Travel report: Cycling tour on the Five Rivers Cycle Route

...who traveled from the east of England in the summer of 2024 to ride the Five Rivers Cycle Route in the heart of Bavaria.

During our brief stay in Germany, we met English people working in Bavaria, Germans who had holidayed in the UK and Germans with English friends. On all occasions our welcome was generous and freely given. Be it a small family pension or a large national hotel, on arrival we were always greeted by charming staff. When we stopped, looking vaguely at our map or needing to ask the correct route, someone would stop and help us. 

Day 1:

Starting our tour in Nürnberg rather than the advertised Regensburg, our hotel Prinzregent, was located just a short stroll from the old town, 50 metres from the bus stop or U-Bahn and only 1 kilometre from the city train station; a great location. A walk around the parks, the City-Beach Nürnberg and along the river, the ideal start to our holiday. 

Day 2:

An easy cycle eastward before turning south. The route is well marked, the roads, very quiet and the number of dedicated cycle paths impressive. We cycled to Berching, a small town with 9000 inhabitants. Berching is an interesting place to stay and explore. The Hotel Post Berching has been beautifully renovated and is now a 300-year-old building with modern decor, which made the first stop undemanding and memorable. 

Day 3:

After a good breakfast, we followed a flat route along the Main-Danube Canal via Beilngries, Dietfurt and Riedenburg before arriving in Kelheim (55 kilometres). If you have the time, it is worth seeing the Befreiungshalle (Hall of Liberation) and the old town. Don’t rush away, Kelheim is a small town worth exploring. A unassuming place with quiet roads. On one side of the town the Donau on the other the Altmühl. Enjoying dinner in one of the many restaurants we sampled delicious Bavarian cuisine. The next day we set-off on our next adventure. 
 

Day 4:

Another quiet day cycling along well-marked and comfortable roads to Regensburg (40 kilometres). Regensburg is a large city, with lots of visitors enjoying the sights and sounds of this remarkable city. Stroll the old town, sample the ice-cream and enjoy its slow pace. Take time to watch the boats cruise slowly up and down the Donau whilst contemplating where you will have dinner. If you have time, visit the Regensburg Cathedral and The House of Bavarian History. Regensburg is a striking city with lots of places to explore and visit. One day is not enough to fully appreciate this lovely Bavarian city. 

Day 5:

With only a short cycle to our next stop, Kallmünz (30 kilometres), we had a slow breakfast and a late start. We travelled north to our next hotel located in Kallmünz, a modest town yet with lots to see and pleasant walking. If you have time, visit the Kallmünz castle or, just saunter about the town and enjoy the history of this timeless location. Arriving early, we had the opportunity to sample Zoiglbier and Bavarian food at a small inn.

Day 6:

Our next hotel was in Amberg (40 kilometres). With pleasant cycling amongst the rolling hills of Bavaria. Following the Vils, we arrived in Amberg and stayed at the Vienna House Easy Amberg, a modern hotel located within walking distance of the old town. Take time to walk about the town, enjoy its history and soak in the splendid town centre. An ideal town in which to relax, eat local food and sample the Bavarian lifestyle. 
 

Day 7:

Back to Nürnberg (80 kilometres) cutting our journey short by getting the train from Röthenbach to Nürnberg. Although we were travelling home the next day, we still had the opportunity of reacquainting ourselves with the delights of Nürnberg’s rivers and parks. In the morning the City-Beach Nürnberg was quiet and the bars closed, but the walk through the town was just as interesting and captivating, the castle just as imposing and the shops equally enticing. For those wanting an unhurried and effortless cycle trip through Bavaria, the Five Rivers Cycling Path offers great views, trouble free travelling and friendly Bavarian hospitality.