Enkering between the Anlauter and Rumburg

Enkering lies in a narrow valley along the Anlauter, between two ridges. The river, hiking trails and historic buildings give the village its varied character: a stroll along the Anlauter takes you past restored houses and inns, while the ruins of Rumburg and St. Ottmar’s parish church tell the story of the village. The water playground adds a distinctive touch, making water the focus of an outing.

Hiking and enjoying the water

The Anlautertal Castle Trail is an 18 km circular route with a walking time of around five hours. Its stated distance and duration provide a clear framework for planning your day. From Enkering, a hiking trail also leads up to the ruins of Rumburg. If you prefer to stroll through the village and along the river, the trout-rich Anlauter offers another way to connect the landscape with the village setting.

The water playground in Enkering connects the Mühlbach and the Sollache via a newly created, meandering stream. Weirs and an Archimedean screw invite you to explore the water in a playful way. Alongside the hiking trails, the focus is also on a place dedicated specifically to water and on a walk along the river—distinct experiences in their own right.

Rumburg and the village’s history

The ruins of Rumburg lie on Schlossberg, on a steep, densely wooded spur northwest of and above Enkering. The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1361. The complex comprises a well-preserved main castle and an outer bailey, separated by a deep, wide moat. Only an archaeological earthwork remains of the outer bailey. Rumburg is therefore not just a single ruin, but also illustrates the difference in preservation between its two sections.

Another, much older historical site lies east of Enkering on Schellenberg: a fortified settlement stood there in the 9th century BC. The two historical dates are clearly distinct: the site on Schellenberg dates to prehistoric times, while Rumburg was first mentioned in a document in 1361.

The Catholic parish church of St. Ottmar also has distinctive architectural features. Its tower has a saddle roof and a stepped gable. Its Baroque furnishings include altars, a pulpit and an organ case. The churchyard’s substantial surrounding wall formerly served a defensive purpose. Architecture and a former defensive function come together in the same church setting.

Getting there and choosing your stay

Enkering can be reached from Kinding station on RBA bus route 9224. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable before travelling. When choosing your accommodation, consider what you would like to focus on: the longer circular hike, a walk along the Anlauter or the historic sights in the village.

A separate look at Kinding

In the wider destination of Kinding, the fortified church of the Nativity of Mary offers a distinctive way to explore architectural history. It is a very well-preserved late-medieval fortification and the largest fortified church in the Diocese of Eichstätt. It is located on a hillside in the northern part of Kinding; the cemetery and the parish church of the Nativity of Mary are freely accessible during the day. The Stone Bridge in Kinding is another destination in its own right: a five-arch, late-Baroque bridge made of regional Jurassic limestone. It is surrounded by protected biotopes where you can observe birds and discover special plants.

For the wider travel overview: Kinding.