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245 kilometers

From Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Kelheim

12 remarkable towns

and plenty of natue highlights

460 m - 339 m

Almost continuously downhill

April – October

Best time to travel

Germany's South

Relaxed through Bavaria

Route & Itinerary

Medium

The Altmühltal Cycle Path is one of Germany's most popular long-distance cycle routes. From Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it passes through varied landscapes all the way to the Danube Gorge at Kelheim – each stage offers new impressions. The route is mostly on asphalt or well-maintained paths, fully signposted, and easy to ride – perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who wants to combine cycling with little discoveries.

Cycling Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

Questions and Answers about the Altmühltal Cycle Path

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The Altmühltal Cycle Route starts in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and ends in Kelheim.

The Altmühltal Cycle Path is 245 kilometres long in total.

The ideal time to travel the Altmühltal Cycle Path is between April and October. July and August are the busiest months for cyclists due to the season.

Our cycling tours on the Altmühltal Cycle Path are classified as medium tours. This means that these tours are particularly suitable for cycling beginners and newcomers with a good level of fitness.

The individual daily stages naturally depend on the respective cycling tours. But in general you can expect about 40-60 kilometres of cycling per day.

On our cycling tours along the Altmühltal Cycle Path you will stay in well-selected and cosy hotels, inns and guesthouses.

The cycle tour from Rothenburg to Regensburg offers numerous impressive highlights. But as the saying goes, the journey is the destination and that applies perfectly to this tour. Because the Altmühltal Cycle Route leads through the gentle Franconian Lake District and ends in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg. 

If you like cycling along rivers, we have the ideal cycle tour for you - Five Rivers of Bavaria. The five rivers Vils, Naab, Danube, Altmühl and Pegnitz are your companions for eight days. Beautiful old towns, small dreamy villages and diverse landscapes await you along the way.

The Altmühltal and Danube cycle tour takes you around Regensburg. This tour combines the most beautiful sections of both rivers.

The Most Beautiful Places along the Altmülhltal Cycle Path

Rothenburg ob der Tauber – A Journey Back to the Middle Ages

Rothenburg leaves a lasting impression from the very first moment. Between half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, you feel transported to another era. Walk along the city walls or join a tour with the night watchman to bring history to life, then relax in a café or wine tavern and soak up the town’s unique atmosphere.

The Röderbogen in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Stroll, Marvel, and Relax in Ansbach

In Ansbach, you’ll discover the quiet elegance of a Baroque town. The Residenz with its magnificent halls is as impressive as the charming squares of the old town. Pause at a café and enjoy the relaxed city life. Ansbach blends culture and comfort in a way that makes it the perfect stop on your cycle holiday.

Martin Luther Square in Ansbach

The Castle Over the Town: Pappenheim

Pappenheim Castle towers above the small town on the river, shaping the skyline. The old town is narrow and winding, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. From the castle courtyard, you enjoy sweeping views of the Altmühl Valley – a definite highlight of the tour.

Pappenheim Castle

Danube Gorge and Old Town Charm in Kelheim

Where the Altmühl meets the Danube lies Kelheim. Medieval town gates, chapels, and the old harbor tell stories of times past. A stroll through the old town, a boat trip to the Danube Gorge, or a view from the Befreiungshalle make your visit unforgettable.

The Danube Gorge and the Hall of Liberation near Kelheim

Baroque Town Between Cliffs and River: Eichstätt

Eichstätt surprises visitors with a unique mix of nature and culture. Surrounded by the Altmühltal Nature Park, Baroque buildings such as the cathedral, the Church of the Guardian Angels, and Willibaldsburg impress daily. Wander the streets at your leisure – history and a relaxed atmosphere accompany you at every turn.

Panoramic view over Eichstätt

Medieval Wonder Regensburg

Although Regensburg is not directly on the Altmühl, many cycle tours end here. The UNESCO World Heritage City captivates with narrow streets, historic walls, the Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and Thurn and Taxis Palace. Here, it becomes clear why Regensburg is called a “medieval wonder of Germany.”

