2023
Volkach Main Loop

Cycling trip along the Upper Main

Cycling along the Upper Main from Kulmbach to Würzburg

  Kulmbach – Bamberg – Würzburg

  • Radweg-Reisen Tour
  • Festival city of Bayreuth, Volkach Mainschleife, Marienberg Fortress
  • Daily routes ●●○○○
  • Altitude profil ●○○○○

days
8

km / day avg.
50

Have you always wanted to cycle along the Upper Main? Then this cycling trip along the Upper Main from Kulmbach to Würzburg is just right for you! The cycle tour takes you through a wide variety of landscapes and picturesque villages from Bierfranken to Weinfranken. Starting in the brewery town of Kulmbach, you will first explore the Red Main and the festival town of Bayreuth. The next few days you follow the course of the Main River and get to know the thousand-year-old city of Bamberg, among other places. Shortly after Bamberg you leave Bierfranken and cycle through Weinfranken, which is hard to miss due to the beautiful vineyards and cosy wine villages. You cycle via Schweinfurt and Kitzingen to the former royal seat of Würzburg. The Main cycle path is considered first-class not only in terms of the beautiful landscapes and the good quality of the paths. Look forward to delicious Franconian food, regional beer and full-bodied wines. Cycling along the Upper Main is fun - what are you waiting for?

Itinerary

  • Booking Code
    BY-MAKW7
  • Start / Destination
    Kulmbach / Würzburg
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 295 km
    Daily routes ●●○○○
    between 35 and 60 km, Ø 50 km
    Altitude profile ●○○○○
Map for Cycling trip along the Main

Day 1: Individual arrival in Kulmbach

Nice that you have decided to go on this cycling trip along the Upper Main! You start your tour in the brewery town of Kulmbach in the heart of Upper Franconia. Stroll leisurely through the winding alleys of the old town and visit the Plassenburg, the town's landmark. If you are interested, visit the Kulmbach Mönchshof, which houses three museums worth seeing: the Bavarian Brewery Museum, the Bavarian Bakery Museum and the German Spice Museum.

Kulmbach, town hall, old town

The old town of Kulmbach

Day 2: Excursion to Bayreuth, approx. 60 km

Today you will get on your bike for the first time for an excursion to the world-famous festival city of Bayreuth. You will follow the Red Main, which rises in the Franconian Alps just south of Bayreuth. Bayreuth is the largest city in Upper Franconia and its townscape is characterised by a multitude of important buildings, museums, churches and parks. After exploring the city extensively, you cycle back to Kulmbach.

 

Bayreuth, Eremitage

Eremitage in Bayreuth

Day 3: Kulmbach – Bad Staffelstein, approx. 45 km

After a few kilometres, the two headwaters of the Roter and Weißer Main rivers flow together to form the Main. The young Main now makes its way through the ever-widening valley past the towns of Burgkunstadt and Lichtenfels. Would you like to get to know one of the most important buildings of the German Baroque period? Then you should pay a visit to the pilgrimage church of Vierzehnheiligen. The church is located on a hill just before your stage destination Bad Staffelstein. The way there is strenuous, in the Obermain Therme you can recover perfectly from the day's exertions.

Bad Staffelstein, town

Bad Staffelstein

Day 4: Bad Staffelstein – Bamberg, approx. 35 km

Today you can really enjoy your cycling trip along the Upper Main. Passing colourful meadows with old fruit trees, you pedal leisurely through the beautiful landscapes of the extensive Main valley. You will pass small picturesque villages, each with its own unique charm. On the way, take the opportunity to take a break and cool off, as the cycle path takes you through a dreamlike lake landscape. Your stage destination Bamberg has a lot to offer. Stroll through the winding alleys of the old town, visit the imperial cathedral and fortify yourself with Franconian specialities and a freshly brewed beer in a traditional brewery restaurant.

Bamberg, town hall, old town

Bamberg

Day 5: Bamberg – Schweinfurt, approx. 60 km

You leave Bamberg on the banks of the Regnitz, which soon flows into the Main. Today you will cross the extensive Haßberge Nature Park, which is not only characterised by almost untouched landscapes, colourful mixed forests and historic vineyards. Due to its numerous castles, palaces and ruins, this is also known as the German Castle Corner. Don't forget to take a souvenir photo or two. You will leisurely reach your stage destination Schweinfurt. The town hall, completed in 1572, is particularly worth seeing. It is considered one of the most important secular Renaissance buildings in southern Germany.

