The Altmuehl Cycle Path

Your journey along the Altmühltal cycle path begins in Rothenburg in the Tauber Valley. Slender turrets, half-timbered houses adorned with flower boxes and imposing fortifications stand door to door. The well-preserved historic town with its winding alleyways is known abroad as the epitome of a medieval German town.

Your bike tour begins at the Frankenhöhe Nature Park, optionally with a detour to the source of the Altmühl (approx. 10 km longer). Also worthwhile is the steep climb to Colmberg Castle, the basic structure of which has remained unchanged since the 12th century. Today's destination is Ansbach, a magnificent historic residence.

After breakfast, it's a relaxed ride towards the Altmühl Lake. It is is located in a nature reserve and home to several rare bird species. After passing Gunzenhausen, you cycle along the Altmühl river. Romans, Celts and Franks have settled around the small town of Treuchtlingen, and you can follow in their footsteps at the Folklore Museum and the Villa Rustica. A few kilometers away is Weißenburg, whose medieval old town is worth a visit.

Today you cycle along the Altmühltal cycle path to Eichstätt. On the way, it is worth visiting the ruins of Pappenheim Castle and taking a detour to the Solnhofen limestone quarries. Here,  millions of years old fossils  have been discovered. Accompanied by the striking Twelve Apostles rock formation, you reach Eichstätt via Dollnstein. The episcopal city awaits you with magnificent baroque buildings, churches and monasteries.

Before you get on your bike in Eichstätt, there is still time to visit the Jura Museum. It is located in the sublime Willibaldsburg castle and displays numerous fossil finds, including a specimen of Archaeopteryx, a prehistoric pterosaur. Take a leap back in time and visit the nearby Vetoniana Roman fort in Pfünz before cycling back to the present day. You reach your destination today through the juniper heath of the Altmühltal.

You cycle along the Altmühltal cycle path to Dietfurt to the Main-Danube Canal. Here Prunn Castle resides on the hill. Just before you reach  Kelheim it is worth visiting the Schulerloch stalactite cave. In Kelheim you reach the confluence of the Altmühl and Danube river. Visit the Liberation Hall on the Michelsberg and take a boat trip to the nearby Weltenburg Abbey. You spend the night in Essing, Kelheim or Riedenburg.

If you have not yet taken the boat trip to the Weltenburg Abbey and the impressive Danube gorge, today you have another opportunity. The oldest monastery in Bavaria is beautifully situated on a loop of the Danube. It awaits its guests with home-brewed beer in its spacious pub garden. The route continues along the Danube to Regensburg. Regensburg's historic district has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a wonderful place to stroll and discover. Peppered with modern flair and a lively city life, your stay in Regensburg will be unforgettable.

After breakfast, your journey on the Altmühltal cycle path ends. We are happy to extend your stay in Rothenburg or Regensburg with an additional night.