Cycling among grapes and hops.

The Main Bike Trail from Bamberg to Wertheim.

This tour starts in the world cultural heritage in Bamberg, very fascinating with its unique historical townscape, and ends in Wertheim. You cycle on to the Franconian wine-growing lands until you reach the residence of Würzburg, also classified UNESCO world cultural heritage in 1982. From here on, the landscape will change slowly as the vineyards disappear in favour of the green forests of the Spessart. On paved bike trails and always staying close to the Main you cycle to Wertheim.

1. day  Bamberg arrival

Once you've arrived, take the time to discover the old city, with its breweries and churches. We recommend seeing the Kaiserdom with its world-famous sculptures, such as the Bamberg knight and Heinrich II's sarcophagus. Your hotel is situated in Hallstadt (5 km from Bamberg/ arrival by train is possible/rental bike at the hotel). With a surcharge of 15 Euro per person you can stay at a hotel in the centre of Bamberg.

2. day  Bamberg - Haßfurt 37 km

Today you'll be following the Regnitz until you reach the Main, which will then guide you to the Maria Limbach pilgrims' church. You'll come upon the first vineyards, which mark the the border between the beer- and wine-producing areas of Franconia. Your day's journey will end in Haßfurt, whose historic center is well worth your while to visit.

3. day  Haßfurt - Volkach 56 km

A quick side-trip to beautiful Theres will give you new energy for the rest of the trip. Forests, fields, meadows, and the Main's floodplains offer a nicely varied landscape and guide you to Schweinfurt. In the afternoon you'll ride to Volkach, known for its excellent wines, by way of Fahr, city of the Bocksbeutel (a wide, rounded wine bottle typical for the region).

4. day  Volkach - Würzburg 65 km

After leaving Volkach you'll head away from the Main for a bit, following canals until you make it back to the Main in Schwarzach. The level, well-paved bike route means you'll be in Würzburg in no time, leaving plenty of opportunities to tour the city in the afternoon.

5. day  Würzburg - Gemünden / Lohr 50-60 km

On your way to Karlstadt and its famous downtown area, you'll pass through Veitshöchheim, getting a chance to see the bishop's summer residence, as well as the French rococo garden. The look of the countryside is changing: instead of the characteristic vines there are shady forests directly at the bicycle path. On flat paths you cycle to Gemünden, the town of the three rivers

6. day  Gemünden / Lohr - Wertheim 46-56 km

The Main took millions of years to carve out the close-packed hills of the area. Thankfully, your trip will not take that long. After you pass Rothenfels, whose castle guards the narrow valley, you'll reach Marktheidenfeld and, finally, Wertheim. Take some time to see the beautiful half-timbered houses in the old city during your stay here.

7. day  Wertheim departure

After breakfast your nice cycle holiday ends in Wertheim. Departure is possible by German railway. We recommend our transfer service back to Bamberg (each Saturday and Sunday, departure 9:30 a.m., duration about 2,5 hrs.)