Jump to content
Jump to footer
Book now
To the online version
The Wertheim ruins with a panoramic view of the River Main

Main Cycle Path XXL, Bamberg – Mainz

Bamberg – Mainz

11 Days / 10 Nights
Easy
The Wertheim ruins with a panoramic view of the River Main

During this cycling adventure, you'll witness the Main River at its most enchanting. You'll become acquainted with the picturesque Franconian wine country and venture toward the woodlands of Spessart Nature Park. The stunning scenery features charming vineyards and serene Main River meadows, interspersed with expansive orchards and delightful spots along the riverbank. Your journey will lead you through the region's most significant cities, whether it's the imperial city of Bamberg, the elegant Würzburg, or the modern metropolis of Frankfurt. Explore their highlights and savor the culinary delights they have to offer! In the wine-centric town of Volkach along the Main and the sine trading hub of Kitzingen, the focus is squarely on the finest wine. For history enthusiasts, there's the Romanesque castle near Rothenfels and the magnificent Johannisburg Palace to discover. If you're looking for relaxation, you can unwind at the Kneipp facilities in Freudenberg or take a refreshing dip in the lakes along your route.

Starting from Bamberg, you'll follow the Main River Cycle Path, transitioning from the beer-centric Franconia to the wine-loving Franconia. Along the way, you'll pass through Zeil am Main and Haßfurt before arriving in Volkach on the Main. Continuing your journey, you'll pedal through Kitzingen, Ochsenfurt, and Sommerhausen. From there, you'll cycle to Würzburg and Karlstadt. Next, you'll make your way through the Spessart Nature Park, passing Marktheidenfeld before reaching Freudenberg and Bürgstadt. Your final leg of the tour includes stops in Aschaffenburg and Frankfurt, before concluding in Mainz.

  • Bamberg: Historians should make sure to visit the residence city of Bamberg. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the old fishing village in the island city of Bamberg is also deserving of a visit and is often referred to as "Little Venice.".
  • Haßfurt: Here, you can visit the Haßfurt Knights' Chapel, which was created by the German sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider.
  • Volkach on the Main: This wine town is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. The best Franconian wines grow there, from Riesling and Silvaner to Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder), you'll find it all.
  • Würzburg: In the old residence city, you can take a look at the Main Bridge and the impressive St. Mary's Chapel. A real eye-catcher is the Würzburg Residence. It is a baroque palace constructed between 1720 and 1744.

This cycling vacation is excellent for beginners and families. It includes easy stages that are well-marked. You'll be riding on well-maintained and paved paths, providing a comfortable cycling experience. The flat bike path follows the Main River's shore almost the entire time, making it simply fantastic.

  • Find all the information and many more tour tips for our bike tours on the Main Cycle Path here.

Itinerary at a glance

Beer in Bamberg and wine in Würzburg – in Aschaffenburg, you'll stroll along the Main River, and in Frankfurt, you'll admire the skyline. In picturesque wine villages like Volkach, Kitzingen, and Sommerhausen, roadside taverns invite you to take a well earned break.

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.

Day
11
Departure or extension

Route Information

Easy

The bike path runs almost entirely along the banks of the Main River, so the route is flat throughout. The paths are well developed, on asphalt and well signposted. Also suitable for beginners and families.

Prices & Dates

Category: Hotels of 3***-level

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality men's touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner e-bike
E-bike 7 to 21-speed
with freewheel

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, Dutch)
  • GPS-Data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Bamberg train station
  • Nuremberg, Frankfurt/Main or Munich airport
  • Public Multi-storey parking garage costs approx. EUR 45 per week, no reservation possible, to be paid for at the time
  • Public unattended car P + R car park outside of the city, no reservation possible.
  • Good train connections from Mainz to Bamberg

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Paula Plafinger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Paula Plafinger
Travel Specialist
One call to vacation bliss
Monday - Thursday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Call now
One click to vacation bliss
 
I am looking forward to your message!
Contact form

4 out of 5 stars

1 rating
5
0%
4
100%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Load more

Other tours that might interest you

from
€1,149
Book now Book
You now receive special conditions when you book a trip.