Altmühl Valley cycle path
Germany's oldest long-distance cycle route
As Germany’s first ever long-distance route for cyclists, the beautiful Altmühl Valley Cycle Route has long been regarded as outstanding among the many other beautiful regions of Bavaria. Originally created in 1985 to promote the regional economy, today the Altmühl Valley Cycle Route is unquestionably one of the most popular cycle routes in Europe.
Interestingly, as early as 1904, the Munich State Surveying Office recognised that the River Altmühl stood as a unique feature of Bavaria, having the slowest rate of flow compared to any other river. During the geological uplift of the Alps, the Danube created a new riverbed further south, breaking through the Franconian Jura near Kelheim. As a result, the remaining Danube valley allowed room for the narrower River Altmühl to slowly wind its way through the landscape, forming beautiful undulations and the shady sides of the gorges cut into the rocky meanders, with the peaks of the low-mountain range as an impressive backdrop.
This long-distance cycle route is around 250 kilometres long leading through the Altmühl Valley and passing the popular lakes of Brombachsee and Altmühlsee. Apart from a few short climbs on the way to Rothenburg, cyclists find the path through the river valley is mostly flat. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an ideal starting point for an Altmühl cycle tour. Lovers of culture will be particularly impressed by its medieval townscape.
➡ HERE are the most popular sights ⬅
TOP sights along the Altmühl cycle path
TOUR WITH THE NIGHT WATCHMAN
in Rothenburg
The daily "Tour with the Rothenburg night watchman" is a very interesting and amusing way to learn the stories of Rothenburg. The tour is partly included in our cycle tours.
HOHENZOLLERN RESIDENCE
Ansbach
The Hohenzollern Residence in Ansbach with one of the largest orangeries in Europe is a beautiful baroque magnificent building. Literature freaks will be reminded of Schiller's "Kabale und Liebe" during the 70-minute tour.
THE BEST ICE CREAM ALONG THE ALTMÜHL
in Beilngries
"The best ice cream in Germany is at Gianni's", the ice cream parlour opposite the Frauenkirche - right in the centre of Beilngries. In general, Beilngries is the culinary centre of the Altmühltal.
DANUBE BREAKTHROUGH AND WELTENBURG MONASTERY
in Kelheim
One of the most beautiful excursion destinations in Bavaria is the "Weltenburger Enge" nature reserve with the impressive Danube Gorge near Kelheim. In 2020, it was honoured as Bavaria's first national natural monument . It is also home to Weltenburg Abbey with the oldest monastery brewery in the world. It's worth a stop to enjoy an award-winning "Barock dunkel" beer.
THE BIRD ISLAND ON THE ALTMÜHLSEE
near Gunzenhausen
The strict separation of recreational and nature conservation zones has enabled the man-made nature reserve to develop into an important breeding and resting place for birds. To date, over 300 species have been recorded on the Altmühlsee.
TRADITIONAL FRANCONIAN CUISINE
in Pappenheim
The Gasthof Sonne in Pappenheim promises excellent, delicious regional cuisine. A lunch stop is a must during the stage from Wettelsheim to Eichstätt.
REGENSBURG
Old Town
The Bavarian city of Regensburg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006 . The old town centre is unique. Almost a thousand monuments from two thousand years of European history are packed together in a very small area.
ALCMONA ADVENTURE VILLAGE
in Dietfurt
The Alcmona adventure village is a small reconstructed Celtic settlement - which is also the start of the "Altmühltal Archaeology Park": A total of 18 stations, most of which are located directly on the Altmühltal cycle path.
EICHSTÄTT
Baroque city
The legacy of the prince-bishops' master builders: Eichstätt's baroque ambience radiates a lustful joie de vivre and delights visitors with its masterful buildings and squares. According to Dehio, the cloister in the cathedral complex is considered the "most splendid achievement of late Gothic in the German-speaking world".
ALTMÜHLTHERME
in Treuchtlingen
With a water surface area of over 3,200 square metres, the Altmühltherme is one of the largest thermal baths in Germany. The thermal baths are recommended for a day of relaxation on your cycle tour. Book a second overnight stay in Wettelsheim, from there it is only about 5 kilometres to Treuchtlingen.
ESSING
The cycle path leads past the town centre and invites you to take a short break. A photo at the "old wooden bridge" makes for a nice postcard motif.