The Castle Road Cycle Path

Day 1: Individual arrival in Rothenburg

Your castle road cycle path starts in the Imperial town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Winding little streets, colourful timber-framed houses, narrow little towers and impressive fortifications are all part of the historic quarter. In the evening, join the night watchman on his tour of this medieval town. Be enchanted by the special magical atmosphere in the dark when you hear the stories the night watchman has to tell. In the dark winding streets and at brightly lit squares you will learn a lot about the people who lived in Rothenburg in days gone by.

Day 2: Rothenburg – Wolframs-Eschenbach, approx. 60 km

On your first leg of the tour you can either cycle directly to Colmberg or opt for a slightly longer route including a detour via the source of the River Altmühl. Take your first break at Colmberg Castle. It's quite a climb up there, but you are rewarded by the wonderful views you have of the town of Colmberg. Next, Franconia's River Rezat takes you to a beautiful rococo castle in Ansbach. Your destination today is Wolframs-Eschenbach. This medieval town is surrounded by a completely intact town wall. The entrance to the town is framed by two large gate towers. The town owes its name to the medieval Minnesaenger, Wolfram von Eschenbach.

Day 3: Wolframs-Eschenbach – Nuremberg, approx. 60 km

This castle road cycle path takes you past Lichtenau Fortress, an old defence construction. The outer grounds of the fortress can be accessed during the day. Pay a visit to the margrave castle in Roth. The end of this section of your tour is in Nuremberg. Walk through the town and admire its imperial castle, Nuremberg's landmark. You should also not miss seeing the big churches of St. Sebald, St. Lorenz and the Church of Our Lady.

Day 4: Nuremberg – Rabenstein Castle (Ahorntal valley), approx. 50 km + train ride or approx. 95 km

This section is long, but you can shorten it by doing the first part by train (not included). Explore Forchheim, the gate to Franconian Switzerland. The tour takes you further along the Castle Road through wonderful countryside up a few steep hills and through Ahorntal valley, surrounded by craggy rocks. Then the route winds through green fields and forests and you cycle to the high medieval Rabenstein Castle. Not far from the castle are Sophie's Caves, a complex of caves rich in stalactites and stalagmites and a series of winding tunnels and three large chambers. Guided tours are offered daily between April and October.

Day 5: Rabenstein Castle (Ahorntal valley) – Bamberg, approx. 55 km

Your cycling holiday on the Castle Road takes you to Aufseß, in the middle of Franconian Switzerland. Experience the hospitality in picturesque Unteraufseß Castle. Enjoy an original Franconian beer in one of the four breweries before you continue with some pleasant pedalling through the countryside to Bamberg. In 1993 already, Bamberg's historic quarter was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a wander through the town you see the rich variety of this place as a hill, island and gardening town.

Day 6: Individual departure or extension of stay

Your Castle Road Cycle Path ends after breakfast. We would be happy to extend your stay in Bamberg if you wish.

Not included

• City or visitor´s tax (if payable)
• Train ride Nuremberg – Forchheim (approx. 13 Euro per person incl. bike)