The Five Rivers Cycle Route

Welcome to the tour on the Five Rivers Cycle Route! Nuremberg is not only worth a visit in winter for the Christkindlesmarkt. The Imperial Castle, the Hangman's Bridge and the Craftsmen's Court are worth seeing at any time of the year, as witnesses to the city's 1000-year history. Arrive early to see all these sights in detail.

The first stage on the Five Rivers Cycle Route takes you along the Danube for a while until you meet the Naab at Mariaort. You follow the river through an idyllic valley lined with limestone cliffs. Kallmünz welcomes you with its castle complex already visible from afar. The ruins of the castle look back on a history that dates back to the 10th century. If you decide to climb up, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Naab valley. A special feature in Kallmünz is the house without a roof. It is located below the castle ruins and consists of a cave, the opening of which is closed by a plastered wall with a door and windows.

In Kallmünz you part from the Naab and now follow the Vils. On an old railroad line you follow the Five Rivers Cycle Route through the charming Vils Valley. With the small town of Amberg you reach your destination for the day. The old town is surrounded by an almost gapless city wall. Amberg's landmark is the Stadtbrille (city glasses). The water gate structure spans the Vils River and since one of the pillars is in the water, you get the impression that the reflection in it creates two circles side by side. After an extensive exploration of the city, treat yourself to a freshly tapped beer from one of Amberg's traditional private breweries.

From time to time, you'll have to pedal a little harder today – it gets hilly! Cycle up to Sulzbach-Rosenberg, a 1000-year-old town built on a mighty rock. Continue uphill through Hersbrucker Schweiz, one of the most forested areas in Germany, before cycling leisurely to Hersbruck. The small town inspires with its elaborately restored half-timbered houses and the beautiful old town. Now following the Pegnitz, you will reach Lauf. Here you have the option of shortening the route to Nuremberg by train (not included). If you decide to cycle further kilometers, you will soon reach Nuremberg. Take time for a hearty Bavarian snack and a cold beer. You've earned it today!

Before you continue your bike tour on the Five Rivers Cycle Route, it is worth visiting Nuremberg Castle with the Kaiserburg, which looks back on a history of more than 1000 years. Also worth seeing is the Albrecht Dürer House, which is dedicated to the life and work of one of Nuremberg's most famous sons. Along the Ludwig-Main-Danube-Canal you will reach Burgthann. Alternatively, you can shorten the distance between Nuremberg and Burgthann by train (not included). Following the canal, you will reach Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, whose Wolfstein castle ruins will catch your eye from afar. At Berching, you will reach your destination for the day a few kilometers to the south.

To Beilngries you follow today first the Ludwig Main Danube Canal. At Beilngries you leave it and follow the river Altmühl to Dietfurt. You cycle through the small town of Riedenburg, nestled in the Altmühl Valley, with its two castle ruins, Tachenstein and Rabenstein, as well as the very well preserved Rosenburg Castle. After passing the sublime Prunn Castle and the wooden bridge Tatzlwurm you will reach Kelheim. The Michelsberg rises high above the Danube and is the site of the Befreiungshalle (liberation hall), which King Ludwig I of Bavaria had built in memory of the wars of liberation against Napoleon. From here you have a beautiful view of the Danube. You will spend the night in Essing or Kelheim.

Leaving Kelheim behind, the last stage of your bike tour takes you back to Regensburg on the Five Rivers Cycle Route along the Danube. Once again you will have the opportunity to get to know the old bishop's city better. Stroll through the old town, the largest medieval city complex north of the Alps, delve into the city's history at the Historical Museum and walk in the footsteps of the noble family Thurn und Taxis at St. Emmeram Castle. At the end of the trip, try a Regensburg bratwurst at the Wurstkuchl near the Stone Bridge.

After breakfast your bike tour on the Five Rivers Cycle Route comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay with an extra night.