The Rhine between its spring and Mainz

Rhine-bike trail Basel - Mainz

Escort the Rhine on its way of becoming a great river. You will experience the beauty of the Markgräfler landscape, the sun shining on the Black Forest and the Alsatian charm with its long history. There will be enough time for trips to Colmar and Freiburg. The picturesque winegrowing region around the Kaiserstuhl guides your way to the European city Strasbourg with its famous cathedral and historical town centre (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage). Getting wider and wider, the Rhine takes you to Rastatt with its baroque residence, to the former fortress in Germersheim, to the emperor’s cathedral in Speyer, to the old imperial- and Nibelungen town Worms and through the winegrowing area of Rhine-Hesse to Mainz. Enjoy the different landscapes and cuisines: Spaetzle from the Baden region, egg-noodles, Black Forest gateau, Tarte Flambee, Saumagen along with delicious wines should be part of every day of your trip.

1. day  Arriving in Basel

Individual journey to Basel, situated in the border triangle of France, Switzerland and Germany. Look forward to a beautiful and neat Old Town, the young Rhine, cozy green spaces and a rich variety of restaurants and bars.

2. day  Basel - Neuenburg/Müllheim 35-40 km

Along the Rhine and with view over the foothills of the southern Black Forest and the French Vosges, you will follow the even Rhine bike trail through the famous landscape of the Markgräflerland to Neuenburg/ Müllheim. Take a rewarding trip to Ottmarsheim in France with its small Romanesque church. Back in Germany, you should visit the well-known health resort Badenweiler on the sunny side of the Southern Black Forest. Enjoy the Mediterranean flair, heavenly landscapes and the pleasant thermal water.

3. day  Neuenburg/Müllheim - Breisach 30-35 km with side trip to 70 km

Today’s route stays mostly close to the young Rhine. A side trip to Neuf-Brisach in France can make your day even more worthwhile. All you have to do to marvel at the historical fortress of Neuf-Brisach is cross the Rhine in Breisach, part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage “Fortresses by Vauban” since 2008. As the town was constructed in a flat environment, Vauban could realize the fortress in its ideal form. Louis XIV had numerous fortified towns constructed along the French border, so that the townscape was representative for the military architecture of the Baroque. Today, Neuf-Brisach is considered Vauban’s masterpiece. Yet another side trip is on the agenda: Visit Colmar (about 20km each way)! The town unites everything that is typical for the Alsace: historical half-timbered houses, narrow and winding streets, small channels, the famous cathedral of Colmar and many, many flowers.

4. day  Breisach - Kaiserstuhl 30 km

Use the opportunity for an additional trip to Freiburg, visited by more than 3 million tourists every year. Marvel at the cathedral and the fascinating townscape. You will get back to Breisach on the Rhine comfortably by train or the sporty way by bike (one way about 25km). Cycling between the Rhine and wide vineyards, you will then reach your accommodation at the bottom of the Kaiserstuhl.

5. day  Kaiserstuhl - Kehl/Straßburg 60 km

Today you will follow the Rhine on its German and on its French edge, crossing typical reed villages. Cycling along the channel under shadowy trees, you will pass many watergates and characteristical churches. Look forward to the well-preserved historical Old Town of Strasbourg, declared World Cultural Heritage in 1988. Visit the landmark of the town, the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral built between 1176 and 1439. The forecourt is one of Europe’s most beautiful town squares. Allow yourself a cup of coffee in one of the cafes and marvel at the numerous half-timbered houses with their steep roofs, some of them constructed over four or five floors. Walk from the square in front of the cathedral to the tanners‘ district, marked by the river arms of the Ill, many channels and narrow lanes. Accommodation in Kehl or Strasbourg.

6. day  Kehl / Straßburg - Rastatt 51–60 km

The Rhine presents itself today as a great European waterway and electricity resource. You will cycle comfortably through wide floodplains and on embankments to the Baroque residence Rastatt. Look forward to the grand castle, residence of the margraves of Baden-Baden, and today the emblem of the town. Let your day end with a tasting of the delicious local cuisine and noble wines.

7. day  Rastatt - Speyer 67-75 km

The Rhine takes you to the Pfalz today. Between Leimersheim and Germersheim, you can see the edge of the Odenwald in the distance. Today’s highlights are the historical fortress in Germersheim and Speyer, with its 2000 years of age. The imperial cathedral of Speyer became part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1981 as the greatest Romanesque construction in Europe. It is thus a must-see! If you wish to shorten this stage, you can spend a night in Karlsruhe.

8. day  Speyer - Worms 45 km

From one cathedral to the next. Today, you will cycle from the Salian emperor’s cathedral of Speyer to the St. Peter’s cathedral in Worms. Both are, along with the cathedral in Mainz, among the greatest creations of the Romanesque art of building churches. Enjoy the old imperial city of Worms, known in the whole world as a Nibelungen town, town of Luther, seat of bishops and winegrowers. Taste a glass of the famous „Liebfrauenmilch“ of Worms, a wine from a historically unique place, the Wonnegau in the winegrowing area Rhine-Hesse.

9. day  Worms - Mainz 50 km

During the course of the day, the landscape will change again. The Rhine bike trail leads through the great winegrowing area of Rhine-Hesse. The German museum of viniculture in Oppenheim is a real highlight. Passing several small winegrowing places, you will reach your final destination Mainz. Visit the central Romano-Germanic museum, the Gutenberg museum, the cathedral and the electoral palace.

10. day  Departing from Mainz

Your trip ends after breakfast in Mainz.

Please note:

This tour is bookable for 2 or more people.