Altmühl cycle path - from Rothenburg to Regensburg

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 (Regensburg) via Eichstatt. 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
• Ratsibonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Franconian Jura
• Altmühltal Nature Park
• The Roman fort of Vetoniana
• Rhine-Main-Danube Canal
• The Danube
• The Weltenburg Monastery

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., a guided tour to kick off your stay (included).

Day 2: From Rothenburg to Ansbach (49 km)
In the morning, take charge of the rental bikes (optional). The route takes you to the sources of the Altmühl where you join the cycle route of the same name. Your route continues mainly on marked cycle paths to Hornau (excursion possible to the springs, + 6 km), Colmberg and its Hohenzollern castle, Lehrberg and then Ansbach.

Day 3: from Ansbach to Weißenburg or Wettelsheim (62 km)
Cycle to the Altmühlsee lake in Guzenhausen 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.

Day 4: from Weißenburg or Wettelsheim to Eichstätt (50 km)
Today, the route takes you to discover the Altmühltal 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.

Day 5: from Eichstätt to Riedenburg (64 km)
This day also takes place in the Nature Park through the picturesque villages of Arnsberg, Beilngries, to the Roman fort of Pfünz. The stage ends in Riedenburg where, at the Crystal Museum (included), you can admire the largest emerald crystal of the Hohe Tauern (a renowned ore site).

Day 6: from Riedenburg to Regensburg (60 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 monastery (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.

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.

General information:

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Level of comfort of the accommodation : 3* and 4*.  
• Children's rates : contact us

Dates 2025 :
 

From Thursday to Sunday departures from 01/05 and 27/09

• Low season: from 20/09 to 27/09
• Mid season: from 01/05 to 23/05, from 26/06 to 25/07 and from 21/08 to 19/09
• High season: from 24/05 to 22/06 and from 26/07 to 17/08

 
Included :

• 6 nights in hotel 
• 6 breakfasts
• Transport of luggage between accommodations
• Parking lot (ungarded)
• Guided "watchman tour" by night in Rothenburg
• Admission crystal museum in Riedenburg (closed on Mondays)
• Description of the cycling route 
• GPS App
• Telephone support 7 days a week

 
Not included:

• Transportation to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Tourist taxes
• Visits other than those included in the program

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Return transfer by bus or train
• Return transfer of the own bike
• Half-board (5 dinners, not in Eichstätt)
• Additional nights in Rothenburg or Regensburg
• Insurance

Levels :
 
1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Terrain :
 
mostly flat, first stage somewhat hilly. Tracks mainly reserved for bicycles, not systematically paved.
 
Climate:
 
Continental, mild sun, pleasant temperatures.
 
Technicality:
 
Biking: 49 to 64 km per day or 4 to 6 hours of cycling.
Itinerary easy to follow. Accessible to all.
 
 
Meals :
 
- Breakfast : copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch : not included
- Dinner : not included
 
Bike: 
 

Unisex 7-speed bike with back paddle break hubs with coaster brakes . On request, 21/24-speed bikes (freewheel)
Electric bike / Pedelec with freewheel (minimum160cm)

 
 
Assistance :
 
Assistance in case of breakdown (except for flat tires for which we do not intervene).
 
 
Luggage :
 
They are transported by a courier or by our correspondent and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg)
 
Travel booklet :
 
A welcome documentation with all practical information is sent before your trip. A description of the itinerary is given on site. 
 
Transportation:
 
Nuremberg, Frankfurt or Munich airport
 
Your vehicle:
 
Parking lot included in the price.
 
Cancellation insurance:
 
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in case of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.