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Kehlheim on the Danube

Altmühltal Cycle Path, Rothenburg – Regensburg

Along Altmühl Valley Cycle Path

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
Kehlheim on the Danube

Along the Altmühl, a well-maintained cycle path guides you alongside the river all the way to its confluence with the Danube. In medieval Rothenburg, a night watchman will introduce you to the town's rich history, while the breathtaking view from the Stone Bridge in Regensburg is a must-see. En route, you'll encounter stunning landscapes, from the Franconian Lake District to the Danube Gorge. This picturesque journey through the Altmühltal offers a delightful escape from everyday life, inviting you to relish both nature and activity without compromising on pleasure.

Your journey begins with a highlight: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a town that enchants with its medieval charm. You'll pedal through the Tauber Valley towards the royal seat of Ansbach, making sure to stop at the Altmühl spring along the way. Next, you'll head to Gunzenhausen and Weißenburg, where you can marvel at the man-made Franconian Lake District as you cycle through this captivating region.

On Day 4, you'll visit the historic episcopal town of Eichstätt. From there, the route leads you past Kipfenberg Castle and onward to Beilngries. You'll then cycle to Kelheim, where you'll embark on a picturesque boat excursion. Your journey concludes in Regensburg, where you can wander through the old town and reflect on the past few days in one of the city's cozy pubs.

  • Baroque flair in Eichstätt: Explore the charming old town center, featuring its impressive cathedral and baroque residence. Visit the Jura Museum, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Altmühl, and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery!
  • Weltenburg Abbey is a Benedictine monastery picturesquely situated on the Danube. It was founded in the 7th century and is known for its baroque architecture, particularly in the impressive monastery church. Not only can you explore the historic buildings, but you can also enjoy the famous Weltenburger beer in the monastery tavern.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site in Regensburg: Visit the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral, stroll through the narrow alleyways to the Stone Bridge, and discover the medieval towers. Enjoy Bavarian hospitality in the city's traditional beer gardens along the Danube. The lively cultural scene is equally captivating, offering a rich array of experiences.

In the picturesque Altmühltal, you'll first encounter hilly terrain before the route becomes flatter. Along with the expertly designed itinerary, you can look forward to an exciting program: in Rothenburg, the night watchman will guide you through the town, and in Kelheim, you'll embark on a boat excursion to Weltenburg and back.

With a total length of about 250 kilometers, the Altmühltal Cycle Path leads from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Kelheim, where the Altmühl flows into the Danube. Join us in discovering this first-class cycle path, the beautiful landscape, and the sights along the way.

Itinerary at a glance

A night watchman's tour will immerse you in the history of Rothenburg, and in Weißenburg, you can visit Roman excavations. Whether it's the Tauber Valley, the Franconian Lake District, or the Danube Gorge with Weltenburg Abbey – it's pure natural beauty!

The city is the embodiment of medieval city romance and was perpetuated from artists as Spitzweg and Richter. Let the night watchman guide you through the old town and learn from him about life in Rothenburg in earlier times.

You start in the Tauber Valley and it doesn't take long to reach the Altmühl. A beautiful but challenging alternative is the route via the nearby Altmühl spring (approx. 10 km longer). You pass the Zollernburg castle in Colmberg on the way to Ansbach.

Today you cycle leisurely through the Franconian Lake District. The Altmühlsee is the perfect place for a break! You then cycle to Gunzenhausen, which lies directly on the former border of the Roman Empire, the legendary Limes. Your destination today is either the small town of Treuchtlingen or its tranquil suburb of Wettelsheim.

On your today’s bike tour the valley gets narrower, river Altmühl cuts deeply into the Jura Mountain and you can marvel at the 12 Apostles, an impressive rock formation. Fortresses seem the way and Eichstätt presents itself as former bishop’s city in lovely baroque style.

Within a few kilometres you reach the reconstructed roman castle Vetoniana. You continue through a picturesque nature park which is coined through cedar heathland. Along imposing fortress Kipfenberg to the well-preserved medieval city Beilngries.

