Attractions and places to see around Pfaffenhofen, located in Upper Bavaria, offer a diverse range of experiences. The region is characterized by the Hallertau hop-growing area, the Ilm River, and proximity to the Danube. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, expansive natural landscapes, and engaging cultural sites. The area provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Eppingen's old town boasts one of the largest collections of historic half-timbered houses, located between the Baumann House and the market square. One of the most beautiful buildings is the old university building, which specializes in carpentry.
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Eppingen was first mentioned in documents in 985. https://www.eppingen.de/bildung/stadtrundgang
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When you walk around the lake you have to cross a few bridges.
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A small forest lake in the Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park with beautiful rest areas by the lake. Forest trail and bird trail on and around the lake.
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A cozy little half-timbered town. A lot has happened here in recent years. The reward is the garden show with regional presentations of crafts and typical landscape features.
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The lake is primarily used for flood protection on the Zaber. In summer, swimmers and other people looking for relaxation visit the lake with its bathing beach; Anglers can catch pike, zander and perch there, as well as rainbow trout, carp, tench, bream, catfish and eel. Sailing and motor boating, on the other hand, are prohibited on the lake. Walking and hiking trails of different lengths touch the Ehmetsklinge, including a 6.5 km long circular lake trail, which also connects it with the Katzenbachsee, which is almost 2 km to the east. A forest and tree as well as a wine educational trail also run near the lake. There are some inns by the lake. In May 2009, the new nature park center of the Stromberg-Heuchelberg nature park opened its doors on the lake shore. The lake was created between 1968 and 1970, inaugurated in June 1970 with a lake festival, and expanded in 2000 and 2001. EnBW, the operating company of the Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant, initiated the enlargement of the lake; Low water in the Neckar during the summer and legal requirements had previously led to a lack of cooling water in the reactor at this time of year, which now hardly ever occurs. In the north-eastern area near the dam it has a fairly constant width of around 250m, further up it branches into two peaks that reach into the valleys of Zaber in the south-west and Ehmehtsklingenbach in the west and reaches its greatest length of around 600m at the tributary of the latter. With normal traffic jams, the surface of the lake is 232m above sea level. NN. The expansion increased the crest height of the dam structure on the air side from 12.50m to 15.05m, the crest length of the dam from 320.50m to 335.50m, the water depth from 4.80m to up to 8m with permanent waterlogging, the water area from 7, 3ha to 13.8ha, the storage volume from 190,000m³ to 590,000m³. Annually from August 15th to December 31st, the Neckar can now be supplied with an additional volume of water of up to 400,000 cubic meters via the Zaber to compensate for the evaporation caused by the operation of some thermal power plants on its banks, but the flood protection in Zabergäu and the Increasing the water level in case of low water in the Zaber. During the expansion, around 10 hectares of arable land were converted into meadows, trees and shrubs were planted and the front dam was designated as a biotope. The costs for this and for a number of other measures were borne by the operators of a number of thermal power plants on the Neckar under the management of the Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant.
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Eppingen is located on the southernmost of the nine routes of the German half-timbered road, which leads past many sights.
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The location of Eppingen at the confluence of the Hilsbach into the Elsenz favored an early settlement at that point. The oldest traces of settlement are found in the Vogelsberg Gewann from the time of the band ceramics around 5000 BC. In addition, around ten settlements from the Neolithic period are known to exist in Eppingen. Finds from later epochs (Bronze Age, Iron Age, La Tène Period, Hallstatt Period) suggest a continuous settlement of the ancient settlement area. At the time of the Romans there was a villa rustica in the Gewann Risselberg near the Roman road from Stettfeld to Kastell Böckingen.
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The region offers diverse natural beauty, including the expansive Hallertau hop-growing area, perfect for scenic walks and cycling. You can also enjoy pleasant riverside strolls along the Ilm River Walkway or visit the beautiful Waldpark Pfaffenhofen. For water activities, the Katzenbachsee and Ehmetsklinge Reservoir are popular bathing lakes, with the latter offering pedal boat rentals and a spacious lawn.
Yes, the area provides numerous hiking trails for all levels. You can explore the Hallertau hop gardens or enjoy nature trails like the Schlossberg Nature Trail with panoramic views. For specific routes, consider the moderate Blankenhorn Castle Ruins loop from Pfaffenhofen or the Ehmetsklinge Reservoir – Katzenbachsee loop from Zaberfeld.
History enthusiasts can explore the neo-Gothic Pfaffenhofen Town Hall, the historic Vohburg an der Donau Old Town with its well-preserved Danube Gate, and the significant Scheyern Abbey. Don't miss the impressive Blankenhorn Castle Ruins, which is ideal for a rest during a hike.
Absolutely. The Hallertau region is excellent for cycling, including the Bockerl Cycle Path connecting Jebertshausen and Hüll. You can also find various routes like the easy Zaberweg Cycle Path – Ehmetsklinge reservoir loop from Pfaffenhofen or the more challenging Geological Window Hohenhaslach – Hill Pass "Hohe Reute" loop from Pfaffenhofen.
The region offers several cultural highlights. Visit the German Hop Museum in Wolnzach to learn about hop cultivation, explore local history at the Pfaffenhofen Town Museum, or admire the architecture of the Baroque Pilgrimage Church of Maria Thalheim. The Städtische Galerie also hosts various art exhibitions.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities. The Katzenbachsee and Ehmetsklinge Reservoir are perfect for swimming and relaxation. Other options include the Forest Climbing Park, the unique Planet Path Scheyern, or indoor activities like the 'Plantsch' swimming pool and Cineplex cinema on less favorable weather days.
Yes, the area features official EU bathing lakes for refreshment. The Katzenbachsee and Ehmetsklinge Reservoir are popular for swimming, with the latter also offering pedal boat rentals. For more active water sports, the Wake & Groove Wakeboard & Waterski Park provides wakeboarding and waterskiing opportunities.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, especially the Hallertau hop-growing region, and the well-maintained lakes like Ehmetsklinge Reservoir, which is praised for its clear water and family-friendly amenities. The historical sites, such as Blankenhorn Castle Ruins, are also highly regarded for their impressive nature and suitability for breaks during hikes.
Yes, you can participate in various guided tours. Options include city tours through historic alleyways, aromatic hop farm tours to learn about the region's main crop, or herb tours for nature enthusiasts.
Beyond hiking and cycling, you can enjoy horseback riding or guided carriage rides through the varied landscape. The Hallertau hop-growing region offers a unique sensory experience, and the Planet Path Scheyern provides an educational walk illustrating the solar system.
The Schlossberg Nature Trail offers panoramic views, and the Danube Bridge in Vohburg provides scenic river views. Many trails and natural features throughout the Hallertau region offer picturesque vistas, especially during the hop-growing season.
The spring and summer months are ideal for enjoying the region's outdoor attractions, especially for hiking, cycling, and swimming in the bathing lakes. The Hallertau hop-growing region is particularly vibrant during the growing season, offering unique sensory experiences.


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