The Bavarian Beer Tour

Welcome to Franconia! Your Bavarian Beer Tour begins in Nuremberg. Known as the city of Dürer, for its Christmas market, its delicious gingerbread, and as the city of toys, this former Free Imperial City looks back on more than 1,000 years of history. On a stroll through the city, you’ll discover historical landmarks from the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period, as well as from the reconstruction following World War II and the modern era.

Let’s get started at a leisurely pace! Cycle along the Regnitz River from Nuremberg to Erlangen. In the 19th century, Erlangen was the leading exporter of Bavarian beer. Thanks to the cool rock cellars of Erlangen’s Burgberg, beer could be kept fresh longer and thus sold year-round. With the invention of the refrigeration machine, however, Erlangen’s brewing industry began to decline, though the tradition of enjoying beer in Erlangen’s beer gardens and taverns remained. Treat yourself to a nice, cold beer and hearty Franconian delicacies.

On today’s leg of your Bavarian Beer Tour, you’ll cycle along the Main-Danube Canal to Bamberg. The city was once built on seven hills. This earned it the name “Franconian Rome”. Whether it’s the impressive cathedral, the Old Town Hall, the New Residence, or the numerous churches, the image of this ancient imperial and episcopal city is shaped by more than 1,000 years of architectural history. Bamberg also boasts a long beer tradition. Its Rauchbier is particularly well-known, and you can sample it to your heart’s content in the many breweries.

You’ll cycle toward Hirschaid and reach the romantic Aisch Valley. Alternatively, you can shorten the stage by taking a train (not included) from Bamberg to Hirschaid. Höchstadt is a great place to stop and try the famous mirror carp. This crispy-fried fish is a regional specialty! At your destination for the day, Neustadt an der Aisch, a wooden billy goat bleats and hops around the town hall every day at 12:00 p.m.—a spectacular sight.

Today, Bad Windsheim and the impressive Franconian Open-Air Museum are on your itinerary. It offers insights into 700 years of everyday Franconian history. To bring this history to life, various historic buildings have been reconstructed across the expansive grounds, transporting you into the world of daily life, home, and work of Franconia’s rural population. Your Bavarian Beer Tour continues to the medieval-style town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The town offers a wonderful atmosphere for enjoying the sunny evening hours with delicious treats.

Today, you can choose to take a detour to the source of the Altmühl River before taking your first break in Colmberg. The imposing, well-preserved castle towers over the town—the climb is steep, but it’s worth it! The Franconian Rezat River then leads you into the heart of Ansbach with its stately Rococo-style residence. Your destination for the day is Wolframs-Eschenbach. Since 1917, this medieval town has borne the name of its most famous son, the Parzival poet Wolfram von Eschenbach.

The Bavarian Beer Tour takes you further along the German Castle Route, past the star-shaped fortress of Lichtenau. In Roth, be sure to visit the hunting lodge. Afterward, you’ll arrive back in Nuremberg. To round out your Bavarian Beer Tour, several breweries will be vying for your attention. Paired with the pleasure of an authentic Nuremberg grilled sausage, nothing stands in the way of a cozy evening.

Your Bavarian Beer Tour ends right after breakfast. We’d be happy to extend your stay with an extra night at one of the accommodations.