Bike Tour through Franconia

Your bike tour through Franconia begins in Rothenburg, situated in the Tauber Valley. You 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 with tourists. Pre-booked rental bikes are ready for you at the hotel.

The Tauber guides you today, until you cross a ridge of mountains comfortably along the old Gaubahn line. Then it's a great free-wheel down into the Main valley to Ochsenfurt. The town hall clock shows not only the time but also the phases of the moon. Make sure you don't end up in the Fool's House on your visit.

By bike is the best way to become acquainted with the romantic Main valley. The elegant town of Würzburg is perfect for a break. The all-enthroning castle was rebuilt with incredible attention to detail after being seriously damaged during the Second World War. Your route takes you on through vineyards to Gemünden. A little wine-tasting should not go amiss to let the evening come to a pleasant close.

You cycle along the banks of the Main today, first to Rothenfels, a small town with a castle worth a visit. Wertheim, today's destination amidst green wooded slopes, is situated where Main and Tauber meet. It is watched over by the ruins of old Steinburg castle. The trek up is worth it as at the top of the old walls you get a wonderful view of the countryside you've been cycling through. 

You take leave of the Main now and follow the Tauber upstream. Ancient grape varieties are rediscovered in the vineyards by passionate winegrowers and brought to new bloom. You reach the picturesque town of Tauberbischofsheim, also known as Fechterstadt. A stone's throw away is the wine town of Lauda. Treat yourself to one of the full-bodied wines from the surrounding vineyards at the end of the day. Spend the night in Tauberbischofsheim or Lauda.

Today's stage of your bike tour through Franconia takes you along the Tauber again. A longer break along the way is worthwhile in Bad Mergentheim. The castle there was once a fortress and is now home to the Teutonic Order Museum, which deals extensively with the history of the order from the 12th century onwards. Your destination for the day, Weikersheim, is only a few kilometers away. Leave your bike and visit the magnificent Renaissance palace and stroll through the magnificent baroque garden.

The last stage takes you back to Rothenburg, mostly along the Tauber. As you will have already noticed on your arrival day, the town is bursting with historic buildings and places. Particularly noteworthy is the town hall, one of the most beautiful in southern Germany. It is also worth taking a walk to the Plönlein, Rothenburg's landmark. The fork in the road with the two towers of the old city wall is one of the most popular photo motifs in the city.

After breakfast, your bike tour through franconia ends. We are happy to extend your stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber with an extra night.