Southern Germany by bike, the Altmühl cycle route
Here is a favorite destination in Southern Germany by bike. Take the Altmühl cycle route between Rothenburg and Regensburg via Eichstätt. This famous cycle path (the oldest "long-distance" cycle route) runs along the Altmühl to the Danube and passes through the most beautiful cities in Germany. Set off to the heart of Germany by bike and discover picturesque villages and bucolic natural landscapes. The Altmühltal cycle route combines history and nature and will surprise you with its magnificent landscapes!
Highlights of the trip:
- Rothenburg, a medieval town
- Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Franconian Jura
- Altmühl Valley Nature Park
- Pfünz Roman Fort
- Rhine-Main-Danube Canal
- The Danube
- The Weltenburg Abbey
Day 1: Individual arrival in Rothenburg
Your cycling holiday in Germany begins in Rothenburg, a town located in the Tauber Valley. Enjoy your free time to stroll through the streets of the medieval city. At 9 p.m., enjoy a guided tour to kick off your stay (included).
Overnight in Rothenburg
Day 2: From Rothenburg to Ansbach (49 km)
In the morning, pick up the rental bikes (optional). The route takes you to the source of the Altmühl where you reachthe cycle route of the same name. Your route continues mainly on marked cycle paths via Hornau (excursion possible to the sources + 6 km), Colmberg and its castle, Lehrberg and then to Ansbach.
Overnight in Ansbach
Day 3: from Ansbach to Weißenburg or Wettelsheim (62 km)
Cycle past the Altmühl lake toGuzenhausen and continue to Karlsgraben, where Charlemagne tried to build a canal between the Rhine and the Danube. Your stage of the day ends in Wettelsheim or Weißenburg.
Overnight in Weißenburg or Wettelsheim
Day 4: from Weißenburg or Wettelsheim to Eichstätt (50 km)
Today, the route takes you to discover the Altmühl Valley Nature Park. You drive through the charming Kerbtal valley and discover its meanders before reaching the Franconian Jura and the magnificent episcopal city of Eichstätt.
Overnight in Eichstätt
Day 5: from Eichstätt to Riedenburg (64 km)
This day starts in the Nature Park to the Roman fort in Pfünz. Continue through the picturesque villages of Arnsberg and Beilngries. The stage ends in Riedenburg where, at the Crystal Museum (included), you can admire the largest rock crystal group of the world.
Overnight in Riedenburg
Day 6: from Riedenburg to Regensburg (52 km)
Via Essing, you arrive in Kelheim. Our recommendation before continuing your journey: take the boat to cross the majestic Danube and visit the Weltenburg abbey(approx. €13, to be paid on site). Continue to Saal an der Donau and Bad Abbach before arriving in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medieval city centre reflects its commercial importance in the Middle Ages. The city was at the crossroads of trade between Italy, Bohemia, Russia and Byzantium.
Overnight in Regensburg
Day 7: Regensburg
Your cycling trip along the Altmühl cycle path ends after breakfast. You can extend your stay by enjoying an extra night in Regensburg.