The Altmühltal Bicycle Trail

Your journey along the Altmühltal Bike Trail begins in Rothenburg in the Tauber Valley. Slender turrets, half-timbered houses adorned with flower boxes, and imposing fortifications stand side by side here. The well-preserved old town, with its winding alleys, is regarded abroad as the epitome of a medieval German town.

You’ll begin your cycling tour on the Altmühltal Bike Trail into the Frankenhöhe Nature Park, with the option of taking a detour to the source of the Altmühl (about 10 km longer). The steep climb to Colmberg Castle, whose basic structure has remained unchanged since the 12th century, is also well worth the effort. Your destination is Ansbach, a magnificent margrave’s capital.

After breakfast, you’ll set off at a leisurely pace on your bike toward Lake Altmühl. The reservoir is located in a nature reserve and is home to many rare bird species. After passing through Gunzenhausen, you’ll ride along the Altmühl River. The area around the small town of Treuchtlingen was once settled by the Romans, Celts, and Franks, whose traces you can explore at the Folklore Museum and the Villa Rustica. A few kilometers away lies Weißenburg, whose medieval old town is well worth a leisurely stroll.

Today’s route along the Altmühltal Bike Trail takes you to Eichstätt. Along the way, it’s worth visiting the ruins of Pappenheim Castle and taking a detour to the Solnhofen limestone quarries, where fossils millions of years old have been discovered. Accompanied by the striking “Twelve Apostles” rock formation, you’ll reach Eichstätt via Dollnstein. The episcopal city awaits you with magnificent Baroque buildings, churches, and monasteries.

Before you hop on your bike in Eichstätt, there’s still time to visit the Jura Museum. It’s located in the majestic Willibaldsburg Castle and displays numerous fossils, including a specimen of Archaeopteryx, a prehistoric pterosaur. Take a trip back in time and also visit the nearby Roman fort Vetoniana in Pfünz before cycling back to the present. Riding through the juniper heath of the Altmühl Valley, you’ll reach today’s destination.

Follow the Altmühltal Bike Trail to Dietfurt, where you’ll reach the Main-Danube Canal. Next, Prunn Castle comes into view on a hill, and just before Kelheim, it’s worth taking a look inside the Schulerloch stalactite cave. In Kelheim, you’ll reach the confluence of the Altmühl and Danube rivers. Visit the Hall of Liberation on Michelsberg and take a boat ride to the nearby Weltenburg Abbey. You’ll spend the night in Essing or Kelheim.

If you haven't yet taken the boat trip to Weltenburg Abbey and the impressive Danube Gorge, today is your chance. Bavaria’s oldest monastery is beautifully situated on a bend in the Danube. It welcomes guests with its own craft beer in its spacious beer garden. The journey continues along the Danube to Regensburg. Regensburg’s Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wonderful place to stroll and discover something new at every turn. With its modern flair and vibrant city life, your stay in Regensburg will be unforgettable.

After breakfast, your trip along the Altmühltal Bike Trail comes to an end. We'd be happy to extend your stay in Rothenburg or Regensburg by one additional night.