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.

You leave the old imperial city with its imposing imperial castle, famous churches and museums and cycle along the Five Rivers Cycle Route through wonderful and unspoilt nature. The listed Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal crosses your stage destination today, the town of Neumark. A special landmark of the town is the Wolfstein castle ruins, situated on a ridge. Also visit the beautiful old town and discover the striking church towers.

Water lilies adorn the water surface, diverse plant species grow on the banks. This natural idyll accompanies you today along the Altmühl. You will pass numerous places worth seeing on the Five Rivers Cycle Route. First you cycle through medieval Beilngries and Dietfurt, also known as Bavarian China. The three-castles-town of Riedenburg is surrounded by magnificent deciduous forests and rugged Jura rocks and is today's destination of the cycle tour. The town is nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Altmühl Valley, at the foot of the two ruins of Tachenstein, Rabenstein and Rosenburg Castle.

You reach Kelheim by pedalling. Here the Michelsberg rises 126 metres above the Danube. The Liberation Hall, built by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in memory of the wars of liberation against Napoleon, stands on the hill. From here you have a beautiful view of the Danube. Experience the Danube breakthrough of the wildly romantic Weltenburg Narrows by boat (not included) and visit the oldest monastery brewery in the world. Then cycle along the banks of the Danube in a leisurely and relaxed manner to Regensburg. During a walk through the cobblestone old town around Regensburg Cathedral, you will be amazed by the numerous historic buildings. After visiting the city castles, towers and the Stone Bridge, treat yourself to a regional beer in one of the rustic beer gardens.

The river changes, the uniquely beautiful nature remains. Framed by meadows, forests and high Jura rocks, you cycle along the lovely Naab. If you decide to climb up to the castle ruins of the same name at Kallmünz, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Naab valley! You then part from the Naab and now follow the Vils. You now roll along an old railway line on the Five Rivers Cycle Route through the charming Vils valley. The landmark of the town of Amberg is a water gate with two towers that spans the Vils.

From time to time you will 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. Worth seeing here are the castle and the Gothic town hall. Through Hersbruck  Switzerland, one of the most densely wooded areas in Germany, you cycle further uphill at first before rolling leisurely to Hersbruck afterwards. The former centre of hop-growing is now a delight with its lavishly restored half-timbered houses and beautiful old town.

Have you counted? One river on the Five Rivers Cycle Route is still missing. The Pegnitz accompanies you on your way today. Lauf is a good place for a first break. Visit Wenzel Castle, which lies on an island in the Pegnitz and can be reached via a historic drawbridge. You will reach Nuremberg through beautiful green tree-lined avenues and large parks. Take time for a hearty Bavarian snack and a cool beer. You have earned it after this wonderful cycle tour!

Your journey on the Five Rivers Cycle Route ends after breakfast. If you don't want to say goodbye  yet, we will be happy to book you an extra night.