Main Cycle Path XXL, 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. Cycling through charming little villages, the route takes you to today's destination of Sommerhausen, which is surrounded by vineyards and orchards.

Today you will cross the old royal city of Würzburg and can explore the Old Main Bridge, the Chapel of Our Lady and the Würzburg Residence on a relaxed city tour. North of Würzburg, in the Main-Franconian wine-growing region, you will reach your stage destination Karlstadt – or "Karscht", in Main-Franconian dialect.

The Main triangle is now followed by the Main quadrangle, the first corner of which is Gemünden. Here you are already in the Spessart nature park, which you can overlook wonderfully from the ruins of Scherenburg. The route then continues in ever tighter curves through wooded hills. Near Rothenfels, the Romanesque castle watches over the narrow valley and your path; Marktheidenfeld, situated between the Main and Spessart rivers, is entirely under the sign of Franconian wine culture.

Behind the next bend of the river, the view falls on Stadtprozelten, where one of the most beautiful castle ruins of the Main is enthroned above the city, the Henneburg. With Freudenberg you reach a recognized recreational resort, which, in addition to Kneipp facilities, a bathing lake and the historic town centre, also has a castle ruin from the late 12th century to offer.

In Miltenberg, the "Schnatterloch", one of the most picturesque German squares and world-famous photo motif, and the "Riesen" inn are particularly famous. 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 little further along the river and you have reached the Main metropolis 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.