The Main Valley Cycle Route from Bayreuth to Mainz

Welcome to your bike tour from Bayreuth to Mainz! Size the opportunity to explore the home of the world-famous Richard Wagner Festival. You should pay a visit to the Festspielhaus and the Margravial Opera House. Take a stroll through the impressive Hermitage Museum and experience magnificent architecture in the middle of its historic park.

At the beginning of your bike tour from Bayreuth to Mainz, you follow the Red Main river. Is source is nearby- it originates in the Franconian Jura just south of Bayreuth. Once you arrive in Kulmbach, you  explore the town's landmark, Plassenburg Castle. It is one of the most remarkable Renaissance buildings of the entire country and is home to several museums. Be sure to try the typical Kulmbach bratwurst as you stroll through the winding alleyways of the town.

After a few kilometers, the two headwaters of the Red and White Main converge forming the Main river. Accompany the young Main through a wide valley on the northern edge of the Franconian Albs. Thus you pass the towns of Burgkunstadt and Lichtenfels. The path follows a culturally diverse valley until to your stage destination of Bad Staffelstein. On a hill, from afar you will catch a glimpse of the pilgrimage church of Vierzehnheiligen. It is known as one of the most significant buildings of the German Baroque period. The Benedictine monastery of Banz is located n the opposite river bank . It was founded in the 11th century.

You cycle past green meadows along the Main river which now meanders through a floodplain landscape. Along the way, picturesque little villages and lakes invite you to take a break. You soon reach Bamberg, which, like Rome, was once built on seven hills. Use the time to explore its unique old town passing numerous listed buildings. The city is known for its diverse beer tradition. After a leisurely stroll through the city, enjoy a fine beer before cycling to Weinfranken tomorrow.

On today's stage of your bike tour from Bayreuth to Mainz, you follow the river Regnitz to its confluence with the Main at Bischberg.  Follow the path of the Main river. On your left is the Steigerwald forest and to your right you'll see the Haßberge mountains. If you want to cool off along the way take a break at the quarry pond in Sand am Main. Now you've reached  Wine Franconia with its  picturesque half-timbered houses at Zeil am Main. Now you've almost made it to your stage destination, Haßfurt. A leisurely stroll through the town reveals rarities from times gone by such as the unique Haßfurt Knight's Chapel by Tilmann Riemenschneider.

Today you cycle leisurely past romantic wine villages and lush green meadows along the Main river. Treat yourself to a break in the former imperial city of Schweinfurt. Today's destination is Volkach at the Main river loop. It is the only loop of the Main river. In Volkach, explore the market square, its historic town hall and the Schelfenhaus, a noble residence built in the 17th century. Wine-making in Volkach has over 1100 years of history thus you will find a large selection of wine taverns. You should definitely try the regional wines!

For the first few kilometers of today's stage of your bike tour from Bayreuth to Mainz, you will continue to follow the Main loop. From afar at Schwarzach am Main, you can see the Benedictine abbey of Münsterschwarzach. It is well worth a visit! Via Kitzingen, you finally reach the sugar town of Ochsenfurt. With its picturesque half-timbered houses, the town has a largely preserved medieval fortification. If you are spending the night in Sommerhausen continue at a leisurely pace for a few more kilometers.

The highlight of today is the city of Würzburg. It is known for its baroque and rococo style buildings. Of particular note here is the 18th century Residenz and the Marienberg Fortress. It is build on a promontory above the River Main. After your tour of the town, get back on your bike and cycle past beautiful vineyards. You will pass Veitshöchheim its castle and the magnificent rococo gardens on your way to Karlstadt. During a leisurely evening stroll through the narrow streets, the numerous half-timbered houses will catch your eye.

Leaving Karlstadt behind you follow the Main bike path to Gemünden am Main. During a longer break, it is worth visiting the ruins of Scherenburg Castle, which is located above the town center. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Spessart Nature Park. You soon reach Marktheidenfeld, which impresses with its beautiful old town. Pay a visit to the Franck House – according to legend, sparkling wine production in Germany was invented here. The diverse range of restaurants will win you over with Franconian specialties and delicious Franconian wine.

Today's stage is characterized by beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and charming castle ruins. Near Homburg you'll encounter a castle enthroned high above the Main. You reach Wertheim via the Urpharer Main river loop. The ruins of Wertheim Castle are stunning. Do not shy away from the climb is offers a wonderful view of the old town with its numerous half-timbered houses and the picturesque river landscape. Following the winding course of the Main valley, you will soon reach your destinations for the day, Miltenberg or Bürgstadt.

After just a few kilometers, you will reach Miltenberg. The town is known for its old town full of medieval half-timbered buildings and romantic alleyways. You follow the course of the river through the hills of the Spessart-Mainland region with almost no inclines until you reach Klingenberg. The towns medieval like tower offers a magnificent view at a height of 22 meters. Continue to cycle accompanied by numerous boats on the Main river towards Aschaffenburg. The city welcomes you with a city ensemble worth seeing and waiting to be explored.

On the penultimate stage of your cycle tour from Bayreuth to Mainz,  say goodbye to Bavaria and pass the border to the county of Hesse. On your way take a break at the romantic town of Seligenstadt. The old town, its winding alleyways and defiant half-timbered houses will delight you. The monastery complex its courtyard and gardens and the Einhard Basilica are also worthwhile. Passing Hanau and Offenbach you will finally reach Frankfurt.

Leaving the Main metropolis behind you cycle route leads through more rural areas. Orchards, fields and vineyards line your way. You will reach Flörsheim and then arrive at Hochheim. The town with its numerous cultural and historical listed buildings is perfect for a lunch break. Follow the Main river to its confluence with the Rhine river in Mainz. The old town of Mainz, its quaint half-timbered houses and imposing cathedral, invites you to take a long walk. Enjoy a glass of regional wine in a rustic wine tavern and toast to a successful vacation.

After the many wonderful impressions of your bike tour from Bayreuth to Mainz, you will have to say goodbye to the Main river. If you need more time to explore the Rhineland-Palatinate state capital, we will be happy to extend your stay with an extra night.