German Sights
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Beilngries, Germany

Where is Beilngries?

Beilngries is a small town with a historic central core in the heart of the Altmühl valley nature reserve.

Although it is part of the nature park it is only a few kilometres from the main motorway connecting Munich to Nuremberg and thus makes a sensible and attractive base for exploring the area.

The main stream near the historic walls is the local Sulz river but both the Altmühl river and the Rhine-Main canal pass through the outskirts of the town before they meet downstream at Dietfurt.

The park just outside the city walls on the Sulz river
The park just outside the city walls on the Sulz river

How to get to Beilngries

Nearest airport to Beilngries

Beilngries is closer to Nuremberg airport but the difference in distance and convenience between it and Munich is minimal.

Distance to Nuremberg Airport: 83km
Distance to Munich Airport: 101km
Distance to Memmingen Airport: 210km

Most visitors arriving by air travel are likely to use Munich simply because of the range of flights available both nationally and internationally and because of the ease of motorway access. Allgäu Airport near Memmingen can offer low-cost alternatives but involves a longer cross-country trip.

Nearest train station to Beilngries

Beilngries used to be served by the single-track railway which ran up and down the Altmühl valley and by a connection to Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz. Since the closure of both lines last century, public transport to the town has been by means of bus, generally either from rail connections at nearby Kinding or from the more distant Ingolstadt or Neumarkt.

Access by road

Beilngries is only 11km from the nearest junction on the A9 motorway between Nuremberg and Ingolstadt.

Where to stay in Beilngries

Beilngries is a pretty town on the banks of the Altmühl and in the middle of the nature park named after the valley. The Main-Danube canal passes to the north of the centre and plenty of river cruise passengers visit the historic centre with its picturesque building.

The town is a very pleasant stop on the way through the Altmühl valley in between Eichstätt and Kelheim and not far from the main motorway between Ingolstadt and Nuremberg.

Beilngries accommodation map

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Beilngries History

The town was first mentioned in the 11th century as a possession of the Eichstätt prince-bishops and received its market charter shortly after.

The historic sights of the town are mostly in the centre and surrounded by the old town walls which were erected at the start of the 15th century.

Nine of the former 15 defensive towers in the wall can still be seen. Many of them have evocative names relating to the profession of the town employees who lived in them or the uses to which they were put.

Medieval tower in Beilngries
Medieval tower in Beilngries

For example, the image above shows the Bettelvogt tower - occupied by an official who was employed to oversee licensed beggars in the town and to move them on once they had outstayed their welcome.

The walls also helped to protect the town during the religious wars of the Middle Ages. Beilngries finally became part of Bavaria during the Napoleonic era.

Apart from the former town fortifications there are a number of interesting historic buildings along the high street dating from the 16th century to the present day.

Some of them, such as the Kaiserbeckhaus near the parish church, show the stepped facades which are common in this area.

The town hall was built in the baroque style in the 18th century, while the facing parish church actually dates from the 20th century (although it was modelled on the original baroque style).

Just outside the town centre is the Frauenkirche, with its rococo architecture from the 18th century. On a nearby hill Hirschberg Castle can be seen, one of the former residences of the prince-bishops of Eichstätt.

Beilngries Tourist Office

The tourist office is located in the former grain store (originally built in the 15th century) and offers a pamphlet with a guided walk around the town centre.
Tourist Office: www.beilngries.de (German only)