Information about the popular cycle path along the Main
The route along the Main cycle path runs through near-natural and scenic areas. About 90% of the cycle path along the Main is asphalted, so cyclists will find perfect conditions. Although the Main can be cycled on both sides, usually only one side is signposted as a cycle path. The good signposting is consistent in both directions and shows the distance to the next village. When cycling along the Main, you pass towns with unmistakable charm on the approx. 600 km long long-distance cycle route through Hesse and Franconia.
The most beautiful stages and cycle tours on the Main Cycle Path
Bayreuth - Mainz
The Bayreuth - Mainz cycle tour takes you from the source to the mouth of the river. On this tour you cycle the entire 600km through Franconia. Treat yourself to some time out with plenty of exercise and adventurous moments. On this cycle tour you will experience all-round successful cycling. Thanks to the well-developed cycle paths, this cycle tour is also suitable for beginners and families.
Bamberg - Aschaffenburg
On the Bamberg - Aschaffenburg cycle tour you cycle through the culturally rich and most diverse region of Bavaria and Hesse. The towns that lie along the route are of unmistakable charm: Bamberg, Würzburg, Miltenberg, Ochsenfurt and many more exude unique charm and are absolutely worth seeing. Immerse yourself and enjoy Franconia.
Bamberg - Mainz
Rustic beer gardens and Franconian wine taverns spoil you on the cycle tour from Bamberg to Mainz to the mouth of the Main. Experience history, tradition and culinary delights as well as the region's distinctive landscape and the forests of the Spessart.
Winegrowers' Tour on the Main, Schweinfurt - Aschaffenburg
Get to know the famous Franconian wine in all its facets! The wineries you will visit offer an impressive stage and an experience for all senses. On the wine tour along the Main you will stay in selected wineries and wine hotels and in Schweinfurt and Aschaffenburg in good middle-class hotels.
Main, Spessart and the lovely Tauber Valley
The fairytale Tauber Valley is the setting for this special cycle tour. Medieval towns, small castles, dreamy palaces and mysterious monasteries make the Main, Spessart and lovely Tauber Valley cycle tour a unique experience. Enjoy the relaxed cycle tour along the Main and look forward to enchanting landscapes and lots of warm hospitality.
Course of the Main
Source of the Main
The Main has two sources: the red Main at Ochsenkopf near Bischofsgrün and the white Main in Creußen. The confluence of these two rivers is at Kulmbach, from where the river is called the Main.
Elevation profile
The beginning of the Main near Kulmbach is at an altitude of about 325m above sea level, its mouth flows into the Rhine at about 90m above sea level.
Length of the Main
On its approximately 530km long flow, the Main meanders through Franconia, the Fichtelgebirge, Tauber Valley, Spessart and finally through Hesse. In Mainz, the Main finally flows into the Rhine.
Estuary
In Mainz, the Main finally flows into the Rhine.
Elevation profile
Towns along the Main Cycle Path
In addition to the varied natural landscapes along the Main, the towns along the Main Cycle Path are also among the highlights of a cycle tour along what is perhaps Germany's most popular cycle route. Cultural and historical sights, typical culinary delicacies from the region and traditional half-timbered houses provide the perfect setting to round off an active day in comfort.
Kulmbach - the quaint Franconian town on the River Main
Kulmbach, where the White and Red Main rivers meet and become the Main, is home to the famous Plassenburg Castle from the Renaissance period and the local pewter figurine museum. Arrive a little earlier to get in the mood for your cycling holiday at the Kulmbach brewery.
Bamberg - the Franconian Rome
As in Rome, Bamberg was built on seven hills and is therefore nicknamed Franconian Rome. The cathedral towers over the old town, which impresses 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 Path is Würzburg, one of the largest cities in Bavaria. Known for its university and college, a visit to the Würzburg Residence is also recommended here. In addition, you will find many churches and monuments in the old town, which were lovingly rebuilt during the reconstruction.
Aschaffenburg - cultural and university town
The university town of Aschaffenburg is worth a visit all year round. Visit Johannisburg Castle, which was built of red coloured sandstone and is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. Or end the cycling stage with a good wine or beer in one of the many inns, because here you will find the highest density of inns and bars in Bavaria. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the hospitality of the Franconians.
Frankfurt am Main - where finance and history unite
The birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Frankfurt am Main is now an important financial centre in Germany. Not only because of the seat of the European Central Bank and international trade fairs and exhibitions, but also thanks to its central location, Frankfurt is an important European transport hub. The old town with Römerberg is also home to romantic half-timbered houses that invite you to take a stroll through the city.
Mainz - the state capital with a zest for life
Where the Main flows into the Rhine lies the episcopal city of Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. The old town is reminiscent of the Middle Ages as well as the early modern period and yet the romantic Mainz Cathedral is located here, but due to several fires it also has Gothic elements. Experience the 2,000-year-old culture on the Main here or follow in the footsteps of Johannes Gutenberg or the Romans.
Bayreuth - the festival city
The largest city in Upper Franconia is world-famous for its annual festival. Bayreuth impresses with its imposing musical, architectural and historical sights. Since 2012, Bayreuth's opera house has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, unique historical buildings and exciting museums await you. Culture fans will feel at home in this city right away. But nature lovers also get their money's worth thanks to the Main River and beautiful landscapes.
Main Cycle Path Map
Questions and Answers about the Main Cycle Path
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