This popular tour along the Altmuehl Cycle Path leads you through the pastoral landscape of the Franconian Lake District and the impressive valley which the Altmuehl has cut through the Franconian Jura. Before you come to the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Regensburg , take a trip to the famous Weltenburg Monastery and pass twice through the narrow straits of the Danube through the Jura. Well maintained paths ensure that cycling along this route is an enjoyable experience. The stages are quite short and are also suited to those who do not cycle often.

1. day Rothenburg ob der Tauber arrival

Your holiday begins in the town of Rothenburg in the Tauber Valley, which is well-known from America to Japan. The old town was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed in the 30 years war and is practically unchanged since then. The town has been immortalised by artists such as Spitzweg and Richter. The town walls with its towers and gateways are a good example of urban fortification. Rental bikes await you in your hotel.

2. day Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Herrieden/Ansbach, ca. 50 km

The first day of cycling begins with a number of options along the Alb plateau. Although a little out of the way, we recommend you visit the source of the Altmuehl (ca. 16 km) and make the steep ascent to Colmberg Castle, which hasn’t changed since the 12th century. Then you have the choice of the direct route to Herrieden, or the route which passes through Ansbach with its beautiful Rococo castle of the Brandenburg electoral princes.

3. day Herrieden/Ansbach - Weißenburg, ca. 55/65 km

Today you will cycle to Gunzenhausen in the middle of the Franconian Lakeland region. You will cycle through maize fields on your way to Graben, a small collection of houses, which during the reign of Charlemagne was the centre of world attention due to the construction of a canal. If you are not staying overnight in Weißenburg, you should definitely take a visit to the Roman excavation site there.

4. day Weißenburg - Eichstätt, ca. 50 km

Shortly after setting out this morning you will come to Karlsgraben Canal. This canal was built under Karl the Great in the early Middle Ages to connect the Danube and Rhine rivers. The Valley narrows from Treuchtlingen on as the Altmuehl cuts deep into the Jura rocks. The twelve apostles are possibly the most impressive cliff formations. You will pass numerous castles along the way to your next destination, the diocesan town of Eichstätt with its Baroque flair.

5. day Eichstätt - Beilngries, ca. 45 km

Today you will have sufficient time for a long stroll through Eichstätt. Shortly after starting out on your tour you should take a break at the Roman Fortress of Vetoniana. You will then continue on through the beautiful moorland nature park, past the impressive Kipfenberg Castle and on to the well preserved, medieval town of Beilngries.

6. day Beilngries - Kelheim, ca. 50 km

First stop is Dietfurt, where you will come to the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. The “Museum of Sound” presents a collection of important music reproducing appliances and devices and afterwards you can pay a visit to Prunn Castle. In Kelheim you will come to the end of the Altmuehl Valley. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the “Befreiungshalle” (“Hall of Liberation”).

7. day Kelheim - Regensburg, ca. 40 km + boat trip

Abandoning the saddle you will hop on a boat to Weltenburg Monastery. You will pass through the imposing Danube break-through and come to the picturesquely situated monastery. You will then continue on to Regensburg, the most northern point of the Danube. The city is viewed as being the best preserved town in Germany and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Round off your holiday with a stroll through the winding laneways of the “Spitalviertel” (“Hospital Quarter”).

8. day Regensburg departure

After breakfast your cycling tour in the Altmuehl Cycle Path comes to an end and you will return home or to Rothenburg. We would also be more than happy to extend your holiday along the Altmuehl River.

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