Rothenburg to Regensburg: Bike tours in the Altmühltal

Itinerary

• Day 1: Individual arrival in Rothenburg o. d. T.
  Your holiday begins in the town of Rothenburg in the Tauber Valley, which is well-known from America to Japan. The old town was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed in the 30 years war and is practically unchanged since then. The town has been immortalised by artists such as Spitzweg and Richter. The town walls with its towers and gateways are a good example of urban fortification. Rental bikes await you in your hotel.
  Overnight stay in Rothenburg o. d. T.
• Day 2: Rothenburg o. d. T. – Ansbach (cat. A) or Herrieden/Lammelbach (cat. B) (approx. 40-60 km)
  The first day of cycling begins with a number of options along the Alb plateau. Although a little out of the way, we recommend you visit the source of the Altmuehl (approx. 16 km/ mls) and make the steep ascent to Colmberg Castle, which hasn’t changed since the 12th century. Then you have the choice of the direct route to Herrieden, or the route which passes through Ansbach with its beautiful Rococo castle of the Brandenburg electoral princes.
  Overnight stay in Ansbach (Category A) or Herrieden or Lammelbach (Category B)
• Day 3: Ansbach/Herrieden – Wettelsheim/Treuchtlingen (approx. 45-60 km)
  Today you will cycle to Gunzenhausen in the middle of the Franconian Lakeland region. You will cycle through maize fields on your way to Graben, a small collection of houses, which during the reign of Charlemagne was the centre of world attention due to the construction of a canal. If you are not staying overnight in Weißenburg, you should definitely take a visit to the Roman excavation site there.
  Overnight stay in Wettelsheim or Treuchtlingen
• Day 4: Wettelsheim/Treuchtlingen – Eichstätt/Wasserzell (approx. 50-65 km)
  Shortly after setting out this morning you will come to Karlsgraben Canal. This canal was built under Karl the Great in the early Middle Ages to connect the Danube and Rhine rivers. The Valley narrows from Treuchtlingen on as the Altmuehl cuts deep into the Jura rocks. The twelve apostles are possibly the most impressive cliff formations. You will pass numerous castles along the way to your next destination, the diocesan town of Eichstätt with its Baroque flair.
  Overnight stay in Eichstätt or Wasserzell
• Day 5: Eichstätt – Beilngries (cat. A) or Kinding/Enkering (cat. B) (approx. 35-45 km)
  Today you will have sufficient time for a long stroll through Eichstätt. Shortly after starting out on your tour you should take a break at the Roman Fortress of Vetoniana. You will then continue on through the beautiful moorland nature park, past the impressive Kipfenberg Castle and on to the well preserved, medieval town of Beilngries.
  Overnight stay in Beilngries (Category A) or Kinding or Enkering (Category B)
• Day 6: Beilngries/Kinding – Essing/Kelheim (cat. A) or Riedenburg (cat. B) (approx. 40-45 km)
  First stop is Dietfurt, where you will come to the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. The “Museum of Sound” presents a collection of important music reproducing appliances and devices and afterwards you can pay a visit to Prunn Castle. In Kelheim you will come to the end of the Altmuehl Valley. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the “Befreiungshalle” (“Hall of Liberation”).
  Overnight stay in Essing or Kelheim (cat. A) or Riedenburg (cat. B)
• Day 7: Kelheim/Kinding – Regensburg (approx. 40-55 km) + boat trip (only cat. A)
  Abandoning the saddle you will hop on a boat to Weltenburg Monastery. You will pass through the imposing Danube break-through and come to the picturesquely situated monastery. You will then continue on to Regensburg, the most northern point of the Danube. The city is viewed as being the best preserved town in Germany and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Round off your holiday with a stroll through the winding laneways of the “Spitalviertel” (“Hospital Quarter”).
  Overnight stay in Regensburg
• Day 8: Individual departure or transfer-service to Rothenburg o. d. Tauber
  Before you leave for home, take time for a walk through Regensburg. This unique town, lying on the confluence of the four rivers Danube, Regen, Naab and Black Laaber, will stun you with its remarkable elegance and style.