Cycling vacations along the Altmühl
Here is a favorite destination in Southern Germany on the Altmühl cycle path from Rothenburg to Regensburg via Eichstatt.
This famous bike path runs along the river to the Danube and through one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
On this breathtaking journey you will ride through the beautiful Franconian countryside and discover the Limes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Altmühltal cycle route combines history and nature and will surprise you with its grandiose landscapes!
Highlights of the trip :
- the Tauber valley
- Rothenburg, medieval town and Ratsibon
- Franconian lakes
- the Limes
- The twelve apostles, dolomitic rocks
- the Jura museum and the Roman fort of Vetoniana
- Rhine-Main-Danube canal
- the Danube breakthrough
- the monastery of Weltenburg
Day 1: Individual arrival in Rothenburg
Your cycling trip in Germany starts in Rothenburg, located in the Tauber valley. Here you can admire flower-filled half-timbered houses and imposing old defensive installations. The historic center of Rothenburg surprises with its intricate alleys. The city is considered the archetype of the German medieval city and is particularly popular with tourists. If you have rented bicycles, they will be available at your hotel.
Day 2: Rothenburg - Herrieden, approx. 65 km (standard) or Rothenburg - Ansbach, approx. 50 km (comfort)
Today you ride through the Frankenhöhe nature park, with an optional detour to the Altmühl spring (approx. 16 km / 10 miles). The steep climb to Colmberg Castle is worthwhile. You can admire its basic structure unchanged since the 12th century.
Today's stage ends either in Herrieden, a small village with over 1000 years of history, or in Ansbach.
Day 3: Herrieden - Weißenburg / Wettelsheim, approx. 55 / 65 km (standard) or Ansbach - Weißenburg / Wettelsheim, approx. 60 km (comfort)
An ambitious construction project to balance Bavaria's water reserves has shaped the Franconian Lake District, which you will cycle through today. Via the Limes, the former border of the Roman Empire, you will reach either Weißenburg, home to Germany's largest treasure, or the picturesque Wettelsheim.
Day 4: Weißenburg - Eichstätt, approx. 50 km
From Treuchtlingen the valley narrows as you approach the Jurassic rock formations. The twelve apostles, very impressive dolomitic rocks, are located in the Altmühl valley nature park. This is probably the most impressive rock formation you will see on this trip. Along the route, the Altmühl is guarded by majestic castles. Your cycling day ends in the episcopal and university town of Eichstätt.
Day 5: Eichstätt - Beilngries, approx. 45 km
In Eichstätt, you can visit the dinosaurs in the Jura Museum where countless fossils are on display, ranging from two-legged predators to archaeopteryx. You can also travel back in time by visiting the Roman fort of Vetoniana. Through the juniper heather of the Altmühl valley, today's stage ends in Beilngries.
Day 6: Beilngries - Kelheim, approx. 50 km
The first stop of the day is Dietfurt, near the Rhine-Main-Danube canal. The castle of Prunn appears on a hill. Before reaching Kelheim, take time to visit the stalactite cave of Schulerloch. In Kehlheim, the Bavarian river flows into the Danube. From the Befreiungshalle, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view.
Day 7: Kelheim - Regensburg, approx. 40 km + boat trip
On this last leg, you will take a ferry across the impressive Danube breakthrough to the Weltenburg Monastery, home to the oldest monastery brewery in the world. Take a break in its open-air café. Regensburg's historic center was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, without losing any of its modern charm. The tour and the atmosphere of the city will leave you with a memorable impression.
Day 8: Individual departure or extension of stay in Regensburg
Your cycling tour along the Altmühl cycle path ends after breakfast.
You can extend your stay with an extra night in Regensburg.
