Kelheim

Kelheim is a town in Bavaria, Germany, and the administrative seat of the district of Kelheim in Lower Bavaria. It lies on the Danube River at the confluence with the Altmühl and near the Donaudurchbruch, the Danube Gorge that runs between Kelheim and Weltenburg. The location makes Kelheim a regional hub for administration, tourism, and river traffic.

Kelheim has a long history dating back to early medieval times, and its historic center preserves elements of medieval urban life. On Michelsberg hill above the town stands the Befreiungshalle (Liberation Hall), built in the 19th century to commemorate Bavarian victories in the Napoleonic era. Across the river, Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 7th century, is one of Bavaria’s oldest monasteries and is known for its historic brewery and Baroque church.

The Donaudurchbruch is a dramatic limestone gorge formed by the Danube, a major natural attraction accessible by boat from Kelheim to Weltenburg and by foot along the river cliffs. The area remains a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and river cruises along the Danube.

Economy in Kelheim centers on tourism, services, and small industries. The town is connected by road and rail to regional centers, and the Main-Danube Canal terminates at Kelheim, linking the Rhine–Main–Danube waterway to the Danube. The Danube remains a key channel for passenger and tourist boats serving Kelheim and the Weltenburg area.