Main cycle path | Eurobike cycle tours

530 kilometers

From Bischofsgrün to Mainz

830 meters downhill

Relaxed cycling with gentle descents

300 meters

Highest point in Bischofsgrün

May – October

Best time to travel

Bike & Boat

Explore the Main with a floating hotel

Route Overview

Medium

The Main Cycle Route stretches for around 530 kilometres from the sources of the Red Main at Ochsenkopf near Bischofsgrün and the White Main in Creußen to its confluence with the Rhine near Mainz. With a moderate elevation profile running from Kulmbach at 325 metres above sea level to Mainz, the route is ideal for leisure cycling.

On your way through Franconia and Hesse, you will experience the scenic and natural region of the Fichtelgebirge, the Tauber Valley and the Spessart. Around 90% of the cycle route is asphalted, making a multi-day cycling trip on the well-signposted route particularly pleasant and comfortable. Nature and culture lovers will find ideal conditions here for a varied and eventful tour.

Cycling Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All Tours on the Main Cycle Path

Cycling Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All cycle tours on the Main Cycle Path

Questions and Answers about the Main Cycle Path

Where does the Main Cycle Route start and end?

The Main Cycle Route has two starting points: in Bischofsgrün or in Creußen. The river then joins in the Bavarian district town of Kulmbach. It finally flows into the Rhine in Mainz.

When is the best time to travel along the Main Cycle Path?

The ideal time to travel along the Main Cycle Path is from April to October.

For which target group is the Main Cycle Path suitable?

The Main Cycle Path is assigned to the tour character Easy. These cycling tours are mainly on well-maintained, asphalted and flat secondary roads. This cycling tour is perfect for newcomers, returning cyclists, families with children or cyclists for whom relaxation and recreation are the top priority.

But we also offer two other cycling tours with the tour character medium and ambitious. This means you are spoilt for choice!

How long is the Main Cycle Path an d what's the total elevation gain?

The Main Cycle Route is approximately 600 km long and has a total of around 1,100 to 1,300 meters of elevation gain.

Which hotels/accommodation do you stay in on the Main Cycle Path?

On our cycling tours along the Main Cycle Path you will stay in cosy accommodation and hotels. Our travel specialists organise and book these for you.

How does the luggage transfer with Eurobike work?

Your luggage will be picked up directly from your accommodation between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.). This way, you can cycle in complete relaxation – with only a light daypack.

The Most Beautiful Cities Along the Main Cycle Path

Kulmbach

Kulmbach is located where the White and Red Main rivers converge to form the Main River. It is home to the famous Renaissance Plassenburg Castle and the local tin figure museum. Arrive a little earlier to get in the mood for your cycling holiday at the Kulmbach Brewery.

Bamberg – the Franconian Rome

Like Rome, Bamberg was built on seven hills and is therefore nicknamed Franconian Rome. The cathedral towers over the old town, which captivates with its medieval and baroque architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 1993. Explore Bamberg and the surrounding vineyards.

Würzburg – World Heritage and wine enjoyment

Another highlight on the Main Cycle Route is Würzburg, one of Bavaria's largest cities. Known for its university and college, a visit to the Würzburg Residence is also recommended. In addition, there are many churches and monuments in the old town, which were lovingly reconstructed during the rebuilding process.

Aschaffenburg – City of culture

Visit Johannisburg Castle, built from red sandstone and one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. Or round off your cycling stage with a good wine or beer in one of the many restaurants, as this is where you will find the highest density of restaurants and bars in Bavaria.

The Collegiate Basilica of Aschaffenburg

Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt am Main, the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is now one of Germany's most important financial centres. Not only because it is home to the European Central Bank and hosts international trade fairs and exhibitions, but also thanks to its central location, Frankfurt is a major European transport hub.

Mainz – the state capital

Mainz, the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, is located where the Main flows into the Rhine. The old town reflects the Middle Ages and early modern times, while Mainz Cathedral features Gothic elements. Experience 2,000 years of culture, joie de vivre on the Main and the traces of Gutenberg and the Romans.

