Niederalteich between a cycling route, long-distance hiking trail and abbey tour

Two very different routes begin in Niederalteich: the Danube-Ilz Cycling Route along the Danube and the Gunthersteig long-distance hiking trail. Tours of the Benedictine Abbey are another option. This brings cycling, a longer hike and a guided church visit together as distinct trip ideas.

By bike: the Danube-Ilz Cycling Route

The 55-kilometre Danube-Ilz Cycling Route begins at the Danube in Niederalteich. Following a former railway line, it runs through the Sonnenwald and Dreiburgenland regions to the Ilz Valley near Hutthurm/Kalteneck. In Niederalteich, the route also connects to the Danube Cycle Path and the Isar Cycle Path. There are therefore different aspects to consider when choosing: the route through the named landscapes to the Ilz Valley, and the two connections at the starting point.

On foot along the Gunthersteig

The 82-kilometre Gunthersteig long-distance hiking trail also begins in Niederalteich. It runs via Lalling, Rinchnach, Lindberg, Spiegelhütte and Scheuereck/Prasily to Dobrá Voda (Gutwasser) in the Czech Republic. Along the way, it follows in the footsteps of Saint Gunther through the Bavarian Forest and Bohemian Forest. Compared with the Danube-Ilz Cycling Route, the two routes differ both in length and in how you travel: an 82-kilometre long-distance hiking trail here, compared with a 55-kilometre cycling route. This makes it possible to assess your trip idea by route format and itinerary, without treating the two routes as equivalent.

Church tours at the Benedictine Abbey

Tours of Niederaltaich Benedictine Abbey include the Baroque Basilica of St. Mauritius with its sacristy and upper church, as well as the Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas. The upper church is accessible only on a guided tour. A tour of either church lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on arrangements. Confirm visit arrangements with the abbey before travelling. This lets you plan a guided church visit as a cultural highlight alongside the two routes, while also knowing the stated duration for a tour of either church.

Altaha Danube ferry: check service in advance

The Altaha Danube ferry is intended for crossings from one bank of the Danube to the other and back. During the 2026 season, it was out of service because of a technical defect. Check the current service status before planning a crossing.

In the wider Deggendorf destination

In the wider Deggendorf destination, views from the Natternberg castle ruins stretch far across the Gäuboden and into the Bavarian Forest. Walking paths lead to the ruins from three sides. The Winzer castle ruins are also noted for their magnificent view into the Danube Valley. The Deggendorf region extends from the heights of the Bavarian Forest, across the Danube landscape with the Isar estuary, to the rich colours of the Gäuboden. Its elevation ranges from 200 to 1,150 metres above sea level.

Discover more destinations: Osterhofen, Bernried, Plattling, Schöllnach, Hunding, Grattersdorf, Grafling, Winzer.

Go to the wider travel overview: Deggendorf.