4 Best Sights in Kelheim, Franconia and the German Danube

The first abbey to be built on this site was founded in 600 by the Benedictines (who themselves built over a bronze-age temple). The present abbey dates from 1716–51 and is considered a pinnacle of European baroque architecture. Weltenburg was disbanded after Bavarian secularization, but reinstated in 1842 by King Ludwig II and repopulated with monks from a neighboring abbey, who carried on the 500-year-old beer brewing tradition. In fact, Weltenburg carries the distinction of being the oldest monastic brewery in the world, and visitors are encouraged to partake of the golden beverage in the abbey's lovely baroque courtyard along with a meal or snack in the abbey restaurant (where the beer is the star of the show by a longshot). Weltenburg is just under four miles from town and is reachable by frequent ferrys from the port.

A 30-minute walk over a pretty scenic footpath between Kelheim and Weltenburg (starting at the Kelheim port) takes you past this ancient hermitage hewn from a cliff-side cave in 1450. A few years later the abbey was appropriated by the Franciscans, who expanded the small chapel and abbey. Having fallen into ruin, in 1603 it was entirely rebuilt by a local mason. Services are still held in the abbey, which also has a small beer garden serving snacks and local brews.

This singular rotunda, conceived in an eccentric mishmash of styles, commemorates Germany's victory over Napoleon during the Wars of Liberation and the unification of the German nation. Designed in a polygonal shape, its 18 supporting buttresses are topped with massive 20-foot sculptures representing the German tribes. Inside, 34 winged victory goddesses sculpted in white marble symbolize the states of the German confederation. Triumphal in every detail, from the lofty coffered ceilings to the arched galleries, not to mention its setting atop a high hill overlooking the river and countryside, it's a sight worth seeing. The best way to get here is on foot (it's just over a half-mile from the port) or via the Ludwigsbahn shuttle train from the Kelheim port, which leaves every hour and offers lovely views along with an informative guide.

This beautiful natural landmark was formed by a branch of the primeval Danube, which cut its way through the limestone to create the Danube of today. The boat to Weltenburg Abbey offers excellent views as it passes through the gorge.