The most scenic stages of the Main Cycle Path

Bamberg - Hassfurt

You start in Bamberg and cycle the first 55 kilometres or so from the cathedral along the cobbled streets of the old town. The paved Main Cycle Route runs mainly flat along the left bank of the Main. On the way, you pass the Stegaurach lock, small villages and green river meadows, which invite you to take a short break before reaching Hassfurt.

Hassfurt - Volkach

On the approximately 40 kilometre route, you leave Hassfurt at the old harbour and follow the Main on mostly asphalted paths. You cycle through vineyards, pass short, easily navigable gravel sections and reach Zeil am Main, where you can visit the town hall and the town church before reaching Volkach.

Volkach - Sommerhausen

On the cycle stage from Volkach, you follow the Main Cycle Route for around 50 kilometres. On mainly asphalted paths, you cycle through the Main Valley, past vineyards and old locks. In Escherndorf, you can visit the wine taverns and take a short, enjoyable break.

Sommerhausen - Karlstadt

On the 42 kilometre cycling stage from Sommerhausen to Karlstadt, follow the Main Cycle Route through vineyards near Ochsenfurt and enjoy the view of the historic old town. A varied section that perfectly combines nature and culture.

Karlstadt - Marktheidenfeld

On the 27 kilometre stage from Karlstadt to Marktheidenfeld, you cycle leisurely along the Main. On the way, Gemünden with its three river valleys tempts you to stop before you reach the lively town of Marktheidenfeld with its Main promenade.

Marktheidenfeld - Aschaffenburg

The longest stage of the Main Cycle Route, covering around 77 kilometres, awaits you from Marktheidenfeld to Aschaffenburg. Accompanied by the river, you will discover the baroque castle in Lohr, cycle through the shady Spessart forests and finally reach Aschaffenburg's imposing Johannisburg Castle.

Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt

From Aschaffenburg to Frankfurt, around 54 kilometres of varied impressions accompany you: the lively town of Seligenstadt with its abbey, quiet Main meadows for relaxation and, finally, the growing anticipation of Frankfurt's impressive skyline.

Frankfurt - Mainz

On the last stage from Frankfurt to Mainz, you will cover a distance of around 44 kilometres along the Main River. Enjoy the relaxed ride through the wine villages of Flörsheim and Hochheim before finally reaching your destination in Mainz with its cathedral and the mouth of the Rhine.

Why cycle along the Main Cycle Path?

Markets on the riverbank.

.. sample fresh regional produce and soak up the lively atmosphere right on the Main.

Mainz Cathedral

.. a Romanesque cathedral with impressive sculptures and history.

Wine tasting in the vineyards

.. sample regional wines in the Würzburg vineyards with spectacular sunsets.

Johannisburg Castle

.. marvel at the art collection and impressive Renaissance architecture of the castle in Aschaffenburg.

Frankfurt skyline

.. panoramic view at your destination.

Travel Stories from the Main Cycle Path

Bike & Boat Adventure along the Main

Where better to combine cycling and cruising than the Main? Our bike & boat tours, featuring overnight stays on floating hotels, offer a one-of-a-kind cycling experience. Sleep comfortably in your cabin and unwind each evening on board or on the sun deck. Best of all, you don’t have to pack and unpack every day—your ship travels with you, carrying your luggage along the route.

Bike & Boat on the Main

Rad & Schiff Abenteuer entlang des Main

Wo, wenn nicht am Main? Unsere Rad- & Schiffreisen mit der Übernachtung in den schwimmenden Hotels bieten Ihnen Radurlaub der ganz besonderen Art. Sie übernachten in einer Kabine und lassen die Abende an Board oder dem Sonnendeck ausklingen. Ihren Koffer müssen Sie nicht täglich packen, denn Ihr Schiff begleitet Sie am Weg.

Rad & Schiff am Main