Altmühltal and Danube Gorge

Come to Rothenburg on time today! A historic old town with medieval flair awaits you. Marvel at the beautiful turrets and bay windows, the half-timbered houses lovingly decorated with flower boxes, beautiful patrician houses, magnificent facades and the Rothenburg market square, an international meeting place for young and old.

After a few kilometers by bike you will reach the Frankenhöhe, the headwaters of the Altmühl. The ridge is quickly mastered on small asphalted side streets without much effort, and soon afterwards Colmberg Castle greets you, one of the few well-preserved medieval castles in Germany. Rest at the height with a fantastic view or comfortably a few kilometers further in an idyllic forest swimming pool on the still young Altmühl. So refreshed you cycle on to Ansbach, a former residential town with a magnificent rococo palace.

On the banks of the Altmühlsee, the cycle route leads to one of the largest and most species-rich bird sanctuaries in Germany. Watch the hustle and bustle of the bird world. Jump into the floods of the beautiful lake and then marvel at the Karlsgraben before you reach your destination for the day.

From Treuchtlingen or Wettelsheim, the most spectacular part of your cycle tour begins. The gleaming white dolomite cliffs rise imposingly out of the Altmühltal valley. In the afternoon, you can look forward to Eichstätt, an old baroque, episcopal and university town that is well worth seeing. The streets of Eichstätt are characterised by noble elegance and sweeping grace. Baroque houses, churches and canons' courtyards shine in lovely colours. Marvel at the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and the remarkable staircase of the Residence as well as the water-spouting fountains in Eichstätt's squares.

The Altmühl is slowly getting wider and wider, and the valley is becoming more and more beautiful. Be enchanted by the juniper heath, marvel at the Roman fort in Pfünz and look forward to Beilngries with its towers and interesting museums. In the afternoon, stroll comfortably through the old town of Beilngries and thus through the Middle Ages, Rococo and Baroque. Marvel at the venerable walls and extraordinary city towers that encircle Beilngries. They belong to the former city wall, parts of which are still preserved today. The towers themselves were built from 1407 - originally there were fifteen, today nine of them are still in place.

Experience another change in the river landscape: on the last 35 kilometres to the mouth of the Altmühl into the Danube, the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal makes its way through the valley and replaces the original course of the river. Marvel at the longest wooden bridge in Europe and the Schulerloch stalactite cave. In the afternoon, take a trip on the Ludwigsbahn, a white and blue miniature train, from the boat landing stage up the Michelsberg to the Befreiungshalle. Enjoy the marvellous view and marvel at the impressive building, which was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Don't miss a visit to Schneider Weisse in the centre of Kelheim today, as it is the oldest wheat beer brewery in Bavaria and offers you a shady spot in the beer garden. If you are staying overnight in Bad Gögging, you will take a boat trip through the beautiful Danube gorge today and then cycle to your stage destination.

Your route today depends on where you stayed the day before: If you have spent the night in Bad Gögging, then cycle along the Abens and the Danube to Weltenburg Abbey before travelling by boat through the Danube Gorge to Kelheim. If you spend the night in Kelheim, take a boat trip from Kelheim to Weltenburg and back again. It's worth taking a break in the beer garden at Weltenburg Abbey. Back in Kelheim, make your way to Regensburg. In Regensburg, marvel at the Stone Bridge, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, the Golden Tower, the oldest and highest patrician tower in the UNESCO World Heritage city, the Old Town Hall and St Peter's Cathedral, one of the most important Gothic buildings in Bavaria.

Unfortunately it's over! If you still have some time, you can take part in a worthwhile city tour in the morning before you start your journey home. Book our practical return transfer to Rothenburg for your return journey.