The very long Main bike trail from Bayreuth to Mainz.

This 12 day trip starts in a every special place: In Bayreuth, famous for its yearly festival! From here, you will cycle past Kulmbach through the wide Main valley seamed by the gentle hilly Fraconian landscape of the beer-brewing part of the region. Unique highlights of this trip will be the monastery of Vierzehnheiligen, Bamberg and Würzburg. Then, you will also experience two completely different landscapes: Close to Bamberg, you will dive into the wine-growing part of Franconia where the vineyards displace the hilly hops fields. Further on behind Würzburg, the vineyards disappear again and leave their place to the green forests of the Spessart extending down to the Main plains. Until Mainz, you will be able to enjoy even, well-paved bike trails taking you from one sight to another.

1. day  Arrival Bayreuth

Arrive in time to visit Bayreuth with the margrave’s residence still revealing the charm of the past and famous in the whole world for the Richard-Wagner-festival. It is possible to arrive by train/ parking facilities at the hotel/ rental bike at the hotel.

2. day  Bayreuth - Lichtenfels 61 km

Follow the young Red Main to Kulmbach today! Let the cozy atmosphere of this charming Franconian landscape at the confluence of the Red and the White Main and at the foot of the Frankenwald and the Fichtelgebirge captivate you. Visit the Old-town of Kulmbach and Plassenburg castle, enthroned majestically above the town. Now as red and white have flown together, you will actually move on by the side of the “real” Main in order to reach soon the pretty town of Burgkunstadt inviting for a short stop. And then, finally, todays final destination lies just ahead of you: Lichtenfels, famous for its basket-weaving art far past the limits of Franconia. Here, a short side trip to the baroque pilgrimage basilica Vierzehnheiligen, constructed by the famous architect Balthasar Neumann, is absolutely recommendable!

3. day  Lichtenfels - Bamberg 47 km

Let’s begin the day with a short visit of Banz monastery. Along the route to Bamberg, you will see how the Main River is ponded in small lakes several times. You will find your hotel in Hallstadt, about 5 km from the Old-town of Bamberg. Benefit from this closeness and cycle into the Old-town, classified world cultural heritage by the UNESCO. If you prefer so, it is possible to spend the night in Bamberg itself for an extra charge.

4. day  Bamberg - Haßfurt 37 km

Follow the Regnitz for a short moment until you reaching the Main River, taking you now to the beautiful pilgrimage church Maria Limbach. You will soon reach the first vineyards marking the border between the beer-brewing and the wine-growing areas of Franconia. Let a sunny day come to its end in Haßfurt where another historical Old-town will impress you.

5. day  Haßfurt - Volkach 56 km

A short side-trip to Theres is recommendable today: In the afternoon, you will cross Fahr, town of the “Bocksbeutel” (the local wine is sold in this unique kind of container), to reach Volkach, famous for its excellent wines!

6. day  Volkach - Würzburg 65 km

Leaving Volkach behind, you will follow the Main-channel before catching up to the Main River again in Schwarzach. Via the even and well-paved bike trail, you will reach Würzburg quickly and have enough time to discover the town individually.

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

Past Veitshöchheim with the prince-bishop’s summer residence and the French rococo garden, you will continue to Karlstadt and its worthwhile town centre. Along the route you will witness how the landscape changes from the characteristic vineyards into wide, green forests providing shade on the bike trail. Even paths take you to Gemünden, where three rivers meet.

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

The wooded hills seem to cuddle up closer, leaving just enough space for the Main to wind itself through. Past the small town of Rothenfels, whose castle seems to watch over the valley attentively, you will reach Marktheidenfed and Wertheim. The gracious half-timbered houses and the Old-town’s maze of narrow streets will fascinate you!

9. day  Wertheim - Aschaffenburg 77km

You will reach Miltenberg around noon. The town presents itself with pride: Let the half-timbered style architecture and the market place amaze you. On even bike trails, you will quickly reach the sandstone-built Johannisburg castle of Aschaffenburg after passing the Spessart and the Odenwald.

10. day  Aschaffenburg - Offenbach 48 km

Spend your lunch break in the romantic small town Seligenstadt, whose winding alleys and friendly half-timbered houses almost urge you to stay. Hanau is not less worthwhile: Steinheim castle, the German House of Goldsmiths and the castle of Philippsruhe are absolute highlights. Just like Offenbach, which is 1000 years old, where you will stay your night. Do not miss out on the Renaissance façade of Isenburg castle. Bed and breakfast in Offenbach.

11. day  Offenbach - Mainz 47 km

It is up to you to decide how much time you wish to spend in Frankfurt on the Main. Be aware, that today’s destination, Mainz, also has a lot to offer. Cycling and culture will complement each other very well today. Bed and breakfast in Mainz.

12. day  Departure Mainz

After breakfast your nice cycle holiday ends in Mainz near the main station. Departure is possible by German railway.