Travel report: The Main River Cycle Path
From our guests Christopher and Neil in June 2025
Cycling along the Main from Bamberg – Germany 2025
Based on our previous cycle trips to Bavaria, we both knew the welcome would be warm and the hospitality generous; good beer, great scenery, and Bavarian friendship. With our sturdy e-bikes and detailed travel plans, we were set for an interesting and comfortable tour of the Main.
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On the banks of the Regnitz with a view of the Old Town Hall, Bamberg
First day – Arrival Bamberg
Our first day was in Bamberg, a town with a long and distinguished history. The Bamberg Cathedral, with its four towers and many historic buildings, dominates the old town. Walking around was easy and relaxed. The old town is a place steeped in history and legend. The number of beers available is astounding, so taking the advice of a friend, we sampled the ‘smoked’ beer of Bamberg; we were not disappointed.
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Old Town Hall, Bamberg
Old Town, Bamberg
Maria Limbach pilgrimage church
Second day – Schweinfurt
Following a comfortable night and an excellent breakfast, my friend Neil and I cycled to Schweinfurt. The route along the Main was clearly signposted and very smooth, the perfect start to our trip. Though not a large town, Schweinfurt has a fine selection of buildings and streets to explore. The town centre, particularly the Town Hall, is worth a visit. The streets are quiet and the plaza inviting. Schweinfurt is the ideal location for relaxing. Along the route, we were treated to close-up views of herons and raptors. Undisturbed by our presence, the sight of so many birds was a delight.
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Third day – Kitzingen
After a relaxing stay at our hotel, we bid farewell and headed south to our next destination, Kitzingen. We followed the Main River, passing through charming little towns along the way. Whenever we had a chance, we stopped for a quick rest, a delicious lunch, and of course, a cold beer. Taking our first ferry crossing at Wipfeld, an easy and simple crossing, we followed the cycle route via Volkach and the beautiful Bavarian landscape to our next overnight stay. Upon reaching Kitzingen, we explored the town at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights and sounds of beautiful provincial Bavaria.
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View of Ochsenfurt from the Old Main Bridge
On the Main ferry
In Sommerhausen
Fourth day – Karlstadt
Again, after an easy breakfast, we travelled south before heading north to our next hotel in Karlstadt. The cycle paths continued to be smooth and the scenery lush and varied. With our hotel in the old town, it was a perfect location for exploring the town’s charming houses and buildings, and only a few minutes’ walk from great restaurants and bars. Even a quick walk around the town showed why Kitzingen is the centre of wine growing.
Show more Show lessFifth day – Marktheidenfeld
We continued our journey along the Main, passing through beautiful countryside and charming towns. The varied landscape was truly captivating in this distinctive region. Once we arrived in Marktheidenfeld, we strolled through the old town and enjoyed the peaceful, leisurely pace of life. With its many links to wine and wine merchants, Marktheidenfeld is an interesting and unique place that you can visit and explore at your own pace. A visit to the Main Gate and the town walls perfectly illustrates just how high the Main had risen in the past.
Sixth day – Bürgstadt
Overnighting in Marktheidenfeld, we continued to cycle along the Main to Bürgstadt. Bürgstadt is a charming and quiet town, full of interesting things to see. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The numerous vineyards indicate how important wine growing is to the district, known for its red wine production and its rich history. Bürgstadt is worth a visit.
Seventh day – Aschaffenburg
Following a delicious breakfast, travelling to our final destination took us along easy paths to Aschaffenburg. The well-signed routes take the cyclist through varied woodland and pastureland via many small and interesting villages and towns. Aschaffenburg has much to offer both casual visitors and serious tourists, Castle Johannesburg being just one of the many sights to enjoy. Beautiful and impressive houses and public buildings, and a rich and varied history, this is a place to linger and absorb the beauty of this large Bavarian town. For those that want shops, there are plenty; similarly, for those seeking the history of the town, there are many fine buildings and interesting places to visit.
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Home
Bavaria with its pleasant climate, open-handed hospitality, and relaxed lifestyle was a joy, our brief visit was well organised and supported by the team in Konstanz. Leaving Aschaffenburg, we travelled back to the railway station in Frankfurt and on to the UK. The ease of travelling on the ICE train making a noticeable contrast to cycling.
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