St. Peter's Cathedral in Regensburg

The most scenic Stages of the Altmühltal Cycle Path

Begin in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, famous for its half-timbered houses and medieval streets, and cycle over gentle hills through the Tauber Valley toward Ansbach. A short stop in Colmberg is recommended before reaching Ansbach after roughly 50 kilometers, where Baroque squares, the Residenz, and cozy cafés await.

From Ansbach, continue through the Franconian Lake District. After about 60–65 kilometers, you’ll reach Gunzenhausen on the Altmühlsee – a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The route then leads to Treuchtlingen or the quiet suburb of Wettelsheim, where you can end your day.

The Altmühl accompanies you on this roughly 50-kilometer stage through the upper Altmühl Valley, lined with castles and striking rock formations such as the “Twelve Apostles.” Eichstätt welcomes you with its Baroque old town, cathedral, and Willibaldsburg – a place where culture and nature blend beautifully.

Over about 45 kilometers, you follow the Altmühl through the Altmühltal Nature Park. Juniper heathlands, rock towers, and small villages alternate along the route. A short stop at Plankstetten Abbey is worth it before reaching Beilngries, whose historic old town with city walls and gates invites leisurely exploration.

The final stage covers roughly 45–60 kilometers through the Altmühltal Nature Park, past castles and impressive cliffs, to the Danube Gorge at Kelheim. From the Befreiungshalle, enjoy spectacular views over the Danube, and let the old town provide a relaxed ending to the tour. Those who wish can also take a boat ride through the gorge.

Why cycle along the Altmühltal Cycle Path

Pure river cycling

Almost no climbs along the gently flowing Altmühl, perfect for leisurely cyclists and families.

Limestone cliffs and heathlands

Jurassic limestone, the scent of juniper, and wide landscapes accompany you on every stage.

Baroque meets prehistory

Magnificent towns and fossil finds tell stories of art and Earth history.

Roman heritage

Limes, forts, and legionaries – cycle along in the footsteps of history.

A destination with a wow factor

At the Danube Gorge, nature puts on a spectacular show – a worthy finale.

Altmühltal Cycle Path: Your advantages with Eurobike

Individual Cycling Pleasure

Enjoy a perfectly organised cycling holiday that you can tailor to your own preferences: start your daily stage whenever you like, choose between the main route and alternative routes, linger at your favourite spots or discover exciting places – and cycle at your own pace in complete relaxation.

The most important facts at a glance
Coffee break for three cyclists in Bardolino with a view of Lake Garda

Luggage Transfer

Thanks to our luggage transfer service, you can cycle relaxed with only your day bag to your next accommodation, where your suitcases will already be waiting for you. Everything you need fits into the practical bike bags. Simply have your luggage ready in the morning and attach the luggage tags.

All information about the luggage transfer
Baggage transfer staff

Comfortable Accommodations

For an all-round enjoyable cycling holiday, Eurobike offers accommodation in personally selected establishments. Whether it's a charming country hotel or a cosy guesthouse, you can expect hospitality, a good breakfast and a relaxed start to your day's cycling.

More about our accommodations

Our Rental Bicycles

We offer rental bikes for every taste: classic women's and men's bikes, modern e-bikes, gravel bikes and the sporty Rental Bike Plus. This means you will always find the right bike to make your individual trip comfortable, flexible and lots of fun.

All bicycles at a glance
Cyclists on the cycle path near Montforte in the Piedmont

Optional Return Transfer to the Starting Point

Even the most beautiful cycling tour must come to an end. On the last day, you will reach your destination with many new impressions. The return journey is usually made individually. You will find suitable options in your travel documents. For many tours, we also offer an optional return transfer for even more comfort.

Hiking with luggage transport

Other Popular Cycling Paths in Europe

Paula Plafinger

I am happy to answer any questions about your cycle tour along the Altmühltal Cycle Path!

Paula Plafinger
Travel Specialist
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