Schweinfurt, Main, city

View of Schweinfurt

Day 6: Schweinfurt – Kitzingen, approx. 60 km

You leave Schweinfurt behind and cycle leisurely through beautiful vineyards, romantically situated villages and the famous Volkach Mainschleife. Shortly before Volkach you will find the pilgrimage church Maria im Weingarten, which houses the famous floating Riemenschneider Madonna. Take a long lunch break in Volkach and explore the picturesque old town. Continue to follow the Mainschleife until you reach Sommerach. Now it is not far to your destination of the day, Kitzingen. The town's landmarks are the Falter Tower with its leaning spire and the Old Main Bridge.

Kitzingen, Main, bridge, town

View of Kitzingen

Day 7: Kitzingen – Würzburg, approx. 35 km

Today, too, you follow the Main cycle path in a relaxed manner. The half-timbered town of Ochsenfurt is perfect for a lunch break. The historic old town has a largely preserved medieval fortification with numerous towers and town gates. Get back on your bike to cover the last few kilometres. The old royal seat of Würzburg, situated in the middle of the Maindreieck, is the destination of your cycle tour. Climb the Marienberg Fortress, which towers high above the city. The view of the city, the Main and the region will be the crowning glory of your holiday.

 

Würzburg, residence, castle gardens

Residence in Würzburg

Day 8: Individual departure or extension of stay

We hope you enjoyed your cycling trip along the Upper Main. Your journey ends after breakfast. If you do not want to start your journey home yet, we will be happy to extend your stay with an extra night. After all, Würzburg has many places worth seeing that are worth exploring.

 

Würzburg, Marienfestung, Old Main bridge, Main

Evening atmosphere in Würzburg

Dates / prices / services

Season times and prices 2023

Arrival daily from 15.04.2023 to 15.10.2023

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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Season A
09.04. - 30.04.
08.10. - 15.10.
from699 €
Season B
01.05. - 10.05.
15.09. - 07.10.
from799 €
Season C
11.05. - 25.05.
11.06. - 30.06.
01.09. - 14.09.
from899 €
Season D
26.05. - 10.06.
01.07. - 31.08.
from999 €

All prices per person in a double room.

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Services

  • 7 nights incl. breakfast, national 3*-level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Würzburg, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
  • Service Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Not inlcuded is the city or visitor's tax (if payable).

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discount-icon discount-icon-baby

From 0 to 5 years

-100%

discount-icon discount-icon-lego

From 6 to 11 years

-50%

discount-icon discount-icon-football

From 12 to 17 years

-25%

All prices are per person

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

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Additional Services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room

249 €

All prices are per person

Additional nights

Room
Breakfast
Price
all places
 DBL

65 €

 SGL

99 €

All prices are per person

Rental Bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
99 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
239 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 8-gear unisex bike, hub gears with back-pedal brakes (men’s bikes from 1.75 m)
  • 27-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with freewheel (men’s bikes from 1.75 m)
  • Electric bike / Pedelec with freewheel (minimum age 16 years)
Fittings

Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, bike lock, pump, repair kit

Here you find further information and pictures of our rental bikes.

Radweg-Reisen 8-gear unisex bike
8-gear unisex bike, hub gears with back-pedal brakes
Radweg-Reisen 8-gear men's bike
8-gear men's bike, hub gears with back-pedal brakes
Radweg-Reisen 27-gear unisex bike
27-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with freewheel
Radweg-Reisen 27-gear men's bike
27-gear men's bike, derailleur gears with freewheel
Radweg Reisen E-Bike
Unisex E-Bike, 8-speed hub gears and free-wheel

8- or 27-gear Rental Bike

99 €

E-bike

239 €

All prices are per person

Brief Information

  • Booking Code
    BY-MAKW7
  • Start / Destination
    Kulmbach / Würzburg
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 295 km
    Daily routes ●●○○○
    between 35 and 60 km, Ø 50 km
    Altitude profile ●○○○○
  • Parking information
    Free, unguarded parking in the immediate vicinity of the hotels.
    Alternatively, public parking garage approx. 9 euros per day. No reservation possible through Radweg Reisen.
  • Returning to Kulmbach
    On your own initiative, connections several times a day, 1 - 2 changes, duration approx. 2 - 3 hours.
  • Tour operated by
    Radweg-Reisen
  • Mobility note
    This holiday is suitable to only a limited extent for people with restricted mobility.
    Please contact us if you have individual requirements.
  • Print version PDF

days
8

km / day avg.
50