The Altmühl Bike Tour

Your trip begins in Rothenburg, situated in the Tauber valley. You will find lean towers, flower-clad timber-frame houses and imposing ancient defence facilities. Rothenburg’s well-preserved historic centre, with its intricate alleys, is regarded as the archetypal medieval German town and is particularly popular tourists. Pre-booked rental bikes are ready for you at the hotel.

Today you leave the Tauber Valley for the not too distant source of the Altmuehl River. Those who wish can take the detour past the Ansbach Residence or can cycle directly to the small medieval town of Herrieden. You then continue on to Gunzenhausen in the Franconian Lake District. Numerous excavations have proven that the beautiful town was also the site of a pre-historic settlement.

Today you cycle towards Graben, a small town which once grabbed attention due to the construction of a canal. After a few kilometres you find yourself in the Franconian Jura. The Valley becomes increasingly narrower and steeper. Forested mountainsides with overhanging limestone cliffs accompany you along the route. Pappenheimer Castle and rock formations such as the 12 Apostles are all located along the route.

You pass through a charming nature park, the heart of the Altmuehl Valley. The imposing Kipfenberg Castle is a great place for a short break. You then continue on through Beilngries, a beautifully-preserved medieval town, towards Riedenburg, which is also known as the pearl of the Altmuehl Valley. The sounds museum is worth a visit with original sound reproduction equipment and devices.

You speedily cycle along the canal towards Essing, which is home to Europe’s longest wooden bridge und the secretive Schulerloch, a dripstone cave which functions as a winter hideaway for bats. In Kelheim, you have reached the river Danube. On the Danube cycle path, your journey take you to Regensburg, quite possibly Germany’s most beautiful city, whose medieval core is shaped by the Cathedral, the Salzstadel and the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge).

Don’t shy away from the steep approach to the Walhalla, opened by Louis I in 1842. Today’s stage takes you further along the Danube, which lavishly meanders through the vast plains. Via Straubing, you are cycling through the Gäuboden region towards Bogen, where a figurine of a pregnant Madonna was discovered in 1104. Soon after you reach Deggendorf, the Gate to the Bavarian Forest.

Before you leave Deggendorf and cycle on along the Danube, you shouldn`t miss a visit to the old town. On your way you are passing through Vilshofen and arrive at the Three River City and former bishop`s residence of Passau. Take time to discover the Danube, Inn and Ilz by boat and round off your night with a stroll through the old town or a visit to the Veste Oberhaus.

After breakfast your sportive Altmühl bike tour comes to an end and you return home or back to Rothenburg. We would also be more than happy to extend your holiday along one of the two rivers.