When guests ask me to recommend exactly one sight in the area, it is almost always Walhalla. Not because it’s the most famous – but because even after 30 years it’s still a place where you go quiet for a moment.
What is Walhalla anyway?
A hall of fame for important German-speaking personalities, built between 1830 and 1842 on commission by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. A classical temple after Greek model – marble outside, 130 busts and memorial plaques inside, from Goethe via Albert Einstein to Sophie Scholl.
The location is special: 96 metres above the Danube on the Bräuberg near Donaustauf. From the top you look out over the Danube valley all the way to Regensburg.
Directions – the three realistic options
1. By car (recommended if you stay at the hotel)
From our hotel in Sinzing it is 20 minutes via the A3. Parking down at the river bank (€3) or directly at the climb (€4). Note: the upper car park is usually full from 10 am in summer.
2. By boat (the experience)
From Regensburg’s Steinerner Steg several operators run trips from April to October. Round trip with stop takes about 3.5 hours, costs about €22 per person. Approaching the temple slowly from the water is unforgettable – especially at sunset.
3. By bus + foot (for the sporty)
Bus 5 from Regensburg main station to Donaustauf, then a steep 20-min climb over 358 steps. If you’re fit: recommended. With a stroller or dog: pick another option.
On site – what you need to know
Admission & opening
- April–October: daily 9:00–18:00
- November–March: daily 10:00–11:45 + 13:00–16:00
- Adults €4.50, reduced €3.50, under 18 free
- Dogs: allowed outside, not in the hall
How much time?
- Quick version: 1 hour for the outdoor area + a brief peek inside
- Normal version: 2 hours with viewing platform and walk
- Pleasure version: 4 hours with lunch in Donaustauf afterwards
Where to eat?
- Gasthof Rohrer in Donaustauf – classic Bavarian, dog-friendly
- Gaststätte Walhalla-Klause right below – simple but great view
- Café-Restaurant Schlossgarten at the Donaustauf castle ruins – the insider tip
The best photo spot
Not from above. But: from the Danube cycle path on the south side, about 1 km west of Walhalla. The temple stands classically lifted above the river bend – the photo everyone imagines only succeeds from there. Tip: mornings between 9 and 11 am, sun behind you, soft light.
What many people miss
1. The castle ruin right next door
On the same hill: the Donaustauf castle ruin. Freely accessible, almost always empty, marvellous view. A 15-minute walk.
2. The Walhalla circular trail
A 9 km loop through forest and along the Danube. Marked, well signposted, dog-friendly. We listed it on our area page.
3. The long way to the temple
If you don’t want to take a boat but still want the full experience: by bike from Regensburg via the Danube cycle path – about 8 km flat, then the climb. You arrive having earned it.
Doable with a dog?
Yes – and even a wonderful experience. Dogs are allowed outside but not in the hall. In summer be careful with the marble and hot stones, the platform heats up extremely. We recommend early morning or late afternoon.
More tips in our article The Danube cycle path with a dog – the 5 best stages from Sinzing.
Practical
- Best time of year: May/June and September. In high summer: arrive early.
- Best time of day: early morning or one hour before sunset
- Save on entry: outside is free, inside €4.50 is worth it
- With kids: entrance is family-friendly; the climb over stairs can be hard – a carrier helps
Stay 20 minutes from Walhalla? At the Das Natürlich aparthotel at the forest edge of Sinzing you reach the temple early without rushing. See rooms · book direct.
