of Eichstätt are not as well known as they should be.
Elizabeth and I loved to visit this area and to enjoy it's tranquillity, it's castles and all the picturesque villages.
We watched groups of bicyclists passing by, the boaters, and people just relaxing.

You will see the name "Naturpark Altmühltal" very often. This name expresses the fact that the environment of this area is protected.
Many people protested when the "Main Donau Kanal" was finally constructed. This canal connects the rivers Main and Danube. Don't miss seeing the canal when you are here.
You will find castles and ruins and many other links back to the history of this region.
If you are interested, you can visit many remains from the time when the Romans ruled here. For example, visit the fortress "Vetoniana" in Pfünz. It has been partly restored. If you are fortunate enough an event maybe happening when you are here. An authentic reenactment which brings this time back.

These are only a few things that you can do in this region. There is so much to see and to experience.
You can collect fossils of animals and plants or see them in museums; all are millions of years old. 150 million years ago the Altmühl region was the coast of an ocean. The most unique pieces can be seen in local museums in Eichstätt, Schernfeld-Harthof and Mörnsheim-Maxberg.
Accommodation is available for very reasonable rates. Just check with a tourist office or check out places that you see when traveling by. Ask for the areas in which you can search for your own fossil.

Don't expect to find hotel chains that you are familiar with. Most businesses are privately operated and if you stay in a "Gasthof" a real continental breakfast is normally always included in the price.