The Bavarian Beer Tour

Welcome to Franconia! Your Bavarian beer tour starts in Nuremberg. Known as the city of Dürer, for the Christkindl market, the delicious gingerbread and as the city of toys, the former Free Imperial City looks back on a history of more than 1000 years. On a walk not only will you discover contemporary witnesses from the Middle Ages and early modern times, but also of the reconstruction after the Second World War and the modern age.

A relaxed start: You cycle along the river Regnitz from Nuremberg to Erlangen. In the 19th century Erlangen was the leading exporter of Bavarian beer. Thanks to the cooling rock cellars of the Erlangen castle on the mountain the “Burgberg”, beer could be kept fresh longer and thus sold all year round. With the invention of the refrigeration machine, however, Erlangen's brewing industry began to decline, but the enjoyment of beer in Erlangen's beer gardens and taverns remained. Treat yourself to a cool beer and hearty Franconian delicacies.

Along the Main-Danube Canal you cycle on today's stage of your Bavarian beer tour to Bamberg. The city was once built on seven hills which earned it the name Franconian Rome. Either by the impressive cathedral, the Old Town Hall, the New Residence or the numerous churches, the image of the old imperial and episcopal city is shaped by more than 1000 years of architecture. Bamberg also looks back on a long beer tradition. Particularly famous is the Rauchbier (smoked beer), which you can taste extensively in the many breweries.

You cycle towards Hirschaid and reach the romantic Aisch valley. Alternatively, you can shorten the stage with a train ride (not included) from Bamberg to Hirschaid. Take a break in Höchstadt to try the famous mirrored carp. The crispy fried fish is a speciality of the region! In your stage destination Neustadt an der Aisch, a wooden billy goat makes its rounds on the town hall every noon, bleating and jumping - a grandiose spectacle.

Today Bad Windsheim and the impressive Franconian Open Air Museum are on your way. It offers insights into 700 years of Franconian everyday history. Various historical buildings have been reconstructed on the extensive grounds to illustrate this, taking you back to the living and working environment of Franconia's rural population. Continue on your Bavarian beer tour to the medieval-style town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The town offers a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy the sunny evening hours with delicious delicacies.

Today you can opt for a diversion and go to the spring of the river Altmühl before taking your first break in Colmberg. The mighty, well-preserved castle towers over the town – the climb is steep, but worth it! The Franconian Rezat then leads you into the heart of Ansbach with its stately rococo-style residence. Your stage destination is in Wolframs-Eschenbach. Since 1917, the medieval town has borne the name of its great son, the Parzival poet Wolfram von Eschenbach.

The Bavarian beer tour takes you further along the German Castle Road past the star-shaped fortress of Lichtenau. In Roth you should definitely pay a visit to the hunting lodge. Afterwards you will reach Nuremberg again. At the end of your Bavarian beer tour, several breweries vie for your favour. Combined with the enjoyment of an original Nuremberg grilled sausage, a cosy evening is calling out for you.

Your Bavarian beer tour already ends after breakfast. We would be happy to extend your stay with an additional night in one of the overnight destinations.