The Five Rivers Cycle Route

Welcome to bike tour along the Five Rivers Cycle Route! Your tour begins and ends in Regensburg. Walk along the cobble stone path of the historic city center, around Regensburg Cathedral. You will be amazed by numerous historic buildings. Visiting the fort, the towers and the Stone Bridge then treat yourself to a regional beer in one of the rustic beer gardens.

The first stage of the Five Rivers Cycle Route takes you along the Danube up to the river Naab at Mariaort. You 'll follow the river through an idyllic valley lined with limestone cliffs. Kallmünz welcomes you with its castle complex, visible from afar. The ruins date back to the 10th century. If you choose the side-quest and climb the hill, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Naab Valley. Another local curiosity is the house without a roof. Located below the ruins it is a cave where the opening is enclosed by a plastered wall which includes a door and several windows.

In Kallmünz, you leave the river Naab behind and change course following the river Vils. Follow the old railroad tracks along the Five Rivers Bike Path through the charming Vils river valley. Finally you will reach today's destination, Amberg. The old town is almost completely encased by a city wall. Amberg's landmark are the Town Glasses. The water gate building spans the Vils river. One of its pillars is in the water thus creating the illusion of two adjacent circles. Take your time to explore the city and treat yourself to beer. Amberg is famous for its traditional breweries!

Today you will scale the hills!  Your first stop is Sulzbach-Rosenberg. The 1000 year old town was build on top of the Hill. The route continues uphill through the region known as Hersbrucker Schweiz.  It is one of the most densely wooded areas in Germany.  Take a break in Hersbruck.  The small town will delight you with its half-timbered houses and beautiful historic old town. From here you follow the river Pegnitz to Lauf. If you like you can take a shortcut – get on the train (not included) to Nuremberg. Alternatively within a few more kilometers you will reach today's destination Nuremberg. Enjoy a hearty, bavarian meal and a cold beer as a reward for today's challenge.

Seize the morning and visit the Nuremberg Castle with the Imperial Palace. It encompasses more than 1000 years of history.  Or pay a visit to the Albrecht Dürer House is dedicated to the life and artwork of one of Nuremberg's most famous sons. Then continue your bike tour on the five rivers Cycle route along the Ludwig-Main-Danube Canal to Burgthann. Alternatively, you can take a shortcut by train (not included) from Nuremberg to Burgthann. Follow the canal until you reach Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz. Here you'll see Wolfstein castle ruins from afar. A few kilometers south of Berching today's rest awaits you.

Today you follow the Ludwig-Main-Danube Canal to Beilngries. Leave the path at Beilngries and follow the Altmühl river to Dietfurt. You cycle through the small town of Riedenburg. It is located in the Altmühltal valley and framed by two ruins, Tachenstein and Rabenstein, as well as the very well preserved Rosenburg.  Continue past lofty Prunn Castle and the wooden bridge Tatzlwurm to reach Kelheim. The Michelsberg rises high above the Danube. It is the site of the Liberation Hall, which King Ludwig I of Bavaria built as a memorial of the wars of liberation against Napoleon. Here you'll have a beautiful view across the Danube. You will spend the night in Essing or Kelheim.

Leave Kelheim behind – the last stage of your bike tour takes you along the Danube back to Regensburg. Once again, you have the chance to explore the old episcopal city. Take a stroll through the old town. It is the largest medieval city complex north of the Alps. Immerse yourself in its history at the Historical Museum or follow in the footsteps of the noble Thurn und Taxis family at St. Emmeram's Palace. To conclude the trip, try a Regensburg bratwurst in the Wurstkuchl not far from the Stone Bridge.

After breakfast, your bike tour along the Five Rivers Cycle Path is at its end. We are happy to extend your stay with an extra night.