From Dietfurt, follow the Altmühl along the bed of the Main-Danube Canal, and soon you will reach Prunn Castle, majestically perched above the river. In Kelheim, you will have reached your stage destination and the end of the Altmühl, as it flows into the Danube here. Consider taking a detour to the Liberation Hall, where you will be rewarded with a stunning view. If staying overnight in Abensberg or Bad Gögging, take a boat trip through the beautiful Danube Gorge before reaching your stage destination.

If you have not yet taken the boat trip to Weltenburg Abbey and the impressive Danube Gorge, today you have the opportunity. The oldest monastery in Bavaria is beautifully situated at a bend in the Danube. It welcomes its guests with home-brewed beer in a spacious beer garden. You will continue along the Danube to Regensburg. In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of Regensburg, you can enjoy a delightful walk and discover something new around every corner. Blended with modern charm and vibrant city life, your stay in Regensburg will be memorable.

Your bike tour ends after breakfast.

Itinerary at a glance

A night watchman's tour will immerse you in the history of Rothenburg, and in Weißenburg, you can visit Roman excavations. Whether it's the Tauber Valley, the Franconian Lake District, or the Danube Gorge with Weltenburg Abbey – it's pure natural beauty!

The city is the embodiment of medieval city romance and was perpetuated from artists as Spitzweg and Richter. Let the night watchman guide you through the old town and learn from him about life in Rothenburg in earlier times.

You start in the Tauber Valley and it doesn't take long to reach the Altmühl. A beautiful but challenging alternative is the route via the nearby Altmühl spring (approx. 10 km longer). You pass the Zollernburg castle in Colmberg on the way to Ansbach.

Today you cycle leisurely through the Franconian Lake District. The Altmühlsee is the perfect place for a break! You then cycle to Gunzenhausen, which lies directly on the former border of the Roman Empire, the legendary Limes. Your destination today is either the small town of Treuchtlingen or its tranquil suburb of Wettelsheim.

On your today’s bike tour the valley gets narrower, river Altmühl cuts deeply into the Jura Mountain and you can marvel at the 12 Apostles, an impressive rock formation. Fortresses seem the way and Eichstätt presents itself as former bishop’s city in lovely baroque style.

Within a few kilometres you reach the reconstructed roman castle Vetoniana. You continue through a picturesque nature park which is coined through cedar heathland. Along imposing fortress Kipfenberg to the well-preserved medieval city Beilngries.

Today you will travel to Dietfurt, which marks your arrival at the Main-Danube Canal. Next, Prunn Castle presents itself to you on a hill, and shortly before Kelheim, it is worth taking a look at the Schulerloch stalactite cave. In Kelheim, you will reach the confluence of the Altmühl and Danube rivers. Visit the Liberation Hall on the Michelsberg and take a boat trip to the nearby Weltenburg Monastery.

Before you set off for Regensburg, you should gather your strength and cycle up to the Liberation Hall. From there, you have a magnificent view over the region. The route then continues at a leisurely pace to Regensburg, where you reach the northernmost point of the Danube. The city is considered the best-preserved major German city and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day
08

Departure or extension

Difficulty Level

Medium

At the first two stages slightly hilly, afterwards mostly flat.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Men's Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Men's bike

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

Available gear options can be found in the price table

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in hotels at 3***-and 4****-level and guesthouses
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French, Dutch)
  • 1 Boat tour Kelheim-Weltenburg-Kelheim incl. bike
  • 1 guided city tour Rothenburg with the night watchman
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return transfer by minibus to Rothenburg daily in the morning, costs EUR 89 per person, for your own bike additionally EUR 39, to be paid for in advance, reservation is necessary.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber train station
  • Nuremberg, Frankfurt/Main or Munich airport
  • Free parking at the train station

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.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in hotels at 3***-and 4****-level and guesthouses
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • 1 Boat tour Kelheim-Weltenburg-Kelheim incl. bike
  • 1 guided city tour Rothenburg with the night watchman
  • Travel documents package incl. GPS-data and route book, 1x per room
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return transfer by minibus to Rothenburg daily in the morning, costs EUR 89 per person, for your own bike additionally EUR 45, to be paid for in advance, reservation is necessary. In Category A this transfer is included.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber train station
  • Nuremberg, Frankfurt/Main or Munich airport
  • Free parking at the train station

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

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Paula Plafinger
Travel Specialist
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