Individual arrival in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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 ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Herrieden/Ansbach, approx. 50 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) 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 Herrieden/Ansbach

Herrieden/Ansbach – Weißenburg, approx. 55/65 km

Today you will cycle through meadows and fields to the large Altmuehlsee Lake. Gunzenhausen is the centre of the Franconian Lake District which was artificially created by dams. You will continue on through the rural river landscape and on to Berolzheim and then turn off for Weißenburg. The town is full of medieval timber-framed houses and Baroque buildings and is the home of a beautiful Roman museum in the Biriciana Fort.
Overnight stay in Weißenburg

Weißenburg - Eichstätt, approx. 50 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

Eichstätt - Riedenburg, approx. 55 km + boat trip

After stopping for a break in the Roman Fort of Vetoniana, you will continue cycling through the Valley which is bordered on either side by impressive cliffs. The pretty small town of Beilngries is a perfect place to stop for lunch before boarding the boat in Dietfurt for Riedenburg. From here on the Altmuehl River was widened to become the Main-Danube-Canal. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery and Eggersberg Castle.  
Overnight stay in Riedenburg

Riedenburg - Regensburg, approx. 55 km

Shortly after starting out this morning you will stop to view Prunn Castle, which will be preceded by a steep uphill cycle. You will then continue at a leisurely pace along the canal to Essing which boasts the longest wooden bridge in Europe and the magical “Schulerloch”, a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. In Kelheim you will reach the Danube and see the “Befreiungshalle” Monument on Mount Michelsberg. You will then continue cycling along the Danube cycle path in the direction of Regensburg, which is one of the most beautiful German towns and a UNESCO-World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay in Regensburg

Regensburg - Straubing, approx. 50 km

You should take your first break of the day at the Walhalla Temple near Donaustauf. The Temple is based on the Pantheon and was built by Ludwig I. with construction finishing in 1842. Your trip then continues on along the Danube which curves along the broad, flat landscape in generous meanders. You will pass Wörth Castle and find yourself in the middle of the so-called “Gäuboden” landscape. Today`s destination is the town of Straubing, which looks back on a Celtic and Roman past and has a distinctive town tower.
Overnight stay in Straubing

Straubing - Deggendorf, approx. 40 km

Today you will firstly cycle through Bogen, which attained fame in 1104 when a statue of a pregnant Madonna was found. You will then continue on through Pfelling and Mariaposching and on to the Benedictine Abbey of Metten, before coming to Deggendorf, the gateway to the Bavarian Forest. Gothic and Baroque architecture dominate the pear-shaped old town.
Overnight stay in Deggendorf

Deggendorf - Passau, approx. 60 km

Your last stage leads you to the historical, little town of Vilshofen, which attained fame due to the Ash Wednesday talks which the chairman of the CSU party, Strauss held there. In no time at all you will reach your destination, the three-river city and former diocesan town of Passau. Take time to discover the Danube, Inn and Ilz on a boat trip and round off your holiday with a stroll through the old town or a visit to the Feste Oberhaus Fortress.
Overnight stay in Passau

Individual journey home or extension of stay

After breakfast your Altmuehl and Danube Cycling Tour comes to an end and you will return home or to Rothenburg. We would also be more than happy to extend your holiday along one of the two Rivers.