The Altmühl Cycle Path
Enjoy a cycling trip on the slow-moving Altmühl River, so slow in fact that legend says it turns numerous times in its bed before flowing again. The route alongside it follows well-constructed cycling paths, paved forest, and fields. Two of the towns you will stop in are the historical and well-preserved towns of Rothenberg and Regensburg, which entice you to walk around their half-timbered streets. Enjoy the wonderful sights of the Altmühl Valley as well as passing through the Danube breakthrough. If you use category A, the transfer back to the starting point is included.
Itinerary
- Picture this; being out in nature, covering lake shorelines and soaking in wonderful natural landscapes. On this cycle tour through the Salzkammergut and past the Trumer Seen Lake you will do just that. Not far from Salzburg, you will find a magnificent panoramic view of the scenery. Being at the foothills of the alps, you’ll experience a pleasant and hilly setting. You’ll pass through meadows and moorlands on your cycle route to Oberndorf, which is the birthplace of famous Christmas carol “Silent Night”. You’ll pay a visit to the old imperial town of Bad Ischl, a total of ten lakes and sightseeing spots such as the Schafberg Mountain and Orth Castle. This tour gives you the chance to have fun, experience nature and be a tourist learning the local culture – you could describe it as a real-life fairy-tale!
After making your own way to Rothenberg get acquainted with this romantic, medieval town which has inspired artists such as Spitzweg and Richter. At night be shown around by the night watchman and learn about the town’s rich history.
It’s time to start your cycling in the Tauber valley before quickly getting to the river Altmühl. Should you want to, you can also opt to take a scenic route via the Altmühl source, making the journey around 10km longer. A highlight on route today is the Zollern Castle in Colmberg, followed by your destination for the night of Ansbach.
An exciting day of cycling lies ahead of you today. Firstly, cross Limes, the previous border of the Roman Empire. The route today takes you peacefully through the Franconian Lake District with a choice of two options of where to stop for the night: A) Weißenburg – the home of the largest Roman treasure found in Germany or B) Wettelsheim – a sleepy and quaint village. Should you opt to stay in Wettelsheim you will arrive there via the Altmühl River from Gunzenhausen. If you stay in Weißenburg you will follow paths to the left of the Großer Brombachsee to Pleinfeld.
As you cycle on this part of the route, you will notice the valley becoming narrower and the river cutting into the pre-historic rock. Get a look at the 12 Apostles, an amazing rock formation on route. This isn’t all for the sights, you will also see numerous castles on route. Your stop for the night is Eichstätt, this was once a bishop city and is now notable for its gorgeous Baroque buildings.
Before leaving Eichstätt, don’t miss the Jura Museum equipped with fossils of dinosaurs found in the area. Your route to Beilngries will take you past wonderful growing junipers spread in a sea of purple whilst heading through the Altmühl Valley.
Head past Dietfurt following the Altmühl in the bed of the Main-Danube Canal before reaching Prunn Castle, which sits impressively above the river. When you get to Kelheim you will have reached the end of the Altmühl and where it flows into the Danube. We recommend paying a visit to Liberation Hall and its excellent views. You may also opt to stay overnight in Abensberg or Bad Gögging, you will also go past the Danube breakthrough by boat.
Via the Abens and Danube, you will head to the Weltenburg monastery, where you can see the magnificent Danube breakthrough; this is where the Danube has carved its way through a Jura rock. Before taking a boat through the breakthrough, be sure to visit the monastery beer garden. Final destination Regensburg, famous for its wonderful cathedral and roman remains.
Enjoy a last breakfast and then either head home or stay for longer.
Route overview
Difficulty: Moderate
Start point: Rothenberg
End point: Regensburg
Total distance: approx. 295km
The route is mostly flat, although it is slightly hillier in the beginning. The majority is on dedicated cycle lanes with the occasionally unpathed part.
What’s included
- 7 nights with breakfast, national 3* / 4*-level + Inn (Cat A)
- Standard Bike Hire
- Boat trip Kelheim – Weltenburg and back incl. bike (Cat A)
- Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
- Guided tour Rothenburg with the night watchman
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Regensburg
- Return transfer Regensburg – Rothenburg incl. bike
- ervice-Hotline (7 days, 08.00 a.m. – 08.00 p.m.)
Not included services: - Citys or visitors tax, if payable
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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