Bamberg - Mainz

The medieval original town ensemble has been an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. One of the most important of the countless sites is the cathedral: Belonging to the principal German imperial cathedrals, it was sanctified in 1237 and accommodates the imperial grave of Heinrich II.

Fancy a short tour through the town of seven hills before you leave Bamberg? The Main cycle path takes you from "Beer Franconia", as this region is known, to the "Wine Franconia" region. The pretty little town famous for its wine and half-timber framed houses, Zeil am Main, is the first inkling behind the name Wine Franconia. Today's destination is at the foot of the Hassberg Hills, Hassfurt.

The Main how takes you to town of Schweinfurt, famous for its production of ball bearings. You cycle along the pleasant Main cycle path, passing romantic villages, expansive vineyards and orchards and the lush green meadows alongside the river. Just before Volkach, you should definitely go visit the most famous carving by Tilman Riemenschneider: "Madonna of the Rosary" in the pilgrimage church, St. Maria.

Via the wine-trading town of Kitzingen, you follow the Main primarily, heading for the "sugar town" of Ochsenfurt. You leave Ochsenfurt via the old stone Main bridge and roll along the right river bank - weirs, marinas and vineyards alternating adjacent to the route. Pedalling through charming little villages. your way takes you to today's destination of Sommerhausen, which is surrounded by vineyards and orchards.

After the Maindreieck (triangle) comes the Mainviereck (square). And the first corner of the square is Gemünden. You are in Spessart Nature Reserve. You get great views of the area from the ruins of Scherenburg Castle. Continue on now, winding along ever narrower bends around wooded hills. In Gemünden, you meet the River Sinn and the Franconian Saale.

The Main Valley gets narrower here and the countryside has a lot of forest and is peaceful and isolated. At Rothenfels, a Roman castle watches over the narrow valley and your route. Marktheidenfeld, between the Main river and Spessart, is a typical Franconian town known for its wine-making You reach today's destination - in Wertheim.

Just round the next bend in the river you see Stadtprozelten, home of one of the prettiest castle ruins on the Main, which looks over the town. Henneburg Castle. In Miltenberg you'll find the so-called "Schnatterloch", one of Germany's most picturesque marketplaces and a world-famous backdrop for photos!

Next you head for the small town of Klingenberg and its vineyards, wine cellars and so-called "Heckenwirtschaften" – wine taverns that open seasonally. The "glide" along the Main cycle path to the "Spessart Metropolis", Aschaffenburg. From afar already, the four towers marking each corner of Johannisburg Castle show you the way.

Parks of gardens, allotments and villas are gradually replaced by restaurants and beer gardens. In Seligenstadt, it's worth taking a break: you shouldn't miss visiting the rose and herb garden at Einhard Basilica - and the medieval apothecary too! Just a bit further along the river and you'll have reached Offenbach, just in front of the city gates of Frankfurt.

Today is your last day in the saddle along the lower course of the Main River. First, the route takes you through fields, orchards and vineyards to Flörsheim and through the town of half-timber framed houses - Hochheim. The Main countryside presents it very best side here! There are two bridges to pedal over and then Main' historic old town is in front of you.