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 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.

General information:

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard version : 3* and 4*.  
• Children's rates : contact us

Dates 2025 :
 

From Thursday to Sunday departures from 01/05 to 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 with breakfasts
• Transport of luggage between accommodations
• Parking lot (ungarded)
• Guided "watchman tour" by night in Rothenburg
• Admission crystal museum in Riedenburg (closed on Mondays)
• Acces to a GPS App
• Assistance in case of breakdown

 
Not included:

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

The options :

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

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

• 7-speed bike with back paddle break, hub gears. On request, 21/24-speed bikes (freewheel). Equipped with sided saddlebag.
• Ebike with freewheel (minimum160cm). Equipped with sided saddlebag.
• Personal bike: we do not recommend bikes with small tires. Standard bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bike before leaving. At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your own bike.

 
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

Rothenburg train station
